Pub owners may see higher bills under 2026 Business Rates Revaluation
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 commercial property in England and […]
How the employment rights bill will impact the pub & hospitality industry
Running a pub is already a tight-margin business, and the Employment Rights Bill, expected to receive Royal Assent in the coming weeks, is about to tighten the screws even further. As Carroll Accounts’ director David Burr put it, ‘Hospitality is taking all the hits with this bill.’ Several changes will increase labour costs, limit staffing […]
Rolled-up holiday pay: what hospitality employers need to know
Holiday pay can throw a real spanner in the works for hospitality businesses’ cashflow. You may find yourself hit with big, unexpected bills when several team members take time off at once because you’re paying your regular staffing amount plus holiday pay. ‘Most employers don’t accrue for holiday pay when completing their management accounts, meaning […]
7 ways to control your pub’s labour costs
Labour costs have always been one of the biggest expenses for pubs, but in 2025, they’re hitting record highs. Many pubs are feeling the squeeze, and in fact, it’s one of the factors leading to the closure of approximately one pub every day across the country. Why are pubs’ labour costs so high? The National […]
1 pub per day is closing in the UK. How can you be sure yours isn’t one of them?
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 a pub, but may now […]
The pub and bar business plan toolkit: the sharp advice every new and experienced publican needs
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 a packed house. The next […]
Pubs urge government for tax relief as pressure builds
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), a higher National Minimum Wage […]
Food inflation 2025: key insights for hospitality operators
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: The April 2025 Budget introduced […]
Hospitality growth as consumer spending shifts
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 rebounded with a 0.8% increase […]
Tax & wage hikes: bracing for rising costs
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% to 15%, and the threshold […]