Members News
Industry News
Hospitality set for 2,076 closures, without sector-wide business rates solution
New modelling from UKHospitality reveals that six hospitality venues could close every day in 2026, if the Government doesn’t introduce a hospitality-wide solution to avert significant business rates increases in April.
The Caterer unveils new Pastry Chef of Year award for 2026 Cateys
Launched to celebrate creativity and distinction within the discipline, Pastry Chef of the Year is open to pastry chefs from all areas of the hospitality industry.
Hospitality braces for increases to alcohol duty
Pubs, bars and restaurants could face more cost pressures next month as government prepares to uprate all alcohol duty rates in line with the Retail Price Index (RPI) at 3.66%. HMRC conceded the measure could have “some impact” on the industry as alcohol suppliers increase wholesale prices to reflect the uprating.
Christmas party season drives strong November for UK hotels
A surge in festive banqueting and Christmas celebrations drove the success of the hotel market in November, according to RSM UK. Consumer behaviour in 2025 reflected a decisive shift towards experiences, with the RSM Hotels Tracker showing hotel occupancy rose from 75% in early 2024 to 78% by the end of 2025 as consumers traded up on travel.
Event Related News
Still time to step up and share what matters at The Meetings Show 2026
The Meetings Show has extended its 2026 call for speakers, opening the door to more industry voices ready to share ideas, insights and stories that inspire.
Cvent trends report offers wealth of insight on reshaping events in the 2026 landscape
The new report offers clear insight and perspectives as event professionals look to chart a smart course across today’s uncertain economic and political landscape.
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 renews cycling’s French connection with Grand Départ host city role
The international sporting spotlight is set to shine on Leeds once again following its confirmation as a host location for the Grand Départ of 2027’s Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift. The first ever visit to Britain by the world’s biggest women’s professional cycle race will get under way in the city on July 30 next year.
Leaders welcome Northern Powerhouse Rail commitment but call for “spades in the ground”
Progress on long-delayed plans for Northern Powerhouse Rail has been welcomed, but leaders have urged the government to bring forward the scheme as soon as possible. The first phase of work will prioritise upgrades and electrification between Leeds-Sheffield, Leeds-York and Leeds-Bradford.
