Hospitality Forum Roadshows

York & North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce is issuing a rallying cry to the region’s hospitality sector to lend it their views.

Following a highly successful launch of the Chamber’s Hospitality Forum in February, it is now preparing a series of roadshow events around the county to engage with the industry and gather information.

The first hospitality forum to have been organised by any Chamber of Commerce in the country, the group has been established to champion the industry by both giving it a voice and ensuring that it is heard regionally, nationally and internationally.

The York & North Yorkshire Hospitality Forum will be holding events across the region, the dates are as follows:

• April 13 10.30 – 12noon CU, Scarborough
• April 13 2.30 – 4pm Cedar Court Hotel, Harrogate
• April 18 10.30 – 12noon Middletons, York
• April 21 10 – 11.30am Whitby Golf Club, Whitby
• April 25 10.30 – noon Skipton Town Hall, Skipton
• April 25 2.30 – 4pm Thornborough Hall, Leyburn

The events are designed to gather information, highlight areas of best practice and unearth areas that require more support and attention.

This information gathering process will then culminate in a presentation to Government ministers in Westminster in a bid to garner much needed support for the sector at the highest level.

Philip Bolson, Chair of the Hospitality Forum, said: “We would like to invite anyone in an associated business to come and talk to us.  We need to hear from everyone from cafes, restaurants, B&Bs and hotels to skills providers, food and beverage producers, suppliers, laundry services and linen providers. We will then take this to the heart of Government and show what this vital and diverse sector has to offer and what it needs to thrive.”

Hospitality accounts for some 50,000 roles across North Yorkshire and is a cornerstone of the region’s economy whose impact runs far and wide in terms of its supply chain benefits, employment impact and supporting services. However the sector is currently experiencing unprecedented challenges following the pandemic, with rising costs, recruitment and retention issues, access to finance and inconsistent demand all making life very difficult.

For further information contact alice.ingram@wnychamber.co.uk