Restaurant operator Acky Khan, who oversees 50 KFC restaurants and 30 Starbucks coffee shops, is advocating for increased government support for the hospitality sector. Khan, who employs around 1,500 people, highlighted the growing pressures faced by businesses due to rising costs.
Ahead of the government's autumn Budget, Khan stated that hospitality firms provide opportunities for young people that are often overlooked. He hopes to double the size of his operation within the next five years.
Khan noted that the hospitality sector was significantly affected by the rise in national minimum wage rates in April. Restaurants are also typically high energy users due to their kitchen requirements. In July, Parliament's Work and Pensions Committee suggested cutting employer National Insurance contributions for under-25s to address youth unemployment.