Latest news with #ColinWilkinson
Glasgow Times
8 hours ago
- Business
- Glasgow Times
14 percent of Scotland's pubs and clubs could close
It comes as more than half of Scotland's pubs and clubs and hospitality businesses expect trading performance to fall this year amid 'brutal' conditions. The survey was carried out by the Scottish Licensed Trade Association (SLTA) during its August market insight survey report. (Image: Image from Pexels) More than 350 pubs, bars, restaurants and hotels across Scotland took part. SLTA - which represents publicans, hoteliers, restaurateurs, late night entertainment venues and clubs - said the results were the most negative it has seen in the 10 years that the survey has been carried out. READ NEXT: Major road locked down amid ongoing incident The SLTA found that in three quarters (75%) of venues profitability was down from last year, with 56% of firms saying this had dropped by more than 10%. More than half (56%) of outlets said they expected trading performance to decline in 2025, with 14% of outlets either planning to close their doors or seriously considering it. This is more than double the 6% who were either planning or considering closure in the SLTA's January survey. Cost pressures continue to have a major impact on the sector, with 67% of outlets reporting increases of more than 10%. Meanwhile almost 90% of outlets said they expect the Scottish economy to decline this year. According to the SLTA research, increases in employers' national insurance contributions have impacted upon staffing and opening hours, with nearly a third (32%) of outlets cutting staffing levels, while almost a fifth (19%) reduced their opening hours. Colin Wilkinson, SLTA managing director, has called for action from both Holyrood and Westminster to help the sector. He said: 'We've spoken repeatedly about the many challenges Scotland's licensed hospitality sector continues to face. 'In recent years, it navigated the stormy waters of Brexit, the Covid pandemic, rising utility bills, and the ongoing cost-of-living pressures that have impacted on businesses' operating costs and consumer spending. 'However, in the 10 years that we have been conducting our market insight surveys, these findings are the most negative we have seen – these insights are extremely concerning and the only word to describe the current trading conditions is 'brutal'.' READ NEXT: Three new cancer drugs approved for use for NHS Scotland Mr Wilkinson said that spiralling costs to businesses from the Chancellor's hike in employers' NICs, along with increases in the both the national minimum wage and the living wage are having a devastating impact on Scotland's pubs, bars, hotels and hospitality venues. Business minister Richard Lochhead defended the current rates system, as he urged the UK Government to reverse its decision to increase employers' national insurance contributions, which is having a detrimental impact on the hospitality industry. (Image: Image of Lochhead from PA) Lochhead said: 'We are providing 40% rates relief in 2025-26 for hospitality premises, including music venues with a capacity of up to 1,500 people, which is benefiting night-time businesses. 'Scotland also continues to offer the most generous small business rates relief in the UK, with around half of properties in the retail, hospitality and leisure sectors being eligible for 100% Small Business Bonus Scheme relief.' Meanwhile a spokesperson for HM Treasury added: 'UK business confidence is the highest in 10 years according to a Lloyds Bank survey published only this week. 'Since the election, we have struck three major trade deals with the EU, US and India, more than a billion pounds has been invested to fix our national infrastructure and the Bank of England has cut interest rates four times. 'Because of the tax decisions we took at the Budget last year, we have been able to deliver on the priorities of the British people, including funding the record £50.9 billion settlement for Scotland to support public services including health, transport and education as we deliver on the Plan for Change.' The survey found 75% of businesses in the sector want the next Scottish Government after the 2026 Holyrood elections to address rates discrepancies with the rest of the UK.
The Herald Scotland
9 hours ago
- Business
- The Herald Scotland
Scotland's pubs facing 'brutal' trading conditions
The Scottish On-Trade Market Insight Survey Report found 56% of outlets reported a decline of more than 10%, while 14% are either closing or seriously considering shutting the doors for good – up from 6% in January. Moreover, for more than 50% of outlets surveyed, trading was down compared with last year, although 26% said business was in line with 2024. The survey offers the first major gauge of sentiment in the Scottish hospitality industry since operating costs were increased significantly with the rise in employer national insurance contributions and national living and minimum wage, which took effect in April. Fellow trade body UKHospitality Scotland has calculated that the increases, announced by Chancellor Rachel Reeves in the Autumn Budget as a means of boosting the country's struggling finances, will amount to a £3.4 billion rise in annual costs for the industry. According to the SLTA, the rise in costs has had an impact on employment and opening hours, with nearly one-third of outlets cutting staffing levels. Around two-thirds of outlets reported cost increases of more than 10%, the survey found. The SLTA, which canvassed more than 350 pubs, bars, restaurants, and hotels, declared the continuing challenges facing the hospitality sector – from rising costs to the fragile economic backdrop and weak consumer sentiment – are writ large in its report. Nearly six in 10 (59%) of operators said they expect to be loss making this year, as 90% expressed an expectation that the Scottish economy will decline. Read more: Colin Wilkinson, managing director of the SLTA, said the new findings are the 'most negative' the organisation has seen in the 10 years it has been carrying out the survey. He said: 'We have spoken repeatedly about the many challenges Scotland's licensed hospitality sector continues to face. In recent years, it navigated the stormy waters of Brexit, the Covid pandemic, rising utility bills, and the ongoing cost of living pressures that have impacted on businesses' operating costs and consumer spending. 'However, in the 10 years that we have been conducting our market insight surveys, these findings are the most negative we have seen – these insights are extremely concerning and the only word to describe the current trading conditions is brutal. There has never been so much business uncertainty. 'Spiralling costs to businesses from the Chancellor's hike in employers' NICs [national insurance contributions] in the Autumn Budget, which took effect in April alongside increases in the national living and minimum wage, are having a devastating impact on Scotland's pubs, bars, hotels and hospitality venues. 'Businesses are reporting lower income as a result of current low consumer confidence and reduced footfall – and, of course, we continue to call on the Scottish and UK Governments to work to support one of our key industries. The most effective way to achieve this is by reducing VAT [value added tax] in the licensed hospitality sector and an urgent review of the commercial rating system in Scotland.' The SLTA repeated its call for a change of direction by the Scottish and UK Governments to support the industry, and made its case for the reform of business rates and a reduction of value-added tax for the sector. Mr Wilkinson added: 'It is more important than ever that the Scottish Government finally accepts that hospitality is one of Scotland's key industries and plays a crucial role in tourism, economic prosperity and employment. 'So, it comes as no surprise that respondents to our survey have voiced major concerns about the economy, and the economic policies of both the Scottish and UK Governments – well over 90% do not think their policies are aligned to growing their businesses. With 59% of outlets expecting to be loss-making in 2025, the outlook is not positive. 'Ahead of the Holyrood election in 2026, we asked respondents what is the biggest single thing that they would like all parties to include in their manifestos, and rates reform, to bring Scotland at least into alignment with the rest of the UK was the biggest issue, with notable mentions for hospitality work visas and promoting the hospitality sector. 'The increase in employers' NICs has impacted staffing and opening hours, with nearly one-third of outlets cutting staffing levels, our survey insights reveal. Add to the equation the ongoing regulatory hurdles and bureaucracy that businesses have to deal with on a daily basis and it's no wonder that many owners are at the end of their tether.'
Yahoo
12 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Hospitality sector appeals for help amid ‘brutal' trading conditions
More than half of Scotland's pubs and clubs and hospitality businesses expect trading performance to fall this year amid 'brutal' conditions – with a new survey showing 14% of such businesses could close. The Scottish Licensed Trade Association (SLTA) said the results of its August market insight survey report were 'the most negative we have seen' in the 10 years it has been carrying out the study. Research by the body, which represents publicans, hoteliers, restaurateurs, late night entertainment venues and clubs, found that in three quarters (75%) of venues profitability was down from last year, with 56% of firms saying this had dropped by more than 10%. More than half (56%) of outlets said they expected trading performance to decline in 2025, with 14% of outlets either planning to close their doors or seriously considering it. This is more than double the 6% who were either planning or considering closure in the SLTA's January survey. READ MORE: Why are Scotland's fine dining restaurants being forced to close? Dean Banks: 'Chefs will need to drop their egos to survive this year' Scots brewery to close taproom amid 'significant headwinds' for hospitality sector Cost pressures continue to have a major impact on the sector, with 67% of outlets reporting increases of more than 10%. Meanwhile almost 90% of outlets said they expect the Scottish economy to decline this year. According to the SLTA research, increases in employers' national insurance contributions have impacted upon staffing and opening hours, with nearly a third (32%) of outlets cutting staffing levels, while almost a fifth (19%) reduced their opening hours. More than 350 pubs, bars, restaurants and hotels across Scotland took part in the survey, and in the wake of the 'extremely concerning' findings, SLTA managing director Colin Wilkinson called for action from both Holyrood and Westminster to help the sector. He said: 'We've spoken repeatedly about the many challenges Scotland's licensed hospitality sector continues to face. More than 350 pubs, bars, restaurants and hotels across Scotland took part in the survey (Image: Pixabay) 'In recent years, it navigated the stormy waters of Brexit, the Covid pandemic, rising utility bills, and the ongoing cost-of-living pressures that have impacted on businesses' operating costs and consumer spending. 'However, in the 10 years that we have been conducting our market insight surveys, these findings are the most negative we have seen – these insights are extremely concerning and the only word to describe the current trading conditions is 'brutal'.' Mr Wilkinson said that 'spiralling costs to businesses from the Chancellor's hike in employers' NICs', along with increases in the both the national minimum wage and the living wage are 'having a devastating impact on Scotland's pubs, bars, hotels and hospitality venues'. Meanwhile, low consumer confidence is leading to lower income for the sector, he added, as he appealed to the Scottish and UK governments to 'work to support one of our key industries'. Mr Wilkinson said: 'The most effective way to achieve this is by reducing VAT in the licensed hospitality sector and an urgent review of the commercial rating system in Scotland.' The survey found 75% of businesses in the sector want the next Scottish Government after the 2026 Holyrood elections to address rates discrepancies with the rest of the UK. Mr Wilkinson insisted: 'It is more important than ever that the Scottish Government finally accepts that hospitality is one of Scotland's key industries and plays a crucial role in tourism, economic prosperity and employment.' Scottish Conservative business spokesperson Murdo Fraser said the survey results were 'deeply alarming figures' and a 'brutal indication of how Scotland's hospitality sector is being failed by two high-tax, left-wing governments'. The Tory MSP stated: 'The SNP's refusal to pass on rates relief available in England is hammering businesses here, while Labour's national insurance hikes are squeezing the life out of pubs, bars and restaurants across the UK.' Mr Fraser insisted: 'Pubs and restaurants are not only crucial to our economy, they are the focal point of communities up and down the country – and we can't afford to lose them.' Business minister Richard Lochhead defended the current rates system, as he urged the UK Government to 'reverse its decision to increase employers' national insurance contributions, which is having a detrimental impact on the hospitality industry'. Speaking for Scottish Government, Mr Lochhead added: 'We are providing 40% rates relief in 2025-26 for hospitality premises, including music venues with a capacity of up to 1,500 people, which is benefiting night-time businesses. 'Scotland also continues to offer the most generous small business rates relief in the UK, with around half of properties in the retail, hospitality and leisure sectors being eligible for 100% Small Business Bonus Scheme relief.' Meanwhile a spokesperson for HM Treasury said: 'UK business confidence is the highest in 10 years according to a Lloyds Bank survey published only this week. 'Since the election, we have struck three major trade deals with the EU, US and India, more than a billion pounds has been invested to fix our national infrastructure and the Bank of England has cut interest rates four times. 'Because of the tax decisions we took at the Budget last year, we have been able to deliver on the priorities of the British people, including funding the record £50.9 billion settlement for Scotland to support public services including health, transport and education as we deliver on the Plan for Change.'
The Herald Scotland
12 hours ago
- Business
- The Herald Scotland
14 per cent of Scottish hospitality venues considering closure
Research by the body, which represents publicans, hoteliers, restaurateurs, late night entertainment venues and clubs, found that in three quarters (75%) of venues profitability was down from last year, with 56% of firms saying this had dropped by more than 10%. More than half (56%) of outlets said they expected trading performance to decline in 2025, with 14% of outlets either planning to close their doors or seriously considering it. This is more than double the 6% who were either planning or considering closure in the SLTA's January survey. READ MORE: Cost pressures continue to have a major impact on the sector, with 67% of outlets reporting increases of more than 10%. Meanwhile almost 90% of outlets said they expect the Scottish economy to decline this year. According to the SLTA research, increases in employers' national insurance contributions have impacted upon staffing and opening hours, with nearly a third (32%) of outlets cutting staffing levels, while almost a fifth (19%) reduced their opening hours. More than 350 pubs, bars, restaurants and hotels across Scotland took part in the survey, and in the wake of the 'extremely concerning' findings, SLTA managing director Colin Wilkinson called for action from both Holyrood and Westminster to help the sector. He said: 'We've spoken repeatedly about the many challenges Scotland's licensed hospitality sector continues to face. More than 350 pubs, bars, restaurants and hotels across Scotland took part in the survey (Image: Pixabay) 'In recent years, it navigated the stormy waters of Brexit, the Covid pandemic, rising utility bills, and the ongoing cost-of-living pressures that have impacted on businesses' operating costs and consumer spending. 'However, in the 10 years that we have been conducting our market insight surveys, these findings are the most negative we have seen – these insights are extremely concerning and the only word to describe the current trading conditions is 'brutal'.' Mr Wilkinson said that 'spiralling costs to businesses from the Chancellor's hike in employers' NICs', along with increases in the both the national minimum wage and the living wage are 'having a devastating impact on Scotland's pubs, bars, hotels and hospitality venues'. Meanwhile, low consumer confidence is leading to lower income for the sector, he added, as he appealed to the Scottish and UK governments to 'work to support one of our key industries'. Mr Wilkinson said: 'The most effective way to achieve this is by reducing VAT in the licensed hospitality sector and an urgent review of the commercial rating system in Scotland.' The survey found 75% of businesses in the sector want the next Scottish Government after the 2026 Holyrood elections to address rates discrepancies with the rest of the UK. Mr Wilkinson insisted: 'It is more important than ever that the Scottish Government finally accepts that hospitality is one of Scotland's key industries and plays a crucial role in tourism, economic prosperity and employment.' Scottish Conservative business spokesperson Murdo Fraser said the survey results were 'deeply alarming figures' and a 'brutal indication of how Scotland's hospitality sector is being failed by two high-tax, left-wing governments'. The Tory MSP stated: 'The SNP's refusal to pass on rates relief available in England is hammering businesses here, while Labour's national insurance hikes are squeezing the life out of pubs, bars and restaurants across the UK.' Mr Fraser insisted: 'Pubs and restaurants are not only crucial to our economy, they are the focal point of communities up and down the country – and we can't afford to lose them.' Business minister Richard Lochhead defended the current rates system, as he urged the UK Government to 'reverse its decision to increase employers' national insurance contributions, which is having a detrimental impact on the hospitality industry'. Speaking for Scottish Government, Mr Lochhead added: 'We are providing 40% rates relief in 2025-26 for hospitality premises, including music venues with a capacity of up to 1,500 people, which is benefiting night-time businesses. 'Scotland also continues to offer the most generous small business rates relief in the UK, with around half of properties in the retail, hospitality and leisure sectors being eligible for 100% Small Business Bonus Scheme relief.' Meanwhile a spokesperson for HM Treasury said: 'UK business confidence is the highest in 10 years according to a Lloyds Bank survey published only this week. 'Since the election, we have struck three major trade deals with the EU, US and India, more than a billion pounds has been invested to fix our national infrastructure and the Bank of England has cut interest rates four times. 'Because of the tax decisions we took at the Budget last year, we have been able to deliver on the priorities of the British people, including funding the record £50.9 billion settlement for Scotland to support public services including health, transport and education as we deliver on the Plan for Change.'
