Leading figures in Northern Ireland's hospitality industry are calling for more government support for the sector amid “unprecedented debt, a crisis in skilled staff shortages and escalating costs”.
John Trainor of the Balmoral Hotel in Dunmurry and Stix & Stones restaurants in Belfast is spearheading the calls in a bid to “secure the future of Northern Ireland's vibrant hospitality industry”.
He is urging elected representatives and statutory bodies to provide the necessary help to protect and enhance an industry that delivers more than £1 million per annum per restaurant to the local economy.
The challenges faced by the sector are being discussed at Belfast City Hall on Wednesday at the launch of an impact report on the inaugural Ireland's Next Top Chef competition.
The report, compiled in collaboration with industry experts, chefs, and business professionals, reveals that the most significant challenges facing the sector are the burden of a 20% hospitality VAT rate, inflationary pressures such as rising energy prices and the increased cost of food, drinks, and other supplies.
Insufficient staffing levels and a shortage of skilled workers, such as talented chefs, due to difficulties in attracting and retaining talent, and high business rates were also highlighted as key challenges facing the industry.
Mr Trainor said the hospitality sector is “not just a collection of businesses; it's an integral part of our cultural and economic fabric”.
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“We contribute significantly to the local economy, supporting jobs, utilising local produce, and fostering a vibrant atmosphere in showcasing our rich culinary heritage and expertise to locals and visitors from across the globe,” he said.
“Yet, I’m deeply concerned about the challenges our industry faces, where the survival of this vibrant sector is at a critical juncture.
“Excessive VAT rates, inflationary pressures, and critical labour shortages, especially in chefs, pose significant threats to the survival of businesses in the hospitality sector.
“I call on the government to acknowledge the gravity of these issues and provide the essential support needed to secure Northern Ireland’s hospitality future.
“By working together, we can ensure our industry is sustained and thrives to further enhance our positive impact on the local economy."
Award-winning chef Niall McKenna also said he had “witnessed firsthand the profound impact of the challenges facing our industry” and the difficulties of “navigating through the complexities of the hospitality sector”.
“Our hospitality businesses are grappling with unprecedented debt, a crisis in skilled staff shortages, and escalating costs, and the absence of direct support from local councils and other statutory bodies has compounded the challenges we face,” he said.
“In this critical period, support is not just a lifeline; we need a collective effort to ensure our businesses not only survive but thrive in dealing with these issues that affect the survival of our businesses.”
