NEWS FROM THE ALMR Expert Insights
ENHANCED BENCHMARKING REPORT TO REFLECT DYNAMIC SECTOR
The ALMR has launched the 11th edition of the annual ALMR Christie & Co Benchmarking Report survey and is calling on licensed hospitality businesses of all trading styles to contribute.
The annual report, produced in partnership with specialist property adviser Christie & Co, provides a complete overview of operating costs for pubs, bars, nightclubs and restaurants and is used extensively by the ALMR in its lobbying efforts.
This year’s survey is more comprehensive than ever and seeks additional information on wage rate increases, business rates revaluations and businesses Brexit prospects.
ALMR Chief Executive Kate Nicholls said: “The annual Benchmar
Kate Nicholls ALMR Chief Executive
LOOKING AHEAD TO 2017
The main focuses of the ALMR’s attention in 2017 will pertain to employment challenges and rising costs. We will be working closely with the Government to try to boost confidence among consumers, operators and investors, as a bedrock of stability.
Pubs & Restaurants at Christie & Co said,
“As we approach the end of what has been an eventf
ul year f king Report
is one of our most valuable tools and the most comprehensive and authoritative of its kind.
“This year’s survey is more detailed than ever and will give us meticulous inf
ormation on wages,
business rates and businesses’ prospects as we move towards Brexit. This will provide an extra dimension to the Report that will be invaluab uncer
le during these tain times.” Neil Morgan, Managing Director – or
both the sector and the global economy, the ALMR Christie & Co Benchmarking Report has never been more essential, enabling owner
assess the per
s and operators alike to formance of their
businesses and plan effectively for the future.
“The 2017 Report will include for the first time the impact of the Brexit vote and introduction of National Living Wage on sector performance, while providing comprehensive data which will prove invaluable for those seeking to appeal business rates as well as to manage their business effectively.”
ALMR’S “UNITED VOICE” IN 2016’S TURBULENT LANDSCAPE
The ALMR’s presence as a united voice for the eating and drinking out sector has helped to steer the out-of-home sector through a year of uncertainty, guests heard at the trade association’s annual Christmas lunch in London in December.
Addresses from Chief Executive Kate Nicholls and Chairman Steve Richards described the ALMR’s successful lobbying and continued membership growth across the sector in a year of uncertainties.
Kate Nicholls said: “2016 has been a turbulent year, in which we have had to navigate an unexpected and challenging landscape. A time when it has never been more important to speak with one clear, loud, united voice. The ALMR has
4 DECEMBER/JANUARY 2017
been working for a Brexit deal that best serves our sector and our members, putting food and drink front and centre of a new industrial strategy.
Today, we announce two further initiatives. First, a new online tool developed with CPL Training, called ALMR People Search, to help businesses more easily check people’s right to work, as post-Brexit migration policy is developed. Secondly, an ALMR diploma, developed with HIT Training, CPL and BIIAB, drawing existing work-based qualifications and in-house training in one fully integrated learning platform to deliver industry best practice apprenticeships from entry level to leadership, meeting employers needs and underpinning career development.”
Pubs, bars and nightclubs can provide the UK’s economy with a boost and can help drive growth in local economies across the UK. This will only occur if there is a sense of certainty that allows employers to invest in their outlets and their staff. The ALMR has been in close discussion with the Government discussing the impact of Brexit for the country’s bars and nightclubs. A key concern for employers will be for the right of their non-UK EU members of staff to remain and work in the UK. Workers from the EU make a huge contribution to our country’s hospitality sector and it is vital that they be allowed to remain and continue the valuable work that they do. The ALMR will be making sure that the voices of our members, and the wider sector, are heard.
Continually rising property costs, particularly business rates, will continue to be a cause for concern for many bars. Despite some key wins this year in the area of transitional relief, property costs continue to be an issue for businesses and many pubs and bars saw their rateable value increase at the last revaluation. According to the latest ALMR Christie & Co Benchmarking Report, property costs excluding rents are now at an average 6.5% of turnover. We are still looking for root and branch reform of business rates to ensure that they are equitable, affordable and do not penalise venues for success.
There will be opportunities to grow and the late night sector in particular has an opportunity to expand and continue its good work. Here’s to an exciting and prosperous 2017!
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52