UK Hospitality 2026 Trends

Business Rates Are Changing in April 2026 — Check Your Bill Now

This is the most urgent issue for any hospitality business operating from physical premises. The Government's 2025 Budget confirmed a full revaluation of business rates taking effect from 1 April 2026. Because the previous valuation was carried out during the pandemic, many businesses will see their Rateable Values rise sharply to reflect post-COVID recovery.

The Government has responded with a permanent reduction to the business rates multiplier for retail, hospitality and leisure (RHL) properties. Transitional Relief caps are also in place:

• Properties up to £20,000 rateable value — bill increases capped at 5% in 2026/27
• Properties between £20,001 and £100,000 — increases capped at 15% in 2026/27
• Properties above £100,000 — increases capped at 30% in 2026/27

Do not assume your bill will go down. For many businesses, the end of the temporary 40% RHL relief combined with higher rateable values will mean a net increase, even with the new multiplier. Check your new rateable value now and speak to us to model your actual position.

Wage Costs Are Rising, and They Are Not Finished Yet

The National Minimum Wage rose 6.7% in 2025 and hospitality, with its high proportion of lower paid and part-time staff, has felt this more acutely than most sectors. Combined with National Insurance changes from the 2025 Budget, many clients tell us their monthly payroll looks very different to 12 months ago.

The wider picture is stark: the UK hospitality sector has lost over 84,000 jobs since late 2024, and licensed premises are closing at a rate of 2 per day. The sector is now 14% smaller than its pre-pandemic size. Businesses without sound cost structures will not survive.

Payroll must be reviewed regularly, not just at year end. Our payroll bureau and management accounting team can help you understand the true cost of your staffing model, identify efficiencies, and ensure compliance with auto-enrolment and current NI thresholds.

Stock and Cost Control Is More Critical Than Ever

Energy costs, food and beverage supply costs, and the administrative burden of running a licensed operation have all increased. In this environment, stock leakage, over-ordering, and poor purchasing decisions can quickly erode margins that were already thin.

This is precisely where Everett King's ILTSA-accredited in-house stocktaking and valuation team add direct, measurable value. Our stocktakers work across the licensed trade — from pubs and bars to hotels and restaurants — identifying discrepancies, benchmarking performance, and providing the independent data you need to make informed purchasing and pricing decisions.

If you are not conducting regular, independent stock audits, you are almost certainly losing money you cannot see. Contact us to discuss a schedule that works for your business.