What Pub & Bar Owners Need to Know About Making Tax Digital for Income Tax Running a pub or bar is relentless. The last thing you need is a new administrative burden on top of everything else. That’s why many publicans are feeling the pressure about Making Tax Digital, HMRC’s

Government backtracks: Pubs to get 15% relief on business rates, two-year real-terms freeze Anxious publicans are breathing easier as the government has backtracked on higher business rates for pubs. Relenting in the face of backlash, they’ve issued a 15% relief and promised a two-year real-terms freeze. In other words, pubs’

Pub owners may see higher bills under 2026 Business Rates Revaluation Business rates are changing, and the last thing you want is to be caught unprepared, facing a bill that’s higher than you expected or that doesn’t accurately reflect your business’s value. The Valuation Office Agency (VOA) has reassessed every

1 Pub Per Day is Closing in the UK. How Can You Be Sure Yours Isn’t One of Them? As a prospective publican, you’ve likely seen the doom-and-gloom stories: According to the BBPA, one pub a day is closing in the UK . You may have long dreamt of owning

You’re buzzing with excitement. Your pub’s concept is fresh, the décor looks incredible and opening night is packed. Friends are raving, the energy is electric, and for a moment, it feels like everything’s falling into place. But then comes the part no one told you about. One minute you’re celebrating

In April 2025, the British Institute of Innkeeping (BII), representing over 13,000 independent pub operators, issued a call to the UK government for meaningful financial support in tax relief. The plea comes as pubs grapple with the cumulative impact of recent tax changes, including increased employer National Insurance Contributions (NICs),

As of March 2025, UK inflation has eased to 2.6%, marking its lowest point since October 2024. However, this relief may be short-lived. Industry experts warn of an impending resurgence in food inflation, driven by recent tax changes and rising operational costs. Key Drivers of Upcoming Inflation Increased Operational Costs:

In March 2025, the UK’s hospitality and leisure sector experienced a 2.8% year-on-year increase in consumer spending, maintaining the momentum from February’s 2.9% growth. This steady performance comes despite broader economic challenges and shifting consumer behaviours.​ Key Insights: Bars, Pubs & Clubs: After a 2.0% decline in February, this segment

The UK hospitality sector is confronting significant financial challenges due to recent tax reforms and wage increases. These changes are reshaping operational costs and staffing strategies across the industry.​ Key Financial Changes Impacting Hospitality: Employer National Insurance Contributions (NICs): Effective April 6, 2025, the employer NIC rate increased from 13.8%

With the arrival of warmer weather and a notable 5% increase in drinks sales during the first week of April 2025, UK pubs are experiencing a promising start to the spring season. This uptick, reported by CGA by NIQ, highlights the potential benefits of leveraging outdoor spaces to attract patrons

Recent data from the ONS indicates continued volatility in prices on energy updates, impacting operational costs for hospitality businesses:​ Gas Prices: The System Average Price (SAP) of gas increased by 3% to 4.173 pence per kilowatt hour (p/kWh) in the week to 19 January 2025, compared to the previous week.

UK pubs are confronting significant challenges due to a tightening chicken supply chain and escalating costs. Popular menu items such as chicken wings, burgers, skewers, and Sunday roasts are under pressure as domestic producers struggle to meet demand, and avian flu impacts imports.​ Key Factors Contributing to the Chicken Crisis:​

The first week of April 2025 brought a welcome uplift for UK pubs, with average drinks sales in managed venues rising by 5% compared to the same period in 2024. This increase, reported by CGA by NIQ’s Daily Drinks Tracker, follows a 2% sales growth in March, signalling potential momentum

According to the BBPA, the average £4.80 pint is now pouring at a 9p loss. To keep the usual 12p profit, prices would need to rise to £5.01. We’ve been working closely with our hospitality clients, and the response isn’t one-size-fits-all. Some have raised prices by 50p to protect their

The UK hospitality industry, a key pillar of British culture, faces increasing pressures from rising costs, evolving consumer preferences, and regulatory shifts. For many struggling establishments, knowing when and how to restructure can be the key to survival. Here’s how you can navigate financial challenges and position your hospitality business

In the dynamic world of hospitality, success extends beyond impeccable customer service – it hinges on mastering your finances. For cosy pubs, bustling restaurants, and luxurious hotels alike, financial literacy is not merely an added skill; it is the cornerstone of business growth. Without effective financial management, even the most

For those harbouring dreams of entrepreneurial independence, the allure of owning a pub is undeniable. The image of bustling crowds, lively music, and happy customers enjoying your carefully curated selection of brews paints a picture of idyllic self-employment. But amidst the pints and merriment lies a crucial question: is it

Introduction: As the employment landscape evolves, so do the regulations surrounding compensation, including holiday pay. One significant development in this realm is the reintroduction of the 12.07% holiday pay rule, and even better the simplification of this in tandem with rolled-up holiday pay. In the past, employees patiently accrued holiday

Running a successful hotel involves more than just managing the books; it requires a strategic approach to financial management that goes beyond the traditional accounting functions. In this article, we’ll explore how hoteliers can unlock profitability by adopting a comprehensive financial strategy that encompasses various key aspects of the business.

In the fast-paced and dynamic world of hospitality, efficient financial management is the backbone of success. As technology continues to evolve, businesses in the pub and restaurant industry are turning to innovative solutions to streamline their finances. One such powerful tool gaining widespread popularity is Xero, an advanced cloud-based accounting

In the dynamic realm of hospitality, understanding and leveraging Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) is crucial for steering your business towards success. Carroll Accountants offers a specialised KPI review service, tailored specifically for businesses in the hospitality sector, including pubs, bars, and restaurants. Let us explore how monitoring these vital metrics

Embarking on the entrepreneurial journey demands crucial decisions, and among them is selecting the right business structure. Two prevalent options are operating as a limited company or as a sole trader. Each structure comes with its own set of advantages and disadvantages. Let’s delve into the pros and cons of

Have you ever pondered why, despite your business showing a healthy profit on paper, you find yourself grappling with cash flow issues? It’s a common dilemma that many entrepreneurs and business owners face. You’re not alone if you’ve ever heard the saying, “Turnover is vanity, profit is sanity, but cash

Business planning, a term often associated with the early stages of a venture. Entrepreneurs meticulously craft their business plans to secure funding, impress potential investors, and map out their initial journey. But what happens next? Why is business planning more than just a one-time activity that collects dust in the

Prime costs are an important key performance indicator for your restaurant, which is often overlooked. Prime costs are one of the most important and revealing numbers on any restaurant’s P&L. They can give you a much better understanding of your cost structure, profit potential and how well your restaurant is

In the dynamic and competitive hotel industry, measuring financial performance is essential for business success. Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) serve as valuable metrics to evaluate a hotel’s financial health and identify areas for improvement. This blog explores the key KPIs that hoteliers should monitor to gain insights into their financial

Running a successful restaurant involves more than just serving delicious food and providing excellent service. Behind the scenes, effective financial management plays a critical role in ensuring your restaurant’s success and long-term sustainability. One key aspect of this financial management is bookkeeping. In this blog, we will delve into the

As a hotelier, you know that running a successful hotel requires expertise in various areas, including accounting. Managing the finances of a hotel comes with its own set of challenges and complexities that demand specialised knowledge. At Carroll Accountants, we understand the unique accounting needs of hotels and can provide

Running a licensed trade business in the UK comes with unique challenges and intricacies. From managing complex financial regulations to maximising profitability, the expertise of licensed trade accountants can be invaluable. At Carroll Accountants, we specialise in providing comprehensive accounting services tailored specifically to the licensed trade industry. In this

As any entrepreneur in the food and beverage industry knows, optimising profitability is of paramount importance. One of the key aspects that demands attention is controlling labour costs. The remuneration offered to the staff, the associated benefits and taxes all contribute to the overheads and can erode profits if not

In the fiercely competitive landscape of the hospitality industry, the need for proficient accounting professionals cannot be overstated. When it comes to managing the financial intricacies of establishments such as pubs, bars, restaurants, and cafes, a team of trained and specialised accountants is crucial. This article explores the profound significance

This is a great tool to calculate, well what it says, the “break-even point”. This point is when the sales cover your total annual costs and no profit or loss is made. You may ask yourself, why do I want to just break-even? What’s the point of that? You are

There are many aspects to consider when running a business, and one of the major ones should be Health & Safety. It is important to keep your business, your people, customers and visitors safe and ensure your company is fully compliant. Every business, small or large, is required by law

The Office of the Pubs Code Adjudicator, the government body that is responsible for enforcing the statutory Pubs Code, recently issued guidance in relation to pub-owning business’ statutory obligations around accounting accurately. The particular aspect they seek to clarify revolves around Pubs Code, Schedule 2 forecast profit and loss statements

The Tourism, Hospitality and Leisure sector is believed to have the highest proportion of jobs paying the minimum wage of any sector, at around 30% of the total. However, Hospitality wages have risen by some 53% over the last ten years. Minimum wage catalysed by Brexit Low income workers actually

In this chapter we will explain the difference between Tips, Gratuities, and Service charges, and when a TRONC arrangement is necessary. To the public these are collectively known as Tips. However, you will need to know the difference between them, and how they are treated for tax purposes. Gratuity This

Electronic Point of Sale (EPoS) is the hardware and accompanying software that allows you to process orders and payments and provides real-time reporting and stock management information. It can be used to process room payments in hotels and also food and beverages or even things like Spa treatments, helping you

Don’t assume that just because you are a small to medium sized business, that you won’t be targeted by cyber criminals. The hotel, restaurant and hospitality and leisure sectors are possibly more vulnerable because of having small IT teams and a lack of knowledge around protection and best-practice. Cyber criminals

As a public house (pub) owner, grappling with the intricacies of rent reviews and understanding the pub code can be a daunting task. The legal process of rent reviews is commonly used in the pub industry to adjust the rent for commercial properties. However, it is important to have a

Whether you run a bar or club, a hotel, café or restaurant, or offer bed & breakfast, or are involved in recreation or travel & tourism, you need adequate protection for yourself and any third parties. Each area faces unique risks and challenges, so talk to a broker who can

In the hospitality sector, keeping up with the accounting demands of your business can be challenging. From bookkeeping and financial reporting to payroll processing and tax filing, it can be overwhelming to handle all these tasks on your own. That’s where outsourcing your business accounting needs can come in handy.

Small hospitality businesses face unique financial challenges, such as fluctuating revenue, seasonal demand, and rising operating costs. In this environment, financial planning is critical to achieving long-term success. By taking a proactive approach to financial management, small businesses can ensure they have the resources and resilience to weather any challenges