Amelia Coates, general manager of the Angel Inn, Bowness-on-Windermere, Cumbria, Inn Collection Group
Expectations of working in hospitality: I always worked in the sector going through university. But it wasn’t until three years ago that I saw my career starting in it.
I came back to it literally by accident. I had a car crash which left me in chronic pain. I had become isolated and withdrawn and beginning a new job as front of house was a way for me to start to rebuild not only my fitness but my confidence and self-esteem.
I almost felt I was taking a moment out. My expectation was that it would be for a short while. The reality was I fell in love with the trade – the lifestyle and the businesses ethos. Until that point, I had never found that ethos. To me, it’s not about finding the job – it’s about finding the company.
Marston s boss Ralph Findley will leave in September (Getty Images)
It’s been no secret that the beer and pubs industry has been calling on the Chancellor to outline concrete support for one of the UK’s most beloved and vibrant industries. Today, we can start to see some light at the end of the tunnel and welcome the Government’s support. But is it enough or should he have gone further?
April cannot come soon enough for pubs and hospitality business which are eager to finally welcome customers back through their doors to enjoy what they do best – great food, drink and welcoming hospitality.
Hospitality bosses have cautiously welcomed “crucial” VAT and business rates support from the Government but warned there is still a long road to recovery for the sector.
Chancellor Rishi Sunak said in his Budget announcement the recent VAT cut to 5% for parts of the sector will be extended for six months before being tapered.
Hospitality firms will also benefit from a three-month extension of the business rates holiday, which will then be a two-thirds discount up to £2 million per business.
Pubs, cafes, restaurants and hotels are among venues which are currently shut in the face of nationwide lockdown restrictions.
#Budget2021 support to help hospitality get back up and running – saving jobs & aiding our recovery
Hospitality bosses have cautiously welcomed “crucial” VAT and business rates support from the Government but warned there is still a long road to recovery for the sector.
Chancellor Rishi Sunak said in his Budget announcement the recent VAT cut to 5% for parts of the sector will be extended for six months before being tapered.
Hospitality firms will also benefit from a three-month extension of the business rates holiday, which will then be a two-thirds discount up to £2 million per business.
Pubs, cafes, restaurants and hotels are among venues which are currently shut in the face of nationwide lockdown restrictions.
#Budget2021 support to help hospitality get back up and running – saving jobs & aiding our recovery
Chancellor freezes tax on alcohol in Budget to help struggling pubs Sophia Sleigh
Pub-goers will not have to pay more for a pint after Rishi Sunak announced a freeze on alcohol duty for the second year in a row.
The Chancellor has announced that planned increases in duties for spirits such as Scotch whisky, wine, cider and beer, will all be cancelled.
Mr Sunak told MPs: “All alcohol duties frozen for the second year in a row - only the third time in two decades.
“And right now, to keep the cost of living low, I’m not prepared to increase the cost of a tank of fuel. So the planned increase in fuel duty is also cancelled.”