The Night Time Industries Association (NTIA) and the Institute of Hospitality are proud to announce their collaboration on a vital campaign, #LeaveNoOneBehind, aimed at advocating for the survival and recovery of their collective membership of over 20,000 businesses in the UK. 

This united effort comes at a critical juncture prior to the announcement of the Spring Budget on Wednesday 6th March 2024 as the hospitality and late-night economy sectors continue to face unprecedented challenges. Where previously the Government excluded wet lead sales businesses, the collaboration have stood firm on there commitment to leave no one behind, or marginalise businesses as was done during the pandemic.

The impact of the ongoing rising costs and financial burdens has led to a dire situation for businesses within the nighttime economy and hospitality sectors . Since 2020 we have lost over 23,000 business, and more than 6,000 establishments have closed their doors in the last year, marking a devastating loss for both the economy and the communities they serve. Alarmingly, the hospitality sector has witnessed a doubling of businesses entering administration during this period, underscoring the urgent need for support.

Despite the limited efforts of the government to provide financial aid, the industries remain exceptionally vulnerable. Escalating operating costs, combined with substantial debts incurred during the pandemic, have left many businesses teetering on the brink of collapse. A recent survey conducted by the NTIA revealed that 7 out of 10 businesses are either barely breaking even or operating at a loss, with nearly half expressing doubts about their survival in the next 12 months.

The consequences of inaction are profound, not only for businesses but also for the individuals and families whose livelihoods depend on them. With the cost of living on the rise, discretionary spending, such as enjoying a night out, is under threat as consumers struggle to manage mounting bills.

In response to these challenges, the NTIA and the Institute of Hospitality are calling on the government to implement urgent measures to support the sector in the Spring Budget, including:

• Implementing a reduced VAT rate of 12.5% across the hospitality, late-night economy, and events sector for the next 12 months.
• Freezing Alcohol Duty for the next 12 months.

These measures are essential to providing businesses with the financial headroom they need to survive and recover. It is imperative that we act now to ensure that no one is left behind and that our vibrant nighttime economy can once again thrive.