DELEGATES representing the hospitality industry in South Craven and across North Yorkshire have spotlighted to the Government the challenges the sector faces.

Members of the York & North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce hospitality forum travelled to Westminster to meet with ministers and a cross-party group of the region’s MPs.

Amongst those who met the delegation were tourism minister Sir John Whittingdale, business and trade minister Kevin Hollinrake and South Craven MP Julian Smith.

The chamber had spent several weeks prior to the meeting gathering feedback from businesses within the region's hospitality sector, and high overheads and utility costs were chief concerns.

More than 45,000 people are employed across the sector in North Yorkshire, but the industry has been hit hard by a combination of the pandemic, inflation and economic instability.

The hospitality forum, the only one of its kind amongst chambers of commerce nationally, was launched earlier this year to champion the sector's strengths and highlight challenges.

Philip Bolson, the forum chair, says: "Hospitality is the lifeblood of North Yorkshire’s economy.

"Therefore it was very gratifying to see some of the most powerful and influential people in the country take an interest in its strengths and challenges. The level of engagement shown by ministers and MPs was highly encouraging and has given us fresh impetus to keep making the case for more favourable trading conditions.

"In order to survive and thrive, the hospitality sector needs a stable and well-run economy. Inflation is making forward planning and investment decisions almost impossible, particularly for smaller businesses. And while forecasts predict inflation is likely to fall sharply in the coming months, increased costs are set to stay."

Sarah Czarnecki, vice-president of York & North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce, says: "We are proud to have established the first chamber hospitality forum in the country.

"Being given the opportunity to take hospitality business views to Westminster has been a crucial step in our quest to ensure that the industry is represented.

"We're looking forward to continuing discussions, and have commitment from Westminster representatives to this."

North Yorkshire MPs at the meeting included Julian Sturdy, who said: "Hospitality and tourism are interconnected sectors that are so important to our visitor economy and provide employment opportunities, transferable skills and enjoyment for residents and visitors.

"These sectors have faced a uniquely challenging period over the last few years as a result of Covid, labour shortages and the rising cost of living, therefore a forum to raise concerns with elected representatives is a fantastic step in the right direction."