Latest News

No financial respite for the Hospitality, Leisure & Tourism Sector

The recent Budget provided little to no relief to hospitality, leisure and tourism businesses - a sector battling relentless increases to costs, wages and taxes, compounded by falling disposable income levels among consumers.

Employment Rights Bill - Planned delivery and progress through Parliament

The Employment Rights Bill is scheduled to receive its third reading in the House of Lords. Hailed as representing ‘the biggest upgrade in employment rights for a generation’ the Bill will introduce a string of significant reforms from as early as April 2026. In this article we look at the measures impacting an employers payroll obligations and costs.

Does a tourist tax help or hurt local tourism?

Recent months and years have seen more and more areas proposing to introduce a “tourism tax” on visitors. 

Inheritance Tax: Business Property Relief Important Changes

There has been much media attention on the impact of proposed Inheritance Tax (IHT) changes on the farming community but it is important to emphasise that these changes will affect not only farmers, but all businesses including sole traders, partnerships and companies.

Changes to lease accounting – how will this impact your financial statements? 

Businesses will soon be required to capitalise operating leases as a ‘right of use’ asset following a significant change under FRS 102, the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and the Republic of Ireland.

Changes to business rates and targeted retail, hospitality and leisure support

One announcement at the 2024 Autumn Budget, that may well have slipped through the net of some businesses, is the changes to business rates. Businesses will need to ensure that their rateable value for the property is fair and updated.

Cyber threats in the hospitality, leisure and tourism sector: Are You Prepared?

Tourism and hospitality businesses are increasingly exposed to cybercrime and fraud. Hotels, restaurants, travel agencies, and leisure companies routinely process sensitive customer data, including bookings, payment details, and personal information – making them appealing targets for cyber criminals.

Kitchen Rivals presents unique insight into hospitality business for sector lead

Armstrong Watson's Matt Hutton works closely with many hospitality businesses but was given a unique insight into the sector when he took part in the Kitchen Rivals charity event in Cumbria. 

Six tips for a successful business expansion in 2025

Every business looking to expand needs to have a detailed vision of what it wants to achieve – whether this is expanding into new markets, attracting new customers, developing new products or services, or acquiring another business.

To do this successfully there are a few things to consider:

Reminder of holiday pay reforms for employers operating January to December annual leave

Employers operating annual leave on a calendar year basis will need to prepare ahead of the new holiday pay changes for seasonal and irregular hours workers impacting them from January 2025.