Robert Richardson FIH MI

In the UK, a pint of beer carries both 20% VAT and around 56p in alcohol duty. In Switzerland, the same pint carries 8.1% VAT and around 13p in alcohol duty. Switzerland treats hospitality as a national economic asset, with the profession enjoying formal recognition and policy support from government bodies. In return, Swiss hospitality employs 4% of the national workforce, contributes up to 6% of GDP, creates community hubs, develops its people, and plays a central role in strengthening the economy. It’s a Wednesday evening in Lucerne, Switzerland, and every restaurant and bar is full, no businesses are closed, the atmosphere is joyous, and the welcome and service are both first-class. And it's a real-world example of how balanced taxation and government recognition can drive economic growth, skills development, and thriving communities. #HospitalityFamily #HospitalityMatters #TaxReform #GlobalHospitality #Switzerland #LearningFromOthers #InspireMotivateLearn #imin

@vanillaweb Thank you sir!

@RBWR Wow fantastic work, big congratulations to everyone involved

Over £405,000 raised to support the vital work of Hospitality Action! Absolutely incredible! On Friday night it was a privilege to go "Back to The Floor", serving over 600 guests at Hilton Park Lane in London, and raising money to support members of our #HospitalityFamily in the UK facing crisis. Congratulations Danny Pecorelli FIH, Mark Lewis FIH, the team at Hospitality Action, and our host for the Evening James B. Clarke FIH, for an incredible evening, and thank you to everyone who so generously sponsored or tipped me, your money will make a real difference to those who need it the most. See you at "Back to the Floor 8", in 2028! #StrongerTogether #WeveGotYou #BTTF

@MickKill Well said @MickKill

Who else is fed up with the constant pandering, small, marginalised measures being released by Government, designed to appease an industry that is fundamentally struggling? Business rates reform, 15% relief, tweaks to methodology… all on what is clearly a longstanding, structural issue. It feels like costs and taxes were increased by £1, only to hand back 15p and expect gratitude.This isn’t reform. It’s papering over cracks. We hear about “support” for 500 hospitality businesses to cut energy bills, yet there are nearly 40,000 pubs alone. The scale simply doesn’t match the reality. We see the investment in youth re-employment schemes, when the it is clear that the increases in employer NIC contributions had already driven thousands out of work due to business affordability. At the same time, we’re defunding security apprenticeships, exactly when we should be ramping up recruitment in preparation for Martyn’s Law. Where is the joined-up thinking? And still, some voices are saying “take the win”, celebrate the small victories. But this complicit approach only enables the status quo. It gives Government permission to carry on without addressing the real issues. Costs will continue to rise. Businesses will continue to struggle. This “war” on viability doesn’t stop with half-measures. We need bold, decisive intervention. We need a unified voice with clear, strategic demands. We are a soft power industry, one that drives culture, community, and economic value. Rant over… but the question remains: will anything change? That’s down to all of us. I know there are people who will continue to fight, but we also need those who simply nod along and accept these measures to stop and reflect on the impact they’re having. Because that complicit action only makes it easier for Government to avoid addressing the root of the problem.

A pleasure to be back at the University of Surrey, delivering a guest lecture to final-year undergraduates, and masters students, on "Building a Career in Modern Hospitality". #HospitalityFamily #InspireMotivateLearn #imin

Further proof, if it were needed, that hospitality is vital to the UK economy: BBC News - UK economy flatlines in January as people cut back on eating out - BBC News bbc.co.uk/news/articles/…

@hmurray9 @Sacha_Lord @MickKill @ntiaofficial @IoH_Online Thank you Harry!

@RBWR @Sacha_Lord @MickKill @ntiaofficial @IoH_Online Dynamic & inspirational trio 💪

Collabration between hospitality sector bodies is vital in these challenging times, so it was useful to catch up with @Sacha_Lord FIH and Michael Kill FIH in London today, to discuss the Institute of Hospitality’s continued partnership, and special relationship, with the Night Time Industries Association, and how we might best support our #HospitalityFamily in the months and years ahead. #StrongerTogether #imin #InspireMotivateLearn

The IoH team had a fantastic day yesterday at our first strategy day of the year, discussing exciting plans for the Institute and the year ahead. A huge thanks to the team at @foxhillssurrey for looking after us so beautifully, and a special thanks to Wild Idol for providing the delicious alcohol free sparkling wine to accompany lunch! #imin #IoH #StrategyDay #Team @RBWR

In our latest news, our CEO Robert Richardson FIH reflects on what public benefit truly means in the context of hospitality... not simply as an industry, but as a profession, shaping how we lead, how we develop our people and how we position hospitality on the world stage. Follow the link to read more! instituteofhospitality.org/ioh-ceo-letter #imin #IoH @RBWR

With Hospitality completely sidelined in this weeks Spring Statement, my monthly piece in the Evening Standard is my 6 Point Plan to stabilise the sector. standard.co.uk/business/rache…

We are delighted to announce that we have launched our prestigious 2026 IoH Annual Awards and are calling for nominations from hospitality professionals and businesses worldwide. Recognising professional excellence, leadership and service standards from across our #HospitalityFamily, this year's six award categories include a brand new category celebrating our 'IoH Mentor Me' mentors. 2026 categories 🌟Best Educational Programme 2026 - Sponsored by @HITTraining 🌟The Gregory De La Peña-Hall FIH Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging Employer of the Year Award 2026 🌟Talent Development Team of the Year 2026 🌟Mentor of the Year Award - Sponsored by Aspire Executive Lounges 🌟Outstanding Contribution to the Industry 2026 - Sponsored by Miele Professional 🌟The Institute of Hospitality CEO’s Award 2026 - Sponsored by CGA Integration The deadline for nominations is Monday, 20 April 2026. Our black-tie Awards Dinner celebration takes place on 15 June at JW Marriott Grosvenor House, London.🏆 Tickets are on sale now. Find out more and nominate at the link below. bit.ly/4shOXTm #IoHAwards2026 #IoHAwards #imin #HospitalityExcellence @CgaChris @RBWR

Reflecting at the end of a busy week. The week began with the privilege of being asked to open the inaugural #NoVacancyLondon industry expo, before leading the event’s first-ever panel discussion on how innovation, sustainability and evolving market expectations will shape our profession over the next five years. From there it was down to the South West of England to spend time with our members, speaking at Bournemouth University’s annual conference on what the next generation of talent expects from their careers, and how those expectations should inform the future of hospitality education. The week ended on a high at the annual awards for our wonderful industry charity, The Crumbs Project. This remarkable organisation provides professional hospitality training and life skills for adults living with disabilities and mental health challenges. I am especially proud that more than 25 of their courses are endorsed by the Institute of Hospitality, helping ensure trainees gain recognised professional development as they build their confidence, skills and career pathways. My sincere thanks to everyone I had the opportunity to speak with this week for your valuable insights, perspectives and continued commitment to strengthening our profession. This was a long week, but an important one. Meaningful conversations. Stronger relationships. And continued support for our #HospitalityFamily during these challenging times. #imin #StrongerTogether #HospitalityLeadership #InspireMotivateLearn

Britain’s pubs, bars and clubs are under serious pressure. The UK night time economy supports 2 million jobs and contributes billions to our economy - yet venues are still closing. Meanwhile, many European countries back hospitality with lower VAT rates. We’re calling for the UK Government to support hospitality and the night time economy with a targeted VAT cut inline with Europe. This is about: ✔ Protecting jobs ✔ Supporting high streets ✔ Backing small businesses ✔ Preventing irreversible damage Take action in under 60 seconds. 👉 1) Click the link 👉 2) Follow the easy steps 👉 3) Email your MP (it’s templated and fully customisable) Make your voice heard now: buff.ly/GJaRDWM

@Sacha_Lord Absolutely unbelievable.

Read this...it'll make your blood boil. One of the Governments senior Advisers finally admits: "We don't need anymore restaurants. I'm not anti-hospitality but that's not where my efforts are." They are no longer hiding it from us. insidermedia.com/news/north-wes…

@GaryUsher_ Look forward to visiting Chef!

A night to remember & cherish. In a world of shit right now these are the good times. Thank you to everyone involved 🙏

@SorchaEastwood Thank you for sharing Sorcha, and for all of your support for a fairer hospitality sector!

Yet another reason why we need a VAT cut ✂️ for hospitality!!

"The weakened jobs market has seen sectors such as retail and hospitality come under particular strain after the Government hiked national insurance contributions and pushed through above-inflation increases in the minimum wage, with some companies cutting jobs and slowing hiring in response." Labour's 'jobless generation': youth unemployment hits 11-year high mol.im/a/15566171 via dailym.ai/android