Events

Hospitality businesses are facing considerable challenges. This action-focused meeting has been called for a collective response.

Restaurants, cafés, pubs, bars and hotels are being squeezed by rising costs while paying one of the highest VAT rates in Europe, reducing revenue before businesses have even made a profit. Lowering this to 10%, inline with the rest of Europe, will help keep businesses open, protect jobs and drive economic growth. The Hospitality Together campaign is working to change that, championed locally by Spencer Bowman (Mettricks, GO! Southampton Board Member):

“Hospitality is a vital part of Southampton’s economy and identity, but many businesses are at breaking point. This meeting is about acting together, being honest about the pressures we’re facing, and clearly setting out what needs to change.” – Spencer Bowman

Join the next Hospitality Together Southampton group to show your support for the campaign and share your experience to help highlight the real impact rising costs are having on Southampton’s economy.

For more information and to book your place, please sign up here or email info@gosouthampton.co.uk

More ways to get involved:

Display the poster: We will be visiting hospitality businesses to distribute the campaign posters for those that wish to show their support. Not in hospitality? get in touch with us at marketing@gosouthampton.co.uk and we’ll drop by with one

Share your business story: Help build the case for change by completing the Hospitality Together survey

Sign the national “VAT’s The Problem” petition: Add your voice to the growing call for a reduction in hospitality VAT here