New Yorkshire hospitality forum aims to give industry in the region a voice nationally amongst ongoing challenges

Alex South

Alex South

Editor

York and North Yorkshire’s new hospitality forum will strive to “give the industry a voice and make sure it is recognised regionally, nationally and internationally” whilst representing some 50,000 roles across the region.

The forum’s aim will be to ensure that the hospitality sector is on the agendas of both central government and the region’s councils, helping to encourage funding for firms operating in the industry.

It also aims to work alongside the Chamber’s Local Skills Improvement Plan to address any shortfalls in skills that the sector may be dealing with, as well as to encourage positive media activity.

The York and North Yorkshire region is one of the UK’s leading tourism hotspots, with millions visiting its destinations.

Firms operating in the hospitality and tourism sector within the region are SMEs and micro-businesses with, only a handful of employees.

Laurence Beardmore, president of York & North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce, added: "The hospitality sector and associated support industries are a vital element of the York & North Yorkshire economy, and in our region, we are experts in this field."

Hospitality workers are some of the hardest working and most conscientious people around but they have been disproportionately affected by the economic, pandemic, fuel increase and National strike issues we are still experiencing.

"York & North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce is determined to do everything it can to support those industries to survive and subsequently recover and the newly formed Hospitality forum will be central to our strategy."

The forum has identified issues including repercussions from the pandemic, the cumulative impact of rising energy costs, recruitment and retention issues, access to finance, and inconsistent demand have meant that many enterprises are now facing an uncertain future.

The York & North Yorkshire Hospitality Forum notes that it aims to "emulate the success of the West & North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce property forums by placing the key issues of the sector in front of those in a position to make a difference."

In these challenging times…

The Staff Canteen team are taking a different approach to keeping our website independent and delivering content free from commercial influence. Our Editorial team have a critical role to play in informing and supporting our audience in a balanced way. We would never put up a paywall and restrict access – The Staff Canteen is open to all and we want to keep bringing you the content you want; more from younger chefs, more on mental health, more tips and industry knowledge, more recipes and more videos. We need your support right now, more than ever, to keep The Staff Canteen active. Without your financial contributions this would not be possible.

Over the last 12 years, The Staff Canteen has built what has become the go-to platform for chefs and hospitality professionals. As members and visitors, your daily support has made The Staff Canteen what it is today. Our features and videos from the world’s biggest name chefs are something we are proud of. We have over 500,000 followers across Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube and other social channels, each connecting with chefs across the world. Our editorial and social media team are creating and delivering engaging content every day, to support you and the whole sector - we want to do more for you.

A single coffee is more than £2, a beer is £4.50 and a large glass of wine can be £6 or more.

Support The Staff Canteen from as little as £1 today. Thank you.

Alex South

Alex South

Editor 9th January 2023

New Yorkshire hospitality forum aims to give industry in the region a voice nationally amongst ongoing challenges