Minister for hospitality campaign gathers momentum as industry leaders join forces

More than 100 leading operators have met to establish an industry-wide campaign to promote the petition for a minister for hospitality.

Organised by Home Grown Hotels founder and 2020 Cateys Lifetime Achievement Award winner Robin Hutson, the meeting launched a 30-day campaign to engage hospitality employees and supporters across the UK. Those backing the social media campaign include Tom Kerridge, Angela Hartnett and Jamie Oliver.

The campaign seeks to engage younger employees who might have missed the original petition from Chef & Restaurant magazine, and ensure hospitality is appropriately represented in government.

Hutson said: "If 2020 has shown us anything, it's how little government understands the complexities and the power of the hospitality sector and importantly, how vital the hospitality sector is not only to the economy but also for employment and to the nation's happiness and overall mental health.

“This industry must have a powerful voice within government and we intend to dedicate the next 30 days to a social media campaign of some magnitude. Currently there are 42,000 signatures on the petition, yet we must get to 100,000 for this to even be debated in parliament, let alone have someone sitting at the top table."

Those keen to support are urged to sign the campaign. Other ways to support include:

• Use the hashtag #seatatthetable
• Reach out internally to fellow employees
• Engage suppliers in the campaign
• Showcase support for the social media campaign.