Forming alliances between trade associations and professional bodies is essential for the future strength of the hospitality industry, British Hospitality Association (BHA) chief executive Bob Cotton told more than 500 members at the BHA annual luncheon earlier this month.
In the past few months, the BHA has teamed up with the National Farmers Union, the Food and Drink Federation and the British Retail Consortium to present a united front on issues relating to food.
Other link-ups the BHA has forged include the Tourism Alliance, its merger with the Restaurant Association, its membership of the Best Practice Forum, and its alliance with the British Beer and Pub Association and Business in Sport and Leisure to co-ordinate a trade response to new licensing laws.
Cotton said that a Sector Skills Council for the hospitality, leisure, tourism, travel, and attractions industries was expected to be operational by the end of the year, provided there was proper funding.