Merlin Entertainments chief executive Nick Varney is to take over as chairman of the British Hospitality Association from Alan Parker on January 1.
Varney will join the BHA Board of Directors, working with chief executive Ufi Ibrahim and the executive team in the important lead up to the general election and the new political environment that will follow.
His immediate priority will be to make all political parties aware of the importance of the hospitality and tourism sector both in economic terms and as a key employer, particularly for 16-24 year olds; highlighting the key issues the industry is looking for any new administration to address.
He said: “Now with a general election imminent we have a very short window of time to build on this, and to make sure that the economic and social importance of the hospitality and tourism sector is understood by all political parties; and that our issues are on their agenda for the future.
“I see the key challenges here as:
- Price competitiveness. UK VAT at 20% means we are not operating on a level playing field with the rest of the world
- Emerging Markets. The UK is failing to gain our fair share of business and visitors from new markets like China and Russia due to short sighted visa policies
- The need for enlightened employment legislation that does not jeopardise industry growth/ jobs
- The development of a robust skills agenda to ensure we are able to identify and recruit the right people to realise the sector growth potential
- The need for a more efficient planning process, which encourages rather than restricts further development
“All of which would result both in increased revenue for the Exchequer, and the creation of new jobs, particularly for young people, and one assumes therefore priorities for all parties, whatever their colour.“
Ibrahim said: “Alan Parker has been a true ambassador for the hospitality industry and on behalf of all the BHA members and partners I’d like to thank him for his tireless support and enthusiasm as well as welcoming Nick Varney as his successor.
“We are delighted to welcome Nick as the BHA’s new chairman. In the build up to the general election there’s a big task ahead of us to ensure that hospitality and tourism achieve high priority status on the government’s agenda.
“Nick’s reputation for results-driven success precedes him, and his experience and expertise will be invaluable to guide and shape our focus as we evolve.”
Parker will retain his role as BHA president.