George Osborne
Explore the impact of former Chancellor George Osborne’s policies on the UK hospitality sector. During his tenure, Osborne introduced measures such as the introduction of the National Living Wage, which has significantly increased wages in the hospitality sector, improving living standards for low-wage workers without significantly affecting their employment prospects. His government’s approach to business regulation and tax policies has influenced staffing and operational dynamics within the hotel industry. Stay informed on how political decisions during his leadership have shaped the landscape for hoteliers, general managers, and hospitality executives.
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Jan- 2020 -31 JanuaryBusiness Bites
The whole Amazon thing is getting scary now
The ‘growth of online retail’ is now so proverbial that the phrase itself is nearly redundant. Is anyone surprised to learn this morning that Amazon has absolutely rampaged through the Christmas retail season, while scores of well-known bricks-and-mortar retailers reported a torrid set of financial results for the same period?…
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Oct- 2018 -26 OctoberFeatures
How to solve a problem like productivity
Chancellor George Osborne recently pledged that tackling Britain’s poor productivity is now his priority for the current parliament. At a national level we work longer hours than Germany and France but produce less per worker than they do. Furthermore, based on output per worker, a new People 1st report reveals…
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Mar- 2016 -18 MarchProperty
Stamp duty overhaul will ‘boost first-time entrants’ to hotel sector
An overhaul of Stamp Duty on commercial property could provide greater incentives for first-time entrants to the hospitality sector, according to Colliers International. The changes – announced by the Chancellor of the Exchequer, George Osborne, at Wednesday’s Budget – mean that Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) for non-residential freehold and…
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16 MarchEconomy
BUDGET: CBI welcomes business rates policy
The Confederation of British Industry (CBI) has called George Osborne’s Budget, announced today, a “strong and stable Budget for business facing global stormy waters”. CBI director general, Carolyn Fairbairn, said: “The Chancellor has listened to our concerns about the mounting burden on firms and chosen to back business to grow the economy out…
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16 MarchCurrent Affairs
Budget 2016: Osborne announces £700m flood defence funding
George Osborne has announced £700m of extra funding to increase flood defences across the UK. The funding, which Osborne said will “boost our resilience” against extreme rainfall events, will be raised by a 0.5% increase to UK insurance premium tax. It will include projects in York, Leeds, Calder Valley, Carlisle…
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16 MarchEconomy
BUDGET: Business rates relief “doubled permanently”
Business rates relief for small businesses will “more than double” during the next budget period. The Chancellor, George Osborne, announced that he was raising the threshold to £15,000 for the lower rate (up from £6,000) and to £51,000 got the higher band (up from £18,000). He said the measures would mean…
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Feb- 2016 -2 FebruaryCurrent Affairs
Best Western boss urges PM to holiday in flood-hit Yorkshire
Chief executive of Best Western, Rob Payne, has invited Prime Minister David Cameron and George Osborne to holiday in Yorkshire to help boost trade following the recent floods. The flood struck parts of Yorkshire, including York, over the Christmas and New Year period and has badly affected independent businesses in…
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Jan- 2016 -18 JanuaryCurrent Affairs
National Living Wage will make 70% of workers ‘more positive’
More than 70% of workers will “feel more positive” after the introduction of the National Living Wage (NLW), according to new government research. The survey of 1,200 employees also found that 59% of respondents will feel more motivated at work as a result of the pay increase. Over a million…
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Dec- 2015 -11 DecemberCurrent Affairs
Cumbria flooding: hotelier offers victims five-star accommodation
A hotel owner in the Lake District is offering free accommodation at his five-star property to those affected by flooding as a result of Storm Desmond. Colin Monk, who owns the Howbeck Retreat hotel in Windermere, usually closes for 10 days in early December to allow staff a pre-Christmas break.…
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9 DecemberConcepts
FEATURE: Battersea Brief, rooftop luxury
In October the Battersea Power Station Development Company (BPSDC) and Art’otel confirmed the signing of a hotel management agreement. Here are some first-look artist’s impressions of what the new property, with stunning views of London’s skyline, will look like. The hotel will be developed by Battersea Power Station and managed…
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