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Northern Ireland Hospitality VAT Pilot “a No-Brainer”
06 November 2026
Hospitality leaders have called on the UK Government to support a four-year VAT pilot in Northern Ireland, describing it as an opportunity to unlock growth, protect jobs and strengthen the wider economy.
BDO NI Autumn Budget Headlines & Reaction
29 October 2026
Chancellor John Healey has delivered his first Autumn Budget, setting out the Government’s tax and spending plans for the year ahead. The Budget focused on fiscal stability, cost-of-living support and measures intended to encourage business investment.
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Reactive statement from Hospitality Ulster on UK Budget
28 October 2026
CEO Colin Neill reacts to disappointing UK Budget "The Budget announcements will take time to fully assess, and we will be looking closely at what they mean for hospitality businesses in Northern Ireland."
Hospitality Ulster Welcomes Call for 10% VAT Pilot in NI
22 October 2026
Hospitality Ulster has welcomed a recommendation from the Northern Ireland Affairs Committee for a four-year pilot reducing VAT on food and accommodation in Northern Ireland to 10%, following sustained lobbying by the hospitality sector over the tax burden facing local businesses.
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INVITATION - VATS THE PROBLEM
21 October 2026
Join us as we come together to highlight the challenges facing the hospitality sector and call for change to support the future of our industry.
From Resilience to Growth: Building a Stronger Future for Northern Ireland Hospitality
15 September 2026
The recent success of the Fleadh in Belfast, together with The Open at Royal Portrush last year, demonstrates the considerable economic value of Northern Ireland’s hospitality and tourism industry. Major events attract visitors, spending and international exposure, with benefits extending beyond hotels, bars and restaurants to local suppliers, employment and communities. However, strong visitor numbers do not automatically translate into sustainable profitability. For hospitality businesses, the operating environment remains exceptionally challenging. A higher rate of VAT than competitors in the Republic of Ireland and several European markets, alongside business rates, rising wages and increased food and energy costs, continues to compress margins and constrain investment. The key question is therefore not simply how Northern Ireland attracts more visitors, but how the sector converts demand into profitable, sustainable growth.