Among the first acts of David Cameron's premiership was a speech on the great value of the tourism industry to the UK economy. So is he helping or hindering? This is what the supplier associations think
The government needs to move more quickly
Keith Warren
Director, Catering Equipment Suppliers' Association
We'd like to see the Government move more quickly. For example, in the food service sector there's a great opportunity to help achieve the twin goals of a low-carbon economy and support for business by adding more product categories to the Carbon Trust's Enhanced Capital Allowance scheme. This work needs to move faster.
Funding cuts mean that some projects and work within our sector won't be fulfilled. On the positive side, we welcome the abolition of the Regional Development Agencies - provided the Government now picks up its direct contacts with trade associations in order to get best value out of the relationships we have with our industry. This work can help generate business growth and increase exports. The Government needs to engage directly with us.
Speed up public-sector decision making
Robin McKnight
Managing director, CEDA
The real issue lies with the public sector cut-backs which have already had an impact on many CEDA members, with several school refurbishment projects being cancelled, though members are likely to be hit more in this and subsequent financial years, where we have seen and will continue to see distributors who focus on the public sector trying to change tack and focus instead on the private sector.
With the private sector still struggling to get going, many CEDA members have reported that final decision making on many projects is elongating as they wait for the sluggish economy to improve.
Despite all the gloom, trading in general is holding up and, in some instances, improving, which really gives an idea of how challenging the industry was last year.
How do you think the Coalition Government is performing for hospitality? Tell us at Table Talk.