The hospitality trade body has also promoted Deputy CEO Allen Simpson to CEO as it prepares to step up campaigning on behalf of 130,000 UK restaurants, bars and coffee shops
UKHospitality has reshuffled its senior leadership team as it prepares to deliver a new strategy focused on ‘turbocharging’ growth for the UK hospitality industry.
The London-based trade body, which has campaigned on behalf of the UK hospitality industry since 2018, said that current CEO Kate Nicholls will transition to a new Chair position with Deputy CEO Allen Simpson stepping into her role.
Additionally, Non-Executive Chairman, Steve Cassidy, has been appointed as the lobby group’s President.
Nicholls has been CEO of UKHospitality since its inception and was awarded an OBE in January 2021 for her services to the hospitality industry during the Covid-19 pandemic, which included successfully campaigning for hospitality VAT cuts and business rates relief.
In a press release, UKHospitality said her promotion was a natural step for the group and reflects its growing size and scope. UKHospitality currently represents more than 130,000 restaurants, pubs, cafés and entertainment venues across the UK, campaigning for policy change on issues ranging from taxation and regulations to skills development and sustainability.
In her new role, Nicholls will focus on amplifying UKHospitality’s voice in the political and media landscapes, while Simpson, Deputy CEO since January 2024, will assume responsibility for the day-to-day management of the group.
“This new chapter reflects the impact, status and ambition of UKHospitality, which continues to be the vital voice for our broad and important sector. We have established strong and effective influence for the country’s fourth largest economic sector and have a seat at the highest table alongside other core business groups on the macro-economic issues of today,” Nicholls said.
Nicholls and Simpson will jointly spearhead a new UKHospitality strategy as it seeks to deliver greater policy change for the UK hospitality industry.
Further details of the strategy are set to be released in the coming months and will build upon the organisation’s success in championing a Sector-based Work Academy Programmes (SWAPS) scheme, youth mobility scheme and Social Productivity Index, which highlights the sector’s worth to people and communities.
Other priorities include campaigning for further reform of business rates to protect high street businesses and garnering support for a dedicated VAT rate for hospitality firms, Nicholl added.
UKHospitality was formed in 2018 through the merger of the Association of Licensed Multiple Retailers and the British Hospitality Association. Via its strategic affiliate partnerships with the Association for Indoor Play, the Professional Association of Self Caterers UK and the B&B Association – UKHospitality claims to represent more than 95% of eating, drinking and accommodation venues in the UK.
