Members News
Industry News
Government to integrate VOA with HMRC from April
The Valuation Office Agency (VOA) will be integrated into HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) from 1 April 2026. The change would not affect the delivery of core or statutory services, including business rates valuation checks and challenges.
UKHospitality CEO: ‘It’s a really hard time to be in hospitality’
Speaking at the Norther Restaurant & Bar Show 2026 in Manchester, Simpson said cost pressures such as increased business rates and employer National Insurance contributions meant “really good businesses are full and still cannot turn a profit”.
UK Hospitality Venues Remain Busy as Consumers Spend Longer but Drink More Carefully
Cconsumers are now spending an average of 145 minutes in venues, reinforcing the continued shift towards longer, more experience-led occasions. Average spend currently sits at £26.83 per visit, suggesting that while guests continue to prioritise social occasions, they are managing their budgets carefully.
Anti-terror officials launch new course for venues
Officially titled the SFJ Level 3 Award in Counter Terrorism Protective Security and Preparedness, the new professional qualification is developed by the National Counter Terrorism Security Office (NaCTSO) and certification provider SFJ Awards.
Event Related News
AI, venues, and collective intelligence: why we need to press pause
Thomas Mauch from Bella Center urged hospitality and event venues to slow down, align on principles, and define how AI should be used responsibly across our ecosystem, as the industry currently lacks governance.
Corporate events bring £19bn to UK economy
Booking.com for business published latest report revealing the growing economic impact of corporate events in the UK. Business event spending is rising faster than inflation in the UK, with delegates staying longer and generating £19.3 billion of direct expenditure.
LHVA News
Charity Partner Announcement:
SNAPS Yorkshire CIO
We’re proud to announce that our charity partner for the next 12 months is SNAPS Yorkshire, a wonderful organisation dedicated to supporting children with additional needs and their families.
SNAPS offers so much more than just therapy. They create a welcoming space where children can enjoy activities like hydrotherapy, rebound therapy, football, dance, and swimming – giving them the chance to be active, have fun, and build confidence. Just as importantly, SNAPS provides a vital community for parents and carers, offering friendship, understanding, and a place to share experiences.
At the Leeds Hotels and Venues Association, we’re committed to supporting our community, and we’re delighted to be working with SNAPS to help them continue this incredible work.
All proceeds from the LHVA Awards and other fundraising activities this year will go directly to SNAPS, and we’re honoured to play a part in making a positive impact. We’re excited to share the start of our partnership and look forward to working together to raise funds and awareness for such a deserving cause.
Find out more about SNAPS Yorkshire and their mission here.
Now available for 2026 and 2027:
25% LNER Rail Discount
We are pleased to announce that the partnership between LNER and Conference Leeds has been renewed for 2026 and 2027!
We are once again able to offer a 25% delegate rail discount to support delegates who travel to conferences and meetings in Leeds in a more sustainable way.
Bookings can be made through the link below with the code CONLEE28.
This offer is to be made available once an event has been contracted with an event organiser and the code must not be shared via social media. Any misuse of the code by venues or event organisers will lead to deactivation.
For events booked directly with Conference Leeds at your venue, the code will be sent by our team and does not need sharing again.
We would appreciate your cooperation in keeping a log of the clients who have been offered the code; this will help us with the evaluation process required by LNER. We will be in touch on a quarterly basis to ask for this information.
For further information or if you have any questions, please contact carine.mills@conferenceleeds.co.uk or the team info@conferenceleeds.co.uk.
Leeds sets out a landmark year of opportunity as the city prepares to move major projects into delivery
With billions in economic potential and multiple nationally significant programmes advancing in 2026, Leeds confirms it is ready to move from vision to delivery this year, including The Royal Armouries Tiltyard and Elnd Road transformation.
Opera North has announced its 2026 to 2027 season: Big, bold and brilliantly dramatic
Opera North has unveiled its 2026 to 2027 season, bringing a packed programme of new productions, returning favourites, and audience-friendly ticket offers to Leeds and beyond.
Peter Rabbit™ Set to Bring Free Live Easter Storytime to The Merrion Centre, Leeds
On Wednesday 15th April (11am-3pm), the world famous bunny will appear in The Green on the Centre’s main mall for a series of interactive story time sessions – offering families a fun, accessible and cost-free way to celebrate the school Easter holidays in the heart of the city.
