Kate Nicholls
Kate Nicholls OBE is Chief Executive of UKHospitality, the trade body representing the UK’s hospitality sector. Since leading the merger of the British Hospitality Association and ALMR in 2018, she has become one of the industry’s most influential voices. Nicholls played a key role in securing government support during the pandemic and continues to lead on issues such as workforce shortages, regulatory reform, and sector resilience. She also serves as Chair of the Tourism Alliance, Co-Chair of the London Tourism Recovery Board, and is the Government’s Disability Ambassador for hospitality. This archive covers her advocacy work, policy influence, and impact on the UK hotel and hospitality landscape.
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Jul- 2025 -2 JulyRegulation
UKH welcomes clarity on employment reforms but warns of cost burden
UKHospitality has welcomed the publication of a clear timeline for implementing the Employment Rights Bill, while warning that changes to sick pay and other early measures could bring significant cost pressures for businesses. The Department for Business and Trade has confirmed the following rollout schedule: April 2026: Sick pay for…
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Jun- 2025 -6 JuneHotels
Hospitality sector to save £3m under new emissions cutting scheme
More than 600 hotels, pubs, cafes, and restaurants across the UK are expected to save £3m in energy bills under a new emissions cutting trial as part of the government’s Plan for Change initiative. The initiative is being delivered by Zero Carbon Services, a sustainability consultancy for the hospitality sector,…
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Apr- 2025 -1 AprilEconomy
UKH urges Gov to work with hospitality as ‘eyewatering’ £3.4bn costs hit
UKHospitality has urged the government to work with hospitality to help bring growth and jobs back to the sector on the day (1 April) that £3.4bn of new annual costs hit the sector. It comes as hospitality businesses will now face an additional £1.9bn in wage costs, £1bn of employer…
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Mar- 2025 -5 MarchFeatures
How can tourist levies be properly introduced?
Wales, Edinburgh and Liverpool are just some of the areas in the UK looking to introduce visitor levies. Visitor levies are common across Europe and the United States but many people in the industry and various trade organisations are against introducing them in the UK. Despite this, the introduction of…
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Feb- 2025 -26 FebruaryNews-In-Brief
Today’s news in brief – 26/2/25
Cromlix, a five-star country house hotel, has appointed James Mearing as its new executive head chef, replacing Darin Campbell after 11 years. Mearing, who previously worked at Summer Lodge Country House Hotel and other prestigious establishments, is relocating to Stirlingshire. He is currently working with Campbell for a smooth transition…
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26 FebruaryTrade Organisations
UKHospitality secures government-backed training scheme
The Department for Work and Pensions has announced that it will partner with UKHospitality to rollout hospitality Sector-based Work Academy Programmes (SWAPs) to 26 new areas in need of jobs. The announcement follows a successful pilot of the scheme in 2024, ran by UKHospitality, which delivered an 85% completion rate.…
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21 FebruaryTourism
UKH warns against implementation of Manchester tourist tax
UKHospitality has warned against the idea of a Greater Manchester tourist tax, claiming the move would harm both visitor numbers and spend in the city. Kate Nicholls, CEO of UKHospitality, said it was “really disappointing” that the mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, does “not seem to appreciate the damage a…
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Jan- 2025 -30 JanuaryNews-In-Brief
Today’s news in brief – 30/1/25
Montcalm Collection is partnering with Michelin-starred chef Akira Back to launch ‘Lilli by Akira Back’ at Montcalm Mayfair, opening this spring. Back, originally from Seoul, has designed the menu, blending British cuisine with his signature dishes. The chef currently operates 29 restaurants globally, with plans to open 10 more in…
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30 JanuaryTrade Organisations
Growth plan must include foundation economy, UKH says
UKHospitality has urged the chancellor to bring forward a specific growth plan for hospitality, and other sectors in the foundation economy, that can deliver growth “swiftly”. While the trade body agreed that big infrastructure projects are much-needed, it also pointed out that their benefits won’t be realised “for years or…
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16 JanuaryTourism
UKH warns against ‘damaging’ tourist tax
UKHospitality has highlighted “damaging” impacts a charge would have on tourism, following speculation about a potential introduction of a tourist tax. The trade body has pointed out that the UK already ranks “incredibly” poorly when it comes to tourism competitiveness due to a high VAT rate, compared to European competitors…
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