New forum aims to help Yorkshire’s hospitality sector tackle 'colossal challenges'

More than 70 people attended the inaugural meeting of the York & North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce Hospitality Forum at the Sandburn Hall Hotel near Flaxton.

A spokesman said: “The first hospitality forum to be established by a chamber of commerce anywhere in the country, the group has been established with a core purpose of giving the industry a voice and to ensure that it is heard regionally, nationally and internationally.”

Hospitality accounts for around 50,000 jobs across North Yorkshire. The chamber describes the sector as “a cornerstone of the region’s economy whose impact runs far and wide in terms of its supply chain benefits, employment impact and supporting services”.

The statement added: “However, despite the sector’s crucial importance, it is currently experiencing unprecedented challenges following the pandemic, with rising costs, recruitment and retention issues, access to finance, the drive towards net zero, inconsistent demand and how it is perceived as a career option all making life very difficult for the industry.”

Philip Bolson, chair of the Hospitality Forum and owner of consultancy firm Mr B’s, said: “The hospitality sector is the beating heart of the region. However, at a time when it is facing such colossal challenges, we are risk of losing part of what we hold dear as a country.

“Are Government going to get behind the sector and do the right thing?

“Meanwhile, with devolution so close to coming to North Yorkshire, what more can we do locally so that we can weather the storm and look to the future with optimism and energy?”

Laurence Beardmore, president of York & North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce, said: “This industry is vital to the region. We not only have to fight to keep it, we have to fight to grow it.”

Danny Wild, principal of Harrogate College and a member of the forum’s steering group, said: “Hospitality is home to fantastic stories. We really need to move the dial about what people think about it.”

Fellow steering group member Rob Lazenby of Scarborough’s Castle Employment Group said: “This forum will allow people to come together. We need to harness the passion of those who work in the sector.”

Sarah Czarnecki, vice chair of the York & North Yorkshire Hospitality Forum and managing director of York’s Grey’s Court Hotel, said: “It is fantastic that the first Chamber Hospitality Forum in the country is here in North Yorkshire.

“We are here to make a difference and the backing we have had has been incredible.”

The initial fact finding session was attended by more than 50 people from around the region. It was followed by a panel discussion, chaired by Mr Wild with three hospitality entrepreneurs. The attendees heard from Jackie Berry, co-owner of Town End Farm cottages, Cara Willoughby of Birdsal House venue and Adam Johnson, co-owner of York-based Japanese restaurant Izakaya.