ONTRADEMAGAZINE.CO.UK
SEPTEMBER 2026 Official Partners
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Welcome to the September edition of OnTrade Magazine – and what a special issue we have for you. This month, we’re celebrating the very best of the hospitality and night time industries as we bring you the official gallery from the OnTrade Awards 2026. We’ve captured all the highlights from what was a special evening, with plenty of fantastic photographs showcasing the people, personalities and moments that made the night so memorable. Of course, the stars of the evening were our incredible 2026 winners, and in this issue we’re delighted to share the full list of those who picked up an award on the night. From established names to rising stars, the awards recognise the talent, dedication and outstanding contribution of people and businesses across the industry. We’re proud to celebrate every winner and everyone who made the shortlist — your achievements are what make the OnTrade community so special. Finally, a huge thank you to everyone who attended and helped make the OnTrade Awards 2026 such a success. We’re incredibly grateful to our event partners for their support, to everyone who took the time to cast their votes, and to every guest who joined us to celebrate the industry together. Without you, the evening simply wouldn’t be possible. We hope you enjoy looking back through the photographs, celebrating the winners and reliving some of the highlights from a brilliant night. Here’s to the people who make the on-trade great WE REALLY DO LOVE YOU!
WELCOME
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WHY? IS THE INDUSTRY JUST GETTING LIP SERVICE
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RATES
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ONTRADE AWARDS
UKHOSPITALITY RESPOINDS TO BUSINESS RATES REVIEW
THE WINNERS
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MICHAEL KILL INDUSTRY CHAMPION
Justin Wingate Director at TopGunMedia Fiona Gauld Production - info@topgunmedia.co.uk For press enquires or advertising opportunists please call or email: Email: info@topgunmedia.co.uk Telephone: 0141 556 4111
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NEWS
HONEYSHADE TO LAUNCH ABOVE CENTRAL PARK HOTEL
Honeyshade, a new all-day restaurant and bar, will open above Central Park Hotel on Queenborough Terrace in mid-September 2026, bringing a British brasserie concept with Levantine influences to one of London’s most closely watched hospitality markets. The opening lands at a pivotal moment for Bayswater. Traditionally regarded as a transit point for visitors to central London, the neighbourhood is undergoing a significant repositioning, driven by the redevelopment of Whiteleys and sustained investment in residential, hospitality, and public-realm projects. Honeyshade has been conceived to serve this shift directly, targeting both the area’s growing residential base and its established visitor footfall with a venue built for repeat, all-day use rather than a single occasion.
Set moments from Hyde Park and Kensington Palace, Honeyshade occupies a distinctive rooftop position in the heart of Bayswater. The rooftop has been designed as a garden pavilion, with natural light, extensive planting and a material palette intended to soften the line between the interior dining room and the terrace. The all-day concept has been designed to evolve throughout the day, from breakfast and lunch through to evening dining and drinks. The kitchen’s output centres on British brasserie staples - seasonal produce, premium steaks and sharingformat dishes - layered with Levantine technique and flavour. A stone oven will produce manakeesh alongside homemade oven-baked flatbreads, while the live grill showcases premium steaks, carefully sourced seafood and slow-cooked dishes over open flame.
SAZERAC’S BIG BET ON AU VODKA 3rd Annual Awards as headline partner , has become a symbol of a generation. Now that distinctly modern formula has attracted one of the biggest names in American spirits. Sazerac, the New Orleans-based drinks group behind brands including Fireball, Southern Comfort and Buffalo Trace, is reportedly in advanced talks to acquire Welsh vodka maker Au Vodka in a deal potentially worth up to £500 million. The reported price would make the transaction a remarkable payday for founders Charlie Morgan and Jackson Quinn, who launched the company in 2015.
The American spirits giant is preparing to pay as much as £500 million for the Welsh vodka brand that turned social-media swagger into a global drinks business. There was a time when the route to the top of the spirits business ran through oak barrels, venerable distilleries and generations-old recipes. Au Vodka has taken a different road: gold bottles, loud flavours, celebrity cameos and an instinctive understanding of the social culture. The brand , launched into the on trade at OnTrade Magazine 4
Neither the reported valuation nor the transaction’s completion should be treated as final at this stage. But the prospect of Sazerac taking control of Au Vodka tells a larger story about where the spirits industry is heading. Au Vodka began as an unlikely proposition: a premiumlooking vodka brand built not around centuries of heritage but around contemporary culture. Its signature gold bottles became instantly recognisable, while flavours such as black grape, blue raspberry and bubblegum pushed the brand toward a younger, more experimental drinking audience. Social media became as important to its growth as traditional drinks marketing. ONTRADEMAGAZINE.CO.UK
NEWS
EDINBURGH CRAFT BREWER KICKS OFF NEW DEAL WITH CITY BAR MAKEOVER
One of Edinburgh’s leading craft breweries has been named as the official local craft beer partner for a ‘hidden gem’ bar in the heart of the Old Town. Cold Town Beer is teaming up with Kick Ass Bar for the first time to help launch an exciting new outdoor beer garden, with seating for up to 45 Edinburgh beer lovers and visitors to the city. The Kick Ass beer garden on Candlemaker Row has recently been transformed for festival season and features Cold Town Beer’s signature candy stripes and bold brand colours. The equivalent of around 3,000 pints of Cold Town Beer have already been poured at the new-look Kick Ass Bar since the new partnership began during this year’s festival, including the brewery’s multi-award-winning Crisp Craft Lager and Baltic IPA.
Cold Town Beer is now also the official local craft beer partner for Kick Ass Hostels in the Grassmarket and Greyfriars, which welcome UK-wide and international visitors to Edinburgh, including people from the USA, France, Germany and Ireland. Kick Ass Bar takes centre stage in one of Edinburgh’s busiest visitor destinations. The Grassmarket attracts more than two million visitors each year, with the area becoming a particular focal point during the summer festival season. This new partnership with Kick Ass Bar and Hostels is the latest milestone on the rapid growth trajectory of Cold Town Beer, which has become a significant name on the craft beer scene in its Edinburgh hometown and beyond. The Edinburgh beer brand will remain the exclusive tipple of choice at Kick Ass Bar and Hostels throughout autumn and winter 2026 until the end of August 2027.
GLASGOW LAUNCHES SEARCH FOR SCOTLAND’S FIRST AFTER DARK ECONOMY MANAGER Glasgow is seeking a new ‘Night Manager’ to help lead one of Europe’s most exciting and dynamic after-dark scenes. The first role of its kind in Scotland, the successful candidate will work with the newly established Night-Time Economy Commission and boost Glasgow’s reputation as a leading international nightlife destination. The role has been designed to support the dedicated sector leadership at a time when nightlife operators continue to face significant challenges around operating costs, transport, regulation and changing consumer behaviour. Employed by Glasgow City Council, the Night-Time Economy Manager will be the vital link between the local authority, hospitality and entertainment operators and key
stakeholders to drive practical improvements which enhance the after-dark offer. Priorities will include implementing emerging action plans from the Commission and the recently launched Nightshift strategy document, advocating for the sector, and working with partners to improve public safety, transport connectivity and the overall customer experience. Cllr Angus Millar is co-chair of the cross-sectoral City Centre Taskforce and is the council’s political lead on the city centre. He said: “This is a genuinely exciting and generational opportunity to shape the future of Glasgow’s world class night-time offer. With the Commission, we’ve got the respected and expert voices to champion for positive change. The NightTime Manager will be absolutely key to delivering that change. 5
FEATURE
WHY IS THE INDUSTRY JUST GETTING LIP SERVICE? Head of OnTrade Magazine Justin Wingate has today posed a direct question to both The Prime Minister Andy Burnham & Scottish First Minister John Swinney. In a public open letter to both leaders, also posted on LinkedIn Wingate asked the question on many across the industries lips WHY? He wrote: “I am REALLY struggling …. There are 2 fundamental issues that are destroying the hospitality industry just now that are closing on average 2 Venues PER DAY and without reform and meaningful change to these two issues Andy Burnham ‘s Uk Government & John Swinney ‘s The Scottish Government will be failing business and proactivly allowing jobs to be lost , livelihoods to be lost and communities to be destroyed.” Non Domestic Rates (Scotland) A system where there is ABSOLUTELY no justifiable measurement to the increases with some venues assessed to be increasing by 481% …..481% This is verging on EXTORTION in my personal opinion as if this were a private landlord they would be hauled before a court and it would not be allowed … so why is it that John 6
Swinney is not acting immediately on it to reform it? Uk Gov announced a reduction however for the second time Scottish Government has not passed this on. Why? VAT With over 360,000 signatures to a public campaign #VatIsTheProblem championed by many figures across the industry like Sacha Lord FIH , Michael Kill , UKHospitality , Kate Nicholls OBE , Emma McClarkin OBE FIH , Donald MacLeod , Silvana Kill , Scottish Licensed Trade Association , The Scottish Hospitality Group , mario gizzi Richard Harris , Night Time Industries Association, Tom Kerridge Dean Banks, OnTrade Magazine and many many more informing and advising that a reduction of #Vat to 10% for hospitality in line with other European countries would not only help stop the rot across the industry but would proactivly stimulate growth , employment , expansion and the economy and investment as well as encouraging the banking sector and creditors in the sector. ONTRADEMAGAZINE.CO.UK
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UKHOSPITALITY RESPONDS TO BUSINESS RATES VALUATION REVIEW The trade body said the review was ‘much-needed’ but action to reduce rates bills sector-wide at the Budget is still vital. The independent review, led by business rates expert Jerry Schurder, will consider how pubs and hotels are valued and will bring forward recommendations by the end of March 2027. UKHospitality said the review signals positive mediumterm reform, but must be coupled with action at the Budget to address rising business rates bills across the whole hospitality sector. Allen Simpson, Chief Executive of UKHospitality, said: “I’m pleased the Government is looking seriously at the valuation methodology for pubs and hotels. When you have rateable values doubling or tripling at a revaluation, that is the clearest sign yet that the system is broken and in need of proper reform. “While this much-needed review is positive, it is mediumterm reform that will not solve the immediate financial 8
challenges caused by rising business rates bills. “The average hotel is experiencing their rates bills rise by 110% over the next three years, with restaurants seeing rises of 54%. Combined, they employ more than 1.7 million people. They will, justifiably, be expecting to see this addressed at the Budget in October. “While I support the Government’s independent review to improve the system to better reflect trading realities, this must be coupled with fiscal action at the Budget to reduce the entire hospitality sector’s tax burden, of which business rates represent a significant proportion. “I look forward to working with the Government to provide evidence from across hospitality to support this review and its wider work to address the damage done to the sector over the past two years.” ONTRADEMAGAZINE.CO.UK
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FEATURE
AUTUMN SIGNATURE SERVES
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nTrade Magazine are proud to partner with Signature Wines to bring a new feature to the magazine where we showcase some outstanding wine offerings available from Signature Wines that provide customers with something different to experience.
DEGA MONTEPULCIANO D’ABRUZZO With its dark, moody autumnal bottle, this stunning wine is vegan and organic. It’s also the winner of Sommelier Wine Awards Bronze in 2024 and 2025. It carries rich flavours of cherry, dark plum and a smoky edge, making it the perfect match for a night by the fire in your favourite venue. It’s a natural pairing with pizza and pasta dishes, comfort food in a glass.
DEMUERTE ONE We’re absolutely obsessed with Demuerte One. Its striking bottle, with a nod to Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) styling, is sure to catch the eye of any customer, and it’s just as beautiful in the glass, with a deep cherry colour. A carefully constructed blend of Monastrell (90%) and Cabernet Sauvignon (10%) gives it a bold, structured character, with notes of smoke, mulling spices and rich dried cranberry and cherry. This classic and generous red wine pairs beautifully with grilled red meats, duck breast, flavourful stews, or a selection of mature cheeses.
PEPE ALBARINO This Rías Baixas Albariño doesn’t just have one of the most memorable labels around, an illustration of Pepe the lighthouse keeper himself, it’s also a real twist on the classic style. Where most Albariño is light and fresh, this is a richer take, with more depth on the palate giving the traditional sea salt, citrus and orchard fruit notes a creamy, toasty edge and a long finish. It’s the perfect match for creamy chicken dishes and lobster.
Fancy a chat about refreshing your list for Autumn? Get in touch with the Signature Wines team at info@signaturewines.co.uk or 0141 483 7725. We’re always happy to help you find the right wines for your venu.
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FEATURE
Michael Kill Honoured as Industry Champion at the OnTrade Awards 2026 A night of recognition, celebration and surprise as NTIA CEO Michael Kill receives the Industry Champion Awards
Yet, despite the scale of the recognition, Michael’s reaction was characteristically genuine.
The OnTrade Awards 2026 delivered a particularly memorable moment when Michael Kill, CEO of the Night Time Industries Association (NTIA), was presented with the Industry Champion Awards in recognition of his outstanding contribution to the on-trade and night-time economy.
“I’m for once speechless and very surprised to be recognised with this award. It is an honour.”
For Michael, who has become one of the most prominent and passionate voices representing businesses across the hospitality, leisure and night-time sectors, the accolade came as a genuine surprise. The presentation was made all the more special by a series of heartfelt video messages from senior figures across the industry, alongside congratulations from music icons, celebrating Michael’s commitment, determination and tireless campaigning on behalf of the sector. As the messages played, it was clear that the award represented far more than an individual achievement. It was a recognition of the influence Michael has had in bringing together businesses, industry leaders, artists and policymakers around the importance of a thriving night-time economy. Known for his outspoken advocacy and willingness to challenge decision-makers, Michael has consistently put the interests of the businesses and people working within the night-time economy at the heart of his work. From supporting venues and operators through some of the sector’s most difficult periods to campaigning for a stronger voice for hospitality, entertainment and nightlife, his role has placed him firmly at the centre of the industry’s national conversation. 24
The words captured the emotion of the moment. For someone accustomed to speaking publicly on behalf of an industry, being placed centre stage as the recipient of an award was clearly a very different experience. The congratulations from across the sector demonstrated the breadth of respect Michael has earned during his career. Senior industry figures and music personalities like Sacha Lord , Lisa Lashes and Brandon Block took the opportunity to acknowledge not only his campaigning work, but also his determination to ensure that the people behind the UK’s night-time economy are heard. The Industry Champion Awards are ultimately about recognising individuals who go beyond their day-to-day role to make a meaningful difference to the wider industry. Michael Kill’s recognition at this year’s OnTrade Awards reflects precisely that contribution. The on-trade is built around people — the operators, staff, performers, suppliers, producers and audiences who make the sector what it is. Behind them, however, are advocates who work to ensure their interests are represented, particularly when the challenges facing the industry become increasingly complex. Michael has become one of those advocates. And judging by the reaction in the room — and the remarkable roll call of congratulatory messages — it was an honour very much deserved. ONTRADEMAGAZINE.CO.UK
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FEATURE BOOST YOUR CASH FLOW WITH LICENSING – PART 5 The hospitality and tourism sectors across the UK operate within a challenging financial landscape. This is a six-part review which we started in May 2026, so continue to watch this space. (Please contact us if there are specific areas you want us to cover).
Cash flow remains a central concern for licensed premises. Three practical opportunities to improve and increase cash flow are: off-sales and delivery, private events, and ticketed experiences. Each can be introduced by pubs, restaurants, hotels and other hospitality businesses, provided the licensing position is checked first.
1. DEVELOP OFF-SALES, TAKEAWAY AND DELIVERY Selling alcohol for consumption away from the premises can create revenue outside the traditional bar service. Consider home delivery, pick up of food and alcohol, click-and-collect, sealed cocktail kits, gift packages or a small bottle shop operation. Operators need to check their licence first to ensure they have consent to do this. The Licensing Company offers a free licence review. The commercial advantage is these services can often be introduced using existing stock, staff and ordering systems. They may also generate sales during quieter periods, while delivery and collection allow customers to purchase when not otherwise visiting the premises. Licensing requirements differ across the jurisdictions. In Scotland, off-sales must be authorised by the premises licence and the permitted statutory period for off-sales is generally 10am to 10pm. Check that your premises licence authorises off-sales, and review any conditions relating to the sale, storage, collection or delivery of alcohol. In England and Wales, the premises licence must authorise off-sales and may contain relevant conditions. A Temporary Event Notice, or TEN, can provide authorisation for a temporary activity, subject to the statutory limits on duration, attendance and the number of notices available. In Northern Ireland, the licensing system is court-based. An appropriate liquor licence is required for the sale of alcohol from licensed premises, including off-sales where authorised. An occasional licence is not a general solution for take-home sales at an event: it authorises alcohol sales at another venue for a qualifying function and does not normally permit off-sales. Check the terms of the existing licence and obtain advice before launching a delivery or collection service. 28
ACTION PLAN: review your premises licence and if taking forward or developing a current off-sales, takeaway and delivery, build the cost of delivery into the customer’s order rather than allowing delivery charges to erode the margin. Use sealed packaging, maintain appropriate age-verification procedures and ensure that staff understand when a sale must be refused. In Scotland, the same information must be in the premises and with the delivery driver including the customer name, address and order.
2. USE QUIET PERIODS FOR PRIVATE EVENTS Many premises have valuable space, underused during certain weekdays or quieter months. Private hire can turn that unused capacity into advance and regular income. Target weddings, corporate functions, family celebrations, funeral parties, club meetings and private parties. Offer clear packages covering food, drinks, room hire and staffing. Require a deposit at the time of booking and set a final payment date before the event. This helps fund stock and staffing costs before the function takes place. Make sure your terms and conditions are crystal clear so if there is a full event cancellation or numbers change you are not losing money. Joanna at the Licensing Company reviews all types of licensed trade operators’ terms and conditions so contact us for a review of your t’s and c’s. In Scotland, an event at licensed premises must operate within the permissions and hours of the premises licence. An occasional licence may be needed where alcohol is to be sold at an unlicensed location. For a qualifying event at licensed premises, a premises licence holder may consider an extended hours application, subject to the statutory test and the Licensing Board’s assessment. In England and Wales, private events at licensed premises can be covered by the premises licence where the authorised activities, hours and conditions are suitable. If the event is at an unlicensed location, or requires temporary licensable activities, a TEN may be appropriate. Do not assume that calling an event “private” removes the licensing requirement. If alcohol is sold, included within a ticket price or supplied ONTRADEMAGAZINE.CO.UK
FEATURE
WHAT WE DO: ADVICE ON PERSONAL AND PREMISES LICENCES DRAFTING AND LODGING APPLICATIONS ATTENDANCE AT CONTENTIOUS HEARINGS ADVICE ON BUSINESS STRUCTURES FOR LICENSED PREMISES TRAINING AND MANAGEMENT OF STAFF PERSONAL LICENCES
through a paid bar, it may be a licensable sale. In Northern Ireland, an occasional licence may be available for a qualifying function at an unlicensed venue. Applications are made through the Magistrates’ Court system, although an uncontested application may in some circumstances be dealt with by the clerk of petty sessions. Check whether your licensed area and existing permissions cover the proposed function. An extension licence is concerned with extending the licensed area, not simply creating a new late-night event. ACTION PLAN: check your licence to make sure of compliance. Consider setting up a room for a function or the next time a room is set up ask the customer if you can take photos even if you contribute to some of the decoration. Get your PR and marketing resources on board to increase your customer contact list and start to market your new services on social media platforms. Consider flyers in the premises and also in neighbouring non competing premises such as the local take away café, clothes shop or similar.
3. INTRODUCE TICKETED TASTING EXPERIENCES Ticketed experiences offer two cash-flow benefits: customers pay before attending and the event can command a stronger margin than ordinary service. Consider whisky tastings, beer flights, food-pairing evenings, cocktail masterclasses and supper clubs. Also product launches, fashion events and if available, tournaments involving indoor sports such as: board games nights, pool, snooker or darts. Set a fixed ticket price either only for entry or which covers a specified number of drinks and food – either buffet style or a restricted choice menu. This helps cover costs of staffing, entertainment and a contribution towards overheads. Limit numbers to create a manageable, premium experience. Promote each event through your existing customer base but also get your PR and marketing resources on board and try to increase your client base. Offer a free meal or discount for referrals or shares on social media platforms. An off-sales customer may be interested in a tasting, while a private-hire client may purchase cocktail kits or gift vouchers for guests. This cross-selling connects all three income streams.
sales must be covered by the premises licence or an occasional licence where appropriate. Make sure your activities and operating plan allow the operation and contact The Licensing Company for a free review. In England and Wales, use the premises licence or a TEN, depending on the venue and activity. In Northern Ireland, consider whether the event falls within the existing liquor licence or requires an occasional licence. Check the current premises licence allows the activities. For operators in Ireland, the annual excise liquor licence is the baseline authorisation for alcohol sales. Special exemption orders may be required for extended hours at licensed premises, while an occasional licence may apply to certain events at an otherwise unlicensed venue. Court approval and current statutory requirements should be checked before advertising the event. ACTION PLAN: Start with one event, take payment in advance and measure the result. With proper planning, these three approaches can improve cash flow while making better use of the premises, increasing the social media and PR exposure, increasing the mailing list and also the client base. Offering customers a full service also strengthens customer loyalty. For advice on licensing arrangements contact Joanna Millar at info@thelicensing.company. At The Licensing Company, we can avoid a fragmented approach and advise on coordinated review to unlock value in your business through your licence and licence permissions. We specialise in providing expert advice on licensing and related matters to hospitality and tourism operators. Whether you require representation at a hearing, assistance with a complex variation, or strategic input on licensing, business rates - professional advice can help protect both compliance and cash flow. For business advice, a free licence review and general advice and support, please contact Joanna Millar at The Licensing Company on info@ thelicensing.company or 07747 653417. This article is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute specific legal or financial advice. Licensing law and business rates rules differ across the UK and are subject to change. Contact us for advice on your specific circumstances before taking action.
Check the licensing position carefully. In Scotland, alcohol 29
FEATURE
Same Crisis, Different Support: Devolution’s Business Relief Divide he United Kingdom has spent years talking about the importance of growth, investment and thriving local economies. Yet for businesses operating across hospitality, nightlife and the wider cultural economy, the reality is becoming increasingly fragmented. We now have a situation where the support available to a business can change dramatically simply by crossing a border within the United Kingdom. This is not an argument against devolution. Decisions made closer to communities can deliver better outcomes. But devolution cannot be allowed to remove accountability for money that was generated specifically to support businesses under pressure.
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generate consequential funding for Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. However, that does not mean the equivalent support reaches the businesses facing the same pressures in those nations. Devolved governments have discretion over how that money is spent. In some cases, funding generated as a consequence of support for businesses in England can be directed elsewhere. That might be constitutionally correct, but for the businesses concerned it creates a fundamental problem.
The relationship between Westminster and the devolved governments needs urgent attention.
If money is generated because Westminster has recognised that hospitality, nightlife and other businesses require support, how can we be comfortable with an outcome where comparable businesses elsewhere in the United Kingdom receive little or no equivalent relief?
When Westminster announces support for businesses in England, particularly through business rates relief, the Barnett formula can
Scotland has provided some of the clearest examples of the frustration felt by businesses. Operators have watched support offered through ONTRADEMAGAZINE.CO.UK
The question is therefore not simply how much money is transferred. It is what happens to that money afterwards. We need greater transparency, accountability and, where appropriate, consideration of whether funding generated for a specific business intervention should be ring fenced for an equivalent purpose. Westminster also needs to recognise that the current approach creates another problem. Different taxes sit under different levels of government. Business rates are devolved. VAT is not. Employer National Insurance contributions are not. This matters enormously when governments are deciding how best to support hospitality and nightlife. If Westminster wants to stimulate growth across the whole United Kingdom, it must consider whether support delivered through a devolved mechanism can genuinely achieve that objective consistently. There is an argument for looking much more seriously at measures such as VAT for hospitality because they can deliver support across the country without relying on four different administrations choosing to replicate the same intervention. This fragmentation is also creating distortions within the United Kingdom’s internal market. For businesses close to the border between England and Wales or England and Scotland, different approaches to rates and relief can create very different trading environments within relatively short distances. Two businesses can face many of the same pressures, including energy costs, wage increases, supply costs and declining consumer confidence, yet find themselves receiving completely different levels of support because they happen to sit on opposite sides of a national border. That cannot simply be dismissed as an inevitable consequence of devolution. We have to consider the economic impact. Northern Ireland presents another dimension. Businesses there are not only considering their position relative to the rest of the United Kingdom. They are also operating alongside an economy in the Republic of Ireland where the Irish Government has made its own choices around supporting
FEATURE
the business rates system in England while equivalent relief has, at different points, been significantly more limited north of the border.
hospitality. Again, competitiveness matters. For the Night Time Industries Association, the central issue is not about arguing that every government must make identical decisions. It is about recognising that our sector is interconnected and that decisions taken in Westminster, Holyrood, the Senedd and Stormont have consequences beyond their own immediate jurisdictions. We need a more mature conversation about responsibility. Devolved governments must remain accountable for the choices they make with the funding available to them. But Westminster cannot simply announce consequential funding and consider the job finished. If an intervention has been created because a particular sector is facing an existential challenge, there should be much greater visibility over whether the resulting funding reaches that sector across the devolved nations. Where necessary, we should consider stronger mechanisms for ring fencing targeted business support, alongside clearer reporting on how consequential funding has been distributed. At the same time, Westminster should assess whether nationally controlled taxes offer a more effective route when the intention is to support an industry consistently across the United Kingdom. Hospitality and nightlife businesses do not experience economic pressures according to constitutional boundaries. Their bills, staffing challenges and customers do not suddenly become different because they cross from England into Wales or Scotland. Our support system needs to recognise that reality. Devolution should allow governments to respond intelligently to local circumstances. It should not create a postcode lottery for survival. If public money is generated on the basis that businesses need support, those businesses deserve to know where that money has gone, why decisions have been made and who is accountable for the outcome. Without that transparency, the disparity will continue to grow, border communities will become increasingly distorted and businesses will continue to question why their chances of survival depend so heavily on which side of an invisible line they happen to operate. 31
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