NCASS Response to the Spring Statement

In response to the Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves Spring Statement today, Alan Fox, Chief Executive of NCASS said:

‘We are disappointed, but not surprised that the Chancellor has offered no supportive measures to help small hospitality and catering businesses across the country.

We believe there is a lack of understanding of the independent hospitality sector across government and that the interests of small and micro businesses that make up the everyday economy are overlooked.

The health of our high streets, local neighbourhoods and the growth and regeneration of the everyday economy hinge on a thriving hospitality sector.  Hardworking and entrepreneurial small businesses that operate at the heart of their communities continue to be ignored at the risk of hollowing out the very fabric of our communities and cultural economy.

NCASS will continue to fight for the interests of small hospitality and catering businesses.  Now, more than ever we must support independent hospitality businesses. That is why we have organised Independent Hospitality Week, a nationwide campaign designed to champion independent and family run bars, cafes, restaurants, pubs, street food vendors, and event traders that enrich local communities with their unique brands of hospitality.’

From the 5th to 11th May 2025, we’re asking people to come together and shout about how much their independent hospitality venues, mobile caterers and street food traders mean to them by eating local, drinking local and supporting independent hospitality venues during Independent Hospitality Week.  Please help us to raise the profile of these vital businesses who contribute so much to value to our communities.

You can find out more about Independent Hospitality Week and how you can support the campaign here

You can read the full Spring Statement here

We encourage members to write to their MPs to raise the profile of supported needed for independent hospitality and share the Independent Hospitality Week. Find out more about this at the links below:

Write to your MP 

The Value of Writing to your MP