Hopsitality businesses in Wales will be hit by a £122m rise in business rates over the next three years, says UKHospitality. The calculation comes after the Welsh Budget was revealed.
The trade body predicts that, when compared with the current financial year, the sector’s business rates bill will increase by £29.4m in 2026-27, £40.1m the year after, and £52.6m the year after that.
It says the increases will be driven by the removal of current business rates relief, hospitality being excluded from business rates reform, and an inadequate package of transitional relief.
• The Scottish Beer & Pub Association had welcomed Aberdeen City Licensing Board’s decision to grant a blanket 3am licensing extension for the duration of this summer’s FIFA World Cup.
There will be additional flexibility, allowing venues to remain open 30 minutes after the final whistle of Scotland matches.
The move ensures that pubs, bars, and restaurants across Aberdeen can show Scotland’s late‑night fixtures — kicking off as late as 2am UK time — without fans missing key moments of the national team’s first World Cup appearance since 1998.
• Trading at Young’s was very strong over the Christmas and New Year period, with like-for-like sales for the three weeks to 5th January increasing by 11.2%.
Today, the company has announced an intention to apply to the Financial Conduct Authority for its shares to be admitted to the Official List and to trading on the Main Market of the London Stock Exchange.
“The board believes that admission will enhance the company’s corporate profile and appeal, including facilitating investment in the company by a broader group of UK and global institutional shareholders, reflecting the strength, resilience, and growth potential of our business model and market position,” said a Young’s spokesperson.
• The Can Makers UK, the trade body representing beverage can manufacturers, has confirmed the appointment of John O’Maoileoin, group global sustainability director at CANPACK, as its new chairman.
He said: “We have seen real progress across the can industry in the last few years, from stronger recycling performance to new formats and designs that reflect how consumer expectations are changing. Consumers want high-quality packaging that is convenient and sustainable, and the can continues to deliver on all fronts, helping brands to drive improvements in environmental performance.
“My background in sustainability and brand communication has given me a clear view of how quickly expectations are evolving from consumers, brands and retailers, as well as policymakers and the wider value chain.”
• Losses narrowed at Innis & Gunn in the year to 31st March, 2025. “Against the backdrop of a persistently difficult trading environment, we strengthened the underlying resilience of the business,” said founder Dougal Gunn Sharp.
Pre-tax losses were down to £982,000 from £2,368,000 the year before.
• Wren Pubs has acquired the freehold of two of its pubs, the Walmer Castle, in Notting Hill, and the Carpenter’s Arms, on the Hammersmith Chiswick border.
“The move reflects a broader strategy to secure ownership of key sites and invest with confidence,” said a company spokesperson. “There are no immediate plans for major changes to either pub, with the focus remaining on operational consistency, quality, and long-term growth.”
• Liverpool-based 1936 Pubco plans to transform a former café in Bold Street into a pub. The company already runs some 20 pubs in the city.
