Background

The contribution to the economy that the hospitality industry makes is fundamental to the long term prosperity of the UK. Our industry contributes over £23 billion to the exchequer and employs nearly two million people in over 182,000 individual hospitality, leisure, travel and tourism venues in Great Britain.

Despite these facts, the industry continually faces a crisis situation when it comes to recruitment and retention of staff. Many of the jobs within hospitality are considered to be low-skilled and low status and generally do not attract high calibre personnel. Licensed retail, in particular, is considered to be an undesirable environment to work in, without career paths or opportunities, especially in light of ongoing references in the media to the UK's ‘binge drinking’ culture and the perception that we give increased exposure to young people and alcohol.

In reality, the vast majority of licensed retail venues are managed and staffed by well trained, responsible people who contribute a valuable service to the community in which they are based. Even though the average pub can contribute approximately £70,000 every year to its local economy, this is by no means the whole story. Many licensed retail outlets are part of a local area partnership which addresses community safety issues and promotes social responsibility.