By Emily Roux

The hospitality sector is one of the UK's greatest assets.

The industry employs a wide pool of talent, from kitchen porters, commis chefs and waiters to chefs and sommeliers who have gone on to redefine the way we eat and drink as a nation. We should be proud of our hospitality industry and support it as much as possible.

In the current economic climate, where inflation and fuel prices mean less disposable income, the Government must work not only to keep restaurants open but also to ensure sustainable businesses with a long-term future.

Business rates desperately need reform. Currently, the existing rates mean hospitality venues are going out of business at an alarming pace, and the trend is unlikely to slow down unless definitive action is taken as a priority.

A U-turn on National Insurance is vital. The increase in minimum wage doesn’t equate to more jobs, and many employers can’t afford it.

A reduction in VAT or a change in its calculation would also........

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