Prezzo’s Karen Jones to represent hospitality sector on new business council

Karen Jones, executive chair of Prezzo, is to represent the hospitality sector on the government’s new business council.

She is the only representative from hospitality among 30 business leaders, including British Airways chief executive Sean Doyle, chair of the John Lewis Partnership Dame Sharon White, and Tesco chief executive Ken Murphy, who have all been appointed for the next year.

The Build Back Better Council will be co-chaired by the prime minister and chancellor, with the business secretary as a standing member and other cabinet ministers attending as required. The trade secretary joined the first meeting yesterday.

It has been established to fuel the economic recovery and future growth plans for the country. Members are invited to share their views on the economy, provide a commercial perspective on policy and highlight obstacles and solutions to economic recovery.

The council will meet quarterly, with further meetings agreed with Boris Johnson and Rishi Sunak if required.

At the first meeting yesterday, which took place virtually, Johnson updated leaders on the Covid-19 situation, including the vaccine roll-out, as well as plans to rebuild the economy after the crisis has passed. The council discussed the government’s plan and members offered their perspectives on the best ways to promote economic recovery and growth.

However, there has been criticism of the lack of small business representation on the council, with night-time economy adviser for Greater Manchester Sacha Lord describing it on Twitter as a "kick in the teeth" and "insulting" that there are no representatives from the night-time economy sector or independent businesses.