Rising costs, higher National Insurance payments and difficulties recruiting and retaining staff
All have been put directly to a Scottish Government minister by hospitality businesses in Ayrshire.
Businesses from across the sector met Minister for Business and Fair Work Tom Arthur MSP at a roundtable in Ayr, where they outlined the financial and workforce pressures facing local operators.
Ayr MSP Siobhian Brown brought together representatives from the local hospitality industry for the talks, which were hosted alongside Stephen Montgomery, Director and Spokesperson of the Scottish Hospitality Group.
The meeting gave businesses the opportunity to speak directly to the Minister about the challenges affecting hotels, restaurants and other hospitality operators across the area.
Among the issues raised were VAT, increased National Insurance payments, Non-Domestic Rates, recruitment and staff retention, and rising energy and food costs.
Businesses also discussed the wider impact these pressures are having on the hospitality industry and the support they would like to see from the Scottish Government.
Hospitality remains an important part of Ayrshire’s economy, supporting employment and other local businesses while attracting visitors through the area’s hotels, restaurants, pubs and other venues.
The meeting allowed operators to share their experiences directly with the Minister and highlight the issues they believe could affect the future growth and sustainability of the sector.
Commenting following the meeting, Siobhian Brown MSP said:
“It was great to bring together local hospitality businesses and the Minister for Business and Fair Work in Ayr, giving them the opportunity to raise their concerns directly with the Scottish Government.
“It is important businesses and those working in the sector can speak directly to government about the issues they are experiencing. This roundtable provided a valuable opportunity for them to put their views forward and discuss the challenges they are facing.
“I look forward to working with local businesses in the future to ensure the concerns raised are heard and to support the continued success of the hospitality sector across Ayr, Prestwick and Troon.”
Stephen Montgomery, Director and Spokesperson of the Scottish Hospitality Group, said:
“This roundtable was partnership working as it should be, business and government sitting around the same table, listening and working together to help shape better policy and achieve positive outcomes for our sector and Scotland’s economy.
“It was a good start, and I look forward to seeing the Scottish Government build on that by delivering positive outcomes and giving businesses the encouragement to invest in the sector.”
Minister for Business and Fair Work Tom Arthur MSP added:
“Hospitality businesses are an important part of our economy, but their contribution goes much further than that. They bring people together, support local communities and help make our towns and places thrive.
“That is why it’s so important to hear directly from businesses about the challenges they face. I recognise the pressures around rising costs, workforce challenges and barriers to invest, and I will continue to engage with the sector to ensure businesses feel supported and encouraged to invest, grow and continue to benefit communities across Scotland.”