Eating & Drinking OutOur menu for our people, communities and businesses

turnover

+18% since 2010

2020

+5.

5% pa

2016

2010

2020 +23,000

£4.4bnInvested locally

20202016

£22bn£19bn

In tax receipts

Industry In numbers

turnover

+18% since 2010

2020

+5.

5% pa

2016

2010

2020 +23,000

£4.4bnInvested locally

20202016

£22bn£19bn

In tax receipts

Introduction

The ALMR is the leading voice for eating and drinking out businesses in the UK. The sector employs 1.6 million people, produces £63 billion of economic activity and generates £19 billion in taxation for Government. We represent over 90% of all managed pubs, bars, nightclubs and branded restaurants, including popular high street brands such as All Bar One, Wetherspoon, Wagamama, Cafe Rouge, Patisserie Valerie, Itsu and Pizza Hut, as well as thousands of independent businesses.

Eating and drinking out is one of Britain’s most dynamic, innovative and resilient sectors. It has created 1 in 7 of net new jobs and has grown by more than 6% since 2010. Venues, particularly branded dining, have driven a renaissance across high streets that are squeezed by legislative pressure and increasing financial burdens.

Our members need support from both national and local government if they are to continue experiencing success, providing jobs and fulfilling unique social and economic functions. Pubs, clubs and restaurants are vital social hubs and fantastic employers; they need an environment in which to continue to fulfil their enormous potential.

This Manifesto suggests measures to allow businesses to succeed as the UK withdraws from the European Union. These are framed around the following three principles.

• Promoting free, fair and flexible markets by reforming legislative regimes and levelling the playing field for hospitality.

• Reducing the unnecessary costs of doing business by tackling punitive measures that discourage growth.

• Unlocking and incentivising growth and investment in our people and communities.

Our sector is the one of the UK’s most exciting, and has the potential to be one of the great success stories of a post-Brexit Britain. This Manifesto presents our vision for the next Parliament and provides an opportunity to support this vibrant and valuable sector.

Kate Nicholls Chief Executive, ALMR

The Vision Of The Sector

The eating and drinking out sector has a significant part to play in the UK’s economic and social wellbeing. The sector has a vision of growth and employment, which are set out below. With the right tax and regulatory conditions in place businesseses will be able to deliver even more.

Sales growth of over 5% per annum

An additional 23,000 new jobs

Up to 150,000 new apprenticeship starts

A strategy to increase inward investment and to support British restaurant brands overseas

A safe and healthy social experience for itsconsumers Hospitality at the heart of the UK’s tourism strategy for growth

Collaboration with the food and drink supply chain to efficiently provide high-quality products to UK consumers

The pub, bar and restaurant sector is already a major part of the UK’s economy, a key employer and skills provider and crucial part of the UK’s social life. The ALMR and its members want to cement this position and have a positive vision for economic, social and cultural growth, provided the right framework is in place to do so. We have already seen growth forecasts downgraded in the last year as a result of external changes, so it is important to recognise the impact that Government policy can have.

The sector aims to be an engine of growth for the UK economy, with anticipated economic growth of over 5 per cent per annum, according to forecasts from EY. The sector expects to continue its growth in employment. By 2020 more it is forecast that there will be more than a quarter of a million additional people working in pubs and restaurants than in 2010.

The contribution to the economy helps support the broader food and drink supply chain and also is also a leading attraction of the thriving UK tourism industry. The sector aims to develop this position, integrating fully in sector deals.

Operators are also committed to upskilling their workforce. The hospitality and catering apprenticeship option is already one of the most popular choices, with over 175,000 starts since 2011. The pub and restaurant sector expects to take on a further 200,000 apprenticeships over the next five years, as well as broader development and learning opportunities.

The eating and drinking out sector recognises its responsibility to help people live safe and healthy social lives. It is providing more and more information to consumers, whilst also providing a range of healthy food and drink options.

This sector wants to play a positive role in the economic and social life of the UK, and this manifesto sets out how Government can make this happen.

The Vision Of The Sector

Making Brexit work for pubs, bars,restaurants and their customers

The vote to leave the European Union in June 2016 has presented multiple challenges and opportunities to the hospitality sector and this will be a focus for business and Government in coming years, and ALMR will continue to work towards a solution.

Already, businesses have seen cost increases as a result of the fall in Sterling, resulting in higher consumer costs or reduced margins. On the flipside, there is evidence that the exchange rate movement has contributed to increased tourism, thereby benefiting hospitality. Employees are also affected. It is estimated that nearly 200,000 employees are from EU member states, or 11% of the total sector workforce. This is much higher in certain areas, particularly major cities across the UK.

The sector needs clarity. Firstly, on access to labour. Despite some assurances there is still uncertainty amongst the existing workforce as to what their employment status will be post-Brexit. ALMR believes that, as a minimum, all EU citizens present in the UK when Article 50 was triggered should have a right to work in the UK.

In the future, there must be action to prevent shortages of labour in the vital hospitality sector. A visa system that allows those from overseas to work in this sector would provide such a solution. The sector is committed to working with home-grown talent, providing skills, training and a career, but a cliff-edge must be avoided.

Cost price inflation could be exacerbated by a trade deal that did not provide for as free a trade as possible with the EU. We therefore urge Government to prioritise a deal with that leads to minimal or no trade barriers on the import of food and drink.

There are, however, longer-term opportunities outside of the EU, provided the conditions for growth are right. The ALMR would urge Government to use such new powers to reduce VAT on pub and restaurant food. Additionally, trade deals with third nations should aim to reduce tariffs on food. A review of the scope of EU laws should be carried out to remove any unnecessary regulation.

Principles of reform

Championing investment in the high street through root and branch reform of business rates

Ensuring Brexit delivers for our current and future workforce needs, avoiding a cliff edge, and including a transitionary period

Supporting our Evening and Night Time Economy (ENTE) deliver a world class customer experience through a transformative policy led by a National Night Czar

Endorsing our ambitious and dynamic industrial strategy sector deal; which develops home grown talent, reduces unnecessary business costs and promotes a fair, equitable and low tax regime

Policies to secure growth

The three areas below are the principles that underpin the success of the industry, with specific actions related to each. Critical to all of this is a positive outcome from Brexit negotiations and the reduction of regulatory burdens, where the industry and Government can work together.

Root & branch reform of the business rates regime with short-term reliefs extendedMaintain the independence of the Low Pay Commission (LPC) to set National Living & Minimum Wage ratesReduce VAT to stimulate demand and investmentReform of commercial leases

Implement the recommendations of the House of Lords Licensing Act 2003Committee, with the abolition of Late Night Levies & Early Morning Restriction OrdersA fair licensing fee regimeSupporting voluntary partnerships for healthier lifestylesA trade deal with the EU that ensures no import barriers on food and drink

Access to EU workers and the continued right to work for existing employeesIncentivise investment in apprenticeships and in-work trainingReform the planning systemAppoint national and regional night czars to promote the Evening andNight-time economy

Promoting free, fair and flexible markets

Reducing the unnecessary costs of doing business

Unlocking our potential for growth and investment in communities

Promoting free, fair and flexible markets

THE ISSUE

THE ANSWER

Root and branch reform of the business rates regime with short-term reliefs extended

The current business rates regime is rigged against hospitality businesses. In relation to turnover, pubs, bars and restaurants pay a disproportionate burden - over five times more than if the system was based on economic activity. The current system also penalises growth and investment, with higher turnover leading to higher rates. This issue is exacerbated by the move of retail to online platforms, benefiting virtual businesses at the expense of bricks and mortar ones.

The Chancellor rightly recognised this in the 2017 Budget, highlighting the need for the Government to ‘find a better way of taxing the digital part of the economy’. The introduction of a pub sector relief was also a signal that Government has recognised that business rates are unfair for hospitality businesses.

There is also a clear disadvantage vis-à-vis supermarkets. A pint sold in pubs, bars and restaurants will attract 18 pence in business rates, compared to 4p for a supermarket. The comparison for online alcohol retailers would be even more extreme.

It is imperative that the next Government brings forward an urgent root-and-branch review of business rates that commits to ensuring that online businesses pay their fair share. This must reduce the disproportionate burden that currently falls on hospitality businesses. The next revaluation should take place by 2021, allowing time for reforms to be developed, with revaluations at least every three years after that. From 2018 business rates changes should be linked to CPI. The turnover basis for pub valuations should also be reconsidered.

Until the reform of business rates has taken place it is necessary to ensure that eating and drinking out businesses receive reliefs to reduce the unfair burden they face and allow them to invest in their businesses and people. The ALMR believes that all pubs, bars and restaurants should receive relief up to £5,000 per annum.

THE ANSWER

Maintain the independence of the LPC to set National Living and Minimum Wage rates

THE ANSWER

THE ISSUE

Staff are absolutely critical to the success of eating and drinking out businesses, as demonstrated by its 1.6 million-strong workforce. This reliance on people means that the sector is particularly sensitive to employment costs. The average pub and restaurant business pays around 28% of its turnover in payroll costs.

The introduction of the National Living Wage (NLW) in April 2016 saw the Government set a target for the NLW of 60% of median earnings by 2020, projected at £9 per hour. In the first year this increased the NLW from £6.70 to £7.20, which then increased to £7.50 in April 2017. KPMG forecast that the first year increase would cost the hospitality sector £1.4 billion, and an extra £3.2 billion by 2020. The independent OBR forecast that up to 60,000 jobs could be lost in sectors like hospitality.

The sector is keen to ensure its employees are well paid and that it can offer a positive career pathway. Pubs and restaurants often offer the first job for young people and are a stepping stone from education to the working world.

Wage increases must not come at the expense of job losses. It is therefore imperative that the Low Pay Commission retains its independence in setting both the NLW and the NMW and that the actual rates take into account economic conditions. Market conditions are already having an impact on wage levels in certain locations, such as London, where hourly rates tend to be above the level of the NLW.

Further support could be given to employers to take on young people, including extending the employer National Insurance discount for hospitality to those up to the age of 25.

20

1010

IRELAND

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Hotels Reduction -14

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Restaurant Food

Alcohol in bars

99

23

SPAIN

Hotels

Restaurant Food

Alcohol in bars

101010

FRANCE

Alcohol in bars

5.520

2020

ITALY Restaurant Food

Alcohol in bars

UNITEDKINGDOM

Hotels

Restaurant Food

Alcohol in bars

Hotels 10

Hotels 10

Reduce VAT to stimulate demand and investment

THE ANSWER

THE ISSUE

The rate of VAT for the hospitality sector in the UK is amongst the highest in Europe, leading to higher costs for eating and drinking out. This acts as a disincentive to business activity and makes the UK a less attractive tourist destination. Tourism is the only export industry subject to VAT.

Across the EU, 13 member states have already applied a reduced rate of VAT to the hospitality sector. The evidence from these nations shows tourism and competitiveness are price sensitive and competition is eroded by higher taxes. The record in countries like France, Belgium, Finland, Germany and Ireland shows demonstrates that a reduction in VAT for hospitality stimulates investment, creates jobs and boost growth.

The same £100 meal in the UK would be over £8 cheaper in France and Spain, more than £9 lower in Ireland and nearly £12 lower in the Netherlands. Over the course of a week-long break such sums can begin to have a substantial impact on the appeal of a nation as a tourist destination, particularly when travelling as a family.

The UK already has the power to reduce the rate of VAT for food consumed out of the home, under EU law. This should be considered in the short term. A modest cut in the rate of VAT could lead to substantial increases in eating out, boosting jobs and economic activity, and levelling the playing field between hospitality and supermarkets. It will also provide a cost saving to consumers.

Longer-term, and post-Brexit, the UK is likely to have greater flexibility in its application of VAT. Whilst it is important that tax is simplified there is the opportunity to ensure that the VAT system supports labour-intensive sectors, such as hospitality.

20

1010

IRELAND

Stanndard Rate

Stanndard Rate

Stanndard Rate

Stanndard Rate

Stanndard Rate

Hotels Reduction -14

Reduction -14

Reduction 0

Reduction -11

Reduction -11

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Reduction -11

Reduction -14.5

Reduction 0

Reduction 0

Reduction 0

Reduction 0

Reduction -12

Reduction -12

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Restaurant Food

Alcohol in bars

99

23

SPAIN

Hotels

Restaurant Food

Alcohol in bars

101010

FRANCE

Alcohol in bars

5.520

2020

ITALY Restaurant Food

Alcohol in bars

UNITEDKINGDOM

Hotels

Restaurant Food

Alcohol in bars

Hotels 10

Hotels 10

Reform of commercial leases

THE ISSUE

THE ANSWER

Property is imperative to the operation of pubs, bars and restaurants and it is equally crucial that there is an efficient regime to support operators in their relationships with property owners. The way in which commercial leases function has broken down in recent years and needs to be reformed. This is important as around 10% of turnover is paid in rent.

There are clear examples of unfair practices in the property sector that are distorting high-streets and leading to inflated rental levels – which are detrimental to consumers, shifting capital to property owners. This sector is the only one where upward-only rent reviews are commonly applied and also one where long leases are necessary to ensure a worthwhile return of investment. These factors mean that properties values in the market do not operate as flexibly as they should, leading to increased rents and rates.

The business property sector needs to be made to work for businesses that generate economic activity, like pubs and restaurants.

It is critical that the Business Leasing Code is put on a statutory footing and that this ensures that this prevents upwards only rent reviews and quarterly up-front payment clauses, whilst going further to ensure that there is full transparency on service charges and rent comparables.

The voluntary code of practice on business leases also needs to be updated to ensure that it works for business, as much as it does for landlords, and is enforced. If this cannot be proven to work then the voluntary code needs to be given a legal basis.

In the pub sector, it is important that the Pub Code Adjudicator (PCA) is allowed to get on with the job at hand, but equally that the PCA is as transparent as possible to create greater certainty.

Reducing the unnecessary costs of doing business

THE ISSUE

THE ANSWER

Implement the recommendations of the House of Lords Licensing Act 2003 Committee

Since the Licensing Act 2003 was introduced across England and Wales in 2005 it has been added to and amended in more years than it has not. This has added unnecessary complexity for businesses without any demonstrable outcome. Examples of this are the Late Night Levy (LNLs) and and Early Morning Restriction Orders (EMROs) - which cut across partnership schemes and penalise responsible businesses. They also work against a thriving night-time economy.

That is why the ALMR welcomed the establishment of a House of Lords Committee to look into the effectiveness of the Act. The committee published its findings in early April 2017. Its report makes a number of recommendations that should be considered, and also highlighted the facts around the Act, including a 36% drop in alcohol-related violent crime since it came into force and a fall in alcohol consumption.

The report highlights the successes delivered by the Act. These include a ‘significant decrease in crime committed by persons under the influence of alcohol’ and the development of ‘a thriving night-time economy’. The fundamentals of the Act remain sound but it must be pared back and left to operate as was intended.

Government should look to respond to the House of Lords Committee’s considered report at the earliest opportunity, and act on its recommendations. This should include the abolition of Late Night Levies and Early Morning Restriction Orders. These are costly yet ineffective measures that have no place in the licensing regime. After making these improvements there needs to be a moratorium on changes to licensing for the remainder of the Parliament.

In their place the Government should incentivise partnership working at local level, which has been shown to deliver results. This should cover Pubwatches, Best Bar None and Community Alcohol Partnerships, as well as Business Improvement Districts.

THE ANSWER

THE ISSUE

A fair licensing regime

Licensing authorities have a statutory obligation to oversee the objectives of the Licensing Act and there is clearly a cost attached to this, paid by those businesses that are licensed. Across England and Wales the pub and restaurant sector pays around £14m in licensing fees – a substantial cost, and one which has increased substantially due to the business rates revaluation.

Licensing authorities have called for significant increases in the licence fee and for it to be set on a cost-recovery basis - this brings great risks. Local authorities should be promoting business growth through its powers, rather than charging for bureaucracy.

The call for an increase in the licence fee is not supported by any clear justification of why this needs to happen. As established throughout this document the sector pays an enormous amount in taxation and further increases in licence fees simply add further to the cost of doing business.

Allowing individual authorities to set their own fees risks an inefficient system, with councils treating the licensed trade sector as a cash-cow, leveraging the fact that an alcohol licence is fundamental to the operation of these businesses.

The ALMR believes that the annual licence fee sufficiently covers the cost of the licensing regime and ensures that local authorities operate in an efficient manner. We therefore do not believe there should be any increase in the annual cost of a licence.

It is also imperative that the licence fee is set at a national level, to prevent local authorities penalising local businesses to raise additional revenue. This also provides consistency and reduced red-tape for businesses that operate across different areas.

Local authorities should instead be looking at ways that they can support the eating and drinking out sector to generate local economic growth.

THE ISSUE

THE ANSWER

Support voluntary partnerships for healthier lifestyles

Eating and drinking out of home is a major part of the social lives of British people, with tens of millions of people visiting the country’s pubs, bars and restaurants every week. Operators can have a major influence on the food and drink that their customers consume, but ultimately, operators’ offerings must evolve to cater for customers’ tastes and demands.

The sector has therefore been working on providing a range of products that satisfy those that want to eat and drink out of home. Increasingly these have focused on healthier options, including reduced calorie meals, lower- and no-alcohol varieties of popular products and providing greater product information to consumers.

Partnership working on a voluntary basis has been proven to deliver results, such as the billion unit pledge and efforts to reduce salt content. Government and industry can agree on mutual benefits and then businesses can use their knowledge and expertise of both their customers and the sector in which they operate.

Government, at national and local level, should continue to draw upon the experience and knowledge of hospitality operators, working in partnership to develop a voluntary framework to provide an environment where customers are offered a wide variety of eating and drinking options that meet their needs but help to encourage healthy habits. This will ensure that businesses are not overly restricted, consumers can make informed choices without feeling coerced, and we can move towards a healthier society.

This can build on the ability of licensed premises to provide the safest environment in which to consume alcohol, and the work that is being done at local level to make going out in towns and cities a vibrant and enjoyable experience.

Fall of pound sterling

Already had an effect on business

An increase in the cost of raw materials / ingredients

Increased costs of imported goods

Increase in tourism

Increased staff costs in the out of home market

Decreased staff availability

Trade restrictions

35% Drink Led

75% Food Led

64%

60%

56%

18%

17%

15%

2% 24%

48%

54%

54%

37%

38%

29%

Don’t anticipate having an effect

Anticipate having an effect in 2017

Don’t thnk this is happening / will happen

CGA Business Leaders Survey, Jan 2017

A trade deal with the EU that ensures no import barriers on food and drink

THE ISSUE

THE ANSWER

The UK hospitality sector is a critical element of the UK food and drink supply chain, generating value throughout. The vast majority of beer and spirits sold in pubs and restaurants are produced in the UK. Additionally, the bulk of the food sold through these businesses is sourced domestically.

As well as the domestic produce that is sold there is also a consumer demand for overseas produce, whether it is Champagne or Prosecco, Camembert or Gorgonzola, chorizo or pâté – the sector must respond to the demands of its customers.

The vote to leave the European Union means that the UK will have a different relationship with the bloc than it does today. The existing free trade deal with the EU has been beneficial for business and for consumers, and this should continue.

The ALMR strongly believes that Brexit negotiations should aim for a trading regime for food and drink that has no trade barriers at all. This should involve no import tariffs, a smooth customs regime and relatively common standards between the UK and the EU.

Beyond the negotiation with the EU the UK Government should look to strike similar trade deals with third countries to eliminate import tariffs that currently exist, for example on New World wine.

Fall of pound sterling

Already had an effect on business

An increase in the cost of raw materials / ingredients

Increased costs of imported goods

Increase in tourism

Increased staff costs in the out of home market

Decreased staff availability

Trade restrictions

35% Drink Led

75% Food Led

64%

60%

56%

18%

17%

15%

2% 24%

48%

54%

54%

37%

38%

29%

Don’t anticipate having an effect

Anticipate having an effect in 2017

Don’t thnk this is happening / will happen

CGA Business Leaders Survey, Jan 2017

55% of all FTE jobs filled by migrant labour

© WSTA / Ernst & Young

Since 2012 +46% increase in EU labour

NON EULABOUR

7%

Unlocking our potential for growth and investment in communities

THE ANSWER

THE ISSUE

Access to EU workers and the continued right to work for existing employees

The eating and drinking out sector is a major employer across the UK, with 1.6 million people working directly in the industry. Amongst this workforce around a quarter are non-EU nationals, with around half of these being from EU members. This means the sector employs around 180,000 EU nationals, with an increase of 46% since 2011. These colleagues are hard-working and help the sector to provide a valuable service.

The sector is committed to developing its UK workforce but there is a need for overseas staff, at least in the short-term. Part of this is due to the relatively low level of unemployment in the UK.

This is a critical issue for the eating and drinking out sector and must be an early part of the negotiations with the European Union. The sector will play its part in developing its domestic workforce and enhancing productivity but this will take time.

There are three key areas for the ALMR; firstly it is important to resolve the issue of the right to remain for existing staff. The ALMR believes that all staff who were working in the UK ahead of the triggering of Article 50 should have a permanent right to work in the UK, and this could be extended to later arrivals too.

The second area of importance is the introduction of measures that will give the hospitality sector access to overseas staff – including a variant of the proposed ‘barista visa’.

Finally, there needs to be a review of the current system for non-EU workers. The current points-based system could be improved to ensure it meets skills shortages and is fair to Commonwealth citizens by providing visa for lower-skilled roles.

55% of all FTE jobs filled by migrant labour

© WSTA / Ernst & Young

Since 2012 +46% increase in EU labour

NON EULABOUR

7%

Incentivise investment in people by lowering employment costs

THE ISSUE

THE ANSWER

The sector is a major employer and therefore a major investor in people and their lives. A job and a career in hospitality can be critical to personal development, with businesses investing £1,000 each year in each employee through training. The ALMR therefore believes that Government should do more to encourage employers to take on staff.

The sector is working to demonstrate the career pathway that it can deliver, and in particular the potential for rapid progression to be managing a business unit with a turnover of over £1 million. The education system to date has not promoted the broader hospitality industry as a long-term option for young people.

Ongoing career development is critical and the Apprenticeship Levy will help with this. Outside of this, businesses need support to invest in broader technical skills and for smaller businesses to be able to access the apprenticeship regime.

Abolish employer NICs for under-25s and vulnerable groups in the eating and drinking out sector, helping it to employ more people and enrich their lives. Government should also consider other measures that encourage employment.

A fund should also be made available for workforce skills development outside of the apprenticeship regime, as has been proposed elsewhere. This will help the sector retain and improve their staff for mutual benefit. The Apprenticeship Levy should also be reviewed to ensure that it is providing sufficient incentive for skills development, particularly for smaller businesses.

THE ANSWER

THE ISSUE

Reform the planning system

The current planning system deters investment on the high street. Too much complexity in the system adds costs to many planning decisions. The current property definitions also fail to recognise the changing use of business properties, particularly in the licensed trade sector, where a building could operate across a number of planning categories.

Residential development can also have an impact on businesses. A common issue is where residents in new housing near a club or pub object to noise associated with those businesses. The ‘Agent of Change’ principle places responsibility for mitigating any negative impacts on the organisation driving the change. For example, developers of new flats would need to soundproof them, whilst a new club would need to include similar measures.

Merging the A3 and A4 planning categories would recognise the increasingly blurred boundaries between eating and drinking establishments. Government should also provide more flexibility to convert office buildings and shops into eating out venues to avoid properties standing empty on the high-street. Action to protect property is welcome but measures such as Assets of Community Value can add bureaucracy to the system and this mechanism should also be reconsidered.

The ALMR has welcomed moves by the Mayor of London to introduce the ‘Agent of Change’ principle to London to protect its late-night venues. We believe this policy should inform all such planning decisions across the country.

THE ANSWER

THE ISSUE

Appoint national and regional night czars to promote the ENTE

The UK has a diverse and dynamic licensed trade that covers all parts of the day. The evening and late-night economy element is critical to this but is often held back by regulation, planning issues and a lack of a clear strategy at local and national level.

This can add costs to businesses that can prove unbearable to businesses operating in this culturally rich part of the economy. It can also lead to conflicts with local residents that could be resolved with a practical approach to the challenges that both sides face.

The night-time economy across the UK is estimated to contribute £66 billion in economic activity. London has embraced the prosperity the sector can bring and is actively pursuing a strategy to build on this success but there is not enough of a concerted effort nationally or in other regions to do this.

To recognise the importance and growth potential of the evening and night-time economy the ALMR strongly believes that Government should appoint a national Night Czar to promote the ENTE.

To build on this we would call on all elected mayors to consider introducing one to build a network of vibrant nightlife environments across the country. Both national and regional mayors should take into account the range of issues that affect the ENTE, including business rates, licensing, planning and partnership working.

To ensure that additional residential property does not impinge on the ability of existing operators to run their businesses we strongly recommend that the ‘Agent of Change’ principle is adopted nationwide. This would ensure that housing developments are appropriate to their local area.

Photo credits: Mitchells & Butlers, Beds & Bars, Living Ventures

Supporting our members

We want to see a free, fair and flexible market which unlocks our potential for investment, rewards responsible retailers and reduces the cost of

doing business.

We seek to achieve this by:

Championing and promoting the reputation of theindustry at a national and local level

Providing an evidence base for informed decision making and assessing policy and regulatory impacts

Working in partnership with authorities on areas ofcommon cause

Showcasing industry best practice to decision makers andopinion formers

For more information:Kate Nicholls

Chief Executive, ALMRTel: 020 8579 2080

Email: knicholls@almr.org.uk

@ALMRInfowww.almr.org.uk