Nottingham Venues, the collection of independent venues specialising in meetings and events set within the University of Nottingham campus, has welcomed Labour MP for Nottingham South, Lilian Greenwood, to its East Midlands Conference Centre and Orchard Hotel for an insightful visit and discussion on the hospitality industry.
The visit, organised by UKHospitality, brought together key figures from the sector to explore both local and national industry challenges and opportunities.
During the visit, Lilian Greenwood was given a guided tour of the East Midlands Conference Centre and the 4* Orchard Hotel, both of which welcome tens of thousands of guests each year and make a significant contribution to the visitor economy in Nottingham.
Following the tour, Lilian joined a roundtable discussion featuring representatives from across the hospitality industry, including Tom Waldron-Lynch (CEO of Nottingham Venues), Michele Somers (DHP Family Area Manager and Pubwatch Chair), Calum Brock (Regional Operations Director at Wagamama), Pete Terry (Managing Director at Disco Bowl Limited), Matt Kemp (Operations Director at Gastronomy), and David Sheen (Public Affairs Director at UKHospitality).
Discussions focused on the current issues within the hospitality industry in Nottinghamshire and across the UK, touching on workforce challenges, tax rises, sustainability, economic pressures, and future growth opportunities.
Tom Waldron-Lynch, Chief Executive of Nottingham Venues, commented: “We were honoured to host Lilian Greenwood and our colleagues from the hospitality sector. This visit provided a vital platform to discuss the challenges our industry faces and the opportunities that lie ahead. Engaging with policymakers like Lilian and industry leaders goes a long way in helping our sector overcome its challenges and ensuring that it continues to thrive.
“We hope that the Government will acknowledge the contribution hospitality makes to the UK economy. The industry could and should be a key part of the Government’s growth agenda, and we hope the Government will put the right support in place for our industry.”
Lilian Greenwood MP said: “Hospitality is a vital part of Nottingham’s and the UK’s economy, providing jobs, investment, and a thriving visitor experience. It was fantastic to meet with Nottingham Venues and industry leaders to discuss the real-world issues they are facing. I look forward to continuing to work together to support this essential industry.”
UKHospitality, the leading trade body for the sector, facilitated the visit as part of its ongoing commitment to ensuring that the voices of hospitality businesses are heard by policymakers and decision-makers across the UK.
David Sheen, Public Affairs Director at UKHospitality, said: “It was brilliant to facilitate this meeting with Lilian Greenwood MP and demonstrate firsthand the impact businesses like Nottingham Venues have on local jobs, growth, and communities.
“Nottingham has a thriving hospitality scene and is just one of many examples of how hospitality businesses can be the engine of economic growth in the UK.”
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