Chester South and Eddisbury MP Aphra Brandreth has spoken out in Parliament to defend the region’s pubs, cafés, restaurants and breweries during a debate on the future of the hospitality sector, called by the Conservatives on Wednesday, 3rd September.
In her contribution, Aphra highlighted how vital hospitality is to Cheshire’s economy, with 215 local businesses in accommodation and food services supporting around 4,000 jobs, nearly one in ten local jobs. The sector contributes an estimated £370 million in Cheshire East and £390 million in Cheshire West and Chester each year.
Aphra explained,
“Hospitality is all too often overlooked, yet it is one of the most vital pillars not just of our economy, but of our communities. From pubs and cafés to family-run breweries, these businesses are at the heart of our local towns and villages, but they are being punished by this Government with higher taxes and more regulation.”
Drawing on conversations with local business leaders, Aphra shared their concerns. Woody Barlow, who runs The Swan in Tarporley and The Lion in Malpas, spoke of his worries for young people, as a first job in a pub can be vital in gaining skills, confidence and teamwork. William Lees-Jones, Managing Director of JW Lees Brewery, warned that changes to business property relief could halt the creation of 178 new jobs. Jake, from The Fire Station café in Malpas, highlighted rising costs, while Aphra praised the Chatty Café scheme at Tilly’s in Bunbury as proof of the wider role cafés play in tackling loneliness.
She added:
“Pubs and cafés are about more than a pint or a coffee. They provide jobs, train young people, host community groups, and keep people connected. I will continue to speak up for our local hospitality businesses, because without them, our rural communities would be so much poorer.”
