Why ‘Help Out Hospitality’ Matters More Than Ever
At Zyla Accountants, we've spent years working alongside some of the most resilient business owners in the UK – those in the hospitality sector.
From independent gastropubs to cafés to restaurants, we've witnessed firsthand the challenges our clients face, particularly during the winter months when trade traditionally dips and overheads remain stubbornly high.
That's why we're delighted to see the Help Out Hospitality campaign return for its fifth year, offering a lifeline to businesses navigating what has become an increasingly difficult trading environment.
The Reality Facing Hospitality Businesses
Whilst the Government's business rates relief package has provided some welcome respite for pubs, the broader hospitality industry continues to grapple with mounting pressures. Alcohol duty remains burdensome, staffing challenges persist, and administrative demands seem to grow by the quarter.
Now, with the Employment Rights Bill on the horizon, bringing changes to parental rights, sick pay, and zero-hours contracts – hospitality operators are bracing for yet another shift in their cost base.
These reforms will undoubtedly benefit workers, but they also add to the financial equation that business owners must balance.
Why This Campaign Could Make a Real Difference
The Help Out Hospitality initiative, launched by The Full Range, addresses a critical pain point: the January to March period. These months have always been challenging, but this year the pressures of energy costs, supply chain uncertainties, and wavering consumer confidence are expected to intensify further.
Even the festive season, whilst seeing healthy spending per visit, didn't deliver the occupancy levels many venues had hoped for. As we move into the darker months, footfall becomes even more crucial.
Here's how the campaign works: suppliers offer discounts to hospitality businesses, which can then create compelling offers for customers. These promotions are listed commission-free on the Help Out Hospitality website, allowing customers to book directly with venues. It's a straightforward approach that puts money back where it belongs – with the businesses themselves.
A Win-Win for the Industry
What makes this campaign particularly effective is its collaborative nature. By involving suppliers at the outset, it generates genuine value at the beginning of the supply chain whilst eliminating commission fees at the customer-facing end.
As Barry Knight, Director of The Full Range, rightly points out, it's "a real win-win for the industry" that simultaneously meets consumer demand for great value.
Whether you run a restaurant group, an independent café, a hotel, or operate as a supplier or wholesaler, there's an opportunity to participate.
The campaign runs until 31 March 2026, and involvement is straightforward – simply register via the Help Out Hospitality website, where suppliers can set their discounts and receive support with promotional materials.
Our Commitment to Hospitality
At Zyla Accountants, we're proud to support our hospitality clients through thick and thin. We understand the unique financial pressures of the sector – the seasonal fluctuations, the tight margins, the complex VAT considerations, and the employment costs that can make or break a business.
Initiatives like Help Out Hospitality demonstrate the industry's remarkable capacity for innovation and mutual support.
They also highlight why specialist accounting advice matters. When margins are tight and every percentage point counts, having accountants who truly understand your sector can make a tangible difference to your bottom line.
Looking Ahead
Confidence among hospitality business owners remains understandably subdued, but campaigns like this offer more than just short-term relief.
They reinforce the vibrancy of local communities during months that can feel particularly bleak, and they remind us all of the vital role that hospitality plays in our towns and cities.
For our clients considering participation, we'd encourage you to explore what Help Out Hospitality can offer.
It's an opportunity not just to boost trade and fill seats, but to strengthen relationships with both suppliers and customers – relationships that will serve you well throughout the year ahead.
The hospitality sector has faced unprecedented challenges in recent years, yet time and again, we've watched our clients adapt, innovate, and persevere.
With the right support – whether through industry-led campaigns, specialist accounting advice, or government intervention – we're confident that better days lie ahead.
If you'd like to discuss how Zyla Accountants can help you navigate the financial challenges facing your hospitality business, or if you're considering how to make the most of initiatives like Help Out Hospitality, please don't hesitate to get in touch.
We're here to support you every step of the way.