Local Hospitality

This morning, I attended a really important meeting to discuss the reality of the hospitality sector in the Forest of Dean and beyond.

Alongside Phil at The Farmer's Boy Inn, I met with Wayne Childes from The King’s Arms, Newent; Wayne Edge from Flamin Edges at The Yew Tree, Longhope; Mark Terry-Lush from the Wye Valley & Forest of Dean Tourism Board; and Jonathan Lane, the District Council’s Cabinet Member for the Economy.

The hospitality sector plays a vital role in community life across the Forest of Dean; creating local jobs, supporting the local economy, attracting visitors, and, crucially, bringing people together.

During the meeting, I agreed to work with local hospitality businesses to ensure the voice of the Forest is heard in Westminster.

The steps forward include:

• Working with colleagues in Westminster to create a representative voice for the hospitality sector.

  
  

• Writing to Rachel Reeves, the Chancellor of the Exchequer, to share perspectives from within the industry.

  
  

• Spending time working shifts in local pubs to better understand the day-to-day realities of the hospitality industry and reflect those experiences at a national level.

  
  

• Engaging regularly with local hospitality businesses and workers to listen to their views and ensure they are reflected in wider discussions.

I am grateful for the productive and constructive conversation we had, and I’m really looking forward to working closely with everyone involved, and many more, as we move forward.