Hospitality industry leaders unite to create energy advisory board

The British Hospitality Association (BHA) has partnered with business cost reduction firm Businesswise Solutions and various other industry figures to launch a new energy advisory board, with the intention of creating a ‘positive change’ in the hospitality sector.

According to the groups involved the initial discussions brought a “number of issues” to the fore, but the “top of the agenda” was for them to call upon the government to support tax breaks and “reward related carbon reduction” targets within the sector.

Businesswise Solutions said it is now lobbying key government ministers for “more incentives” to reduce carbon usage which would translate into savings for the industry, “easing the pinch” that many are currently feeling with rising energy costs and a host of other cost pressures.

Frazer Durris, Businesswise Solutions, said there are “few schemes” in place to incentivise the industry to reduce their carbon footprint. The sector needs government support to release “hundreds of millions [of pounds]” back in to the industry and make a major impact on the carbon reduction targets. It would benefit “both the industry” and “help the government” meet their targets.

The board also agreed that a centralised bank of information should be created for hospitality operators in order to share best practices and case studies.

Durris added: “Many businesses in the industry aren’t aware of behavioural changes and low-cost efficiency projects that can be implemented to reduce costs. The advisory board aims to spread this knowledge, enabling partners to enact savings from the front to back of house.”

Serge Shishkin, representing the BHA, said: “Businesses from across the hospitality and tourism sector are facing the serious challenge of increasing cost pressures. It is more important now than ever before look for efficiencies to ensure growth and ongoing success.

“The BHA is delighted to be part of the energy advisory board chaired by Businesswise Solutions; and, with energy being a major business cost, the BHA aims to help its members to facilitate the adoption of cost management strategies which in turn will help reduce costs as well as to lower their environmental impact.”