Kate Nicholls OBE, CEO of UKHospitality and one of the industry’s most respected and influential voices, will be at the Bacta Convention leading a session covering the key topics and challenges facing the sector entitled ‘Adding value to the hospitality equation.’

In a recent survey more than half of hospitality businesses said they would reduce investment and cut jobs without rates support and Kate Nicholl’s address will focus on the need for continued financial assistance, root and branch reform of business rates, the related challenges of skills and labour shortages as well as the thorny issue of sector reputation with a nod to arcades and pubs. 

The Hospitality panel hosted by Nicola Wallbank (Director of Sales and Accounts, Blueprint Operations), and comprising Shakila Neill (Gaming Manager, Moto Hospitality), Sue Cooke (Managing Director, UK TouchTunes/SoundNet) and Dawn Clarke (Head of Electronic Leisure, Mitchells & Butler) will pick-up and develop the core themes including an exploration of the role of music, low-stake gaming and pool as examples of value adding parts of the hospitality offer as well as key revenue streams.