Pride of Britain urges support for BHA

Hotel consortium Pride of Britain Hotels has urged the hospitality industry to show its support for the British Hospitality Association in the wake of Compass Group's shock decision to leave the BHA.

Caterersearch last week exclusively revealed that Compass was leaving the BHA warning that the association's increasing size and diversity meant it has become "removed from the areas of policy that are important to our individual business sectors".

But Peter Hancock, chief executive of Pride of Britain Hotels, emphasised the importance of a united industry front in the face of increased pressure.

"It is vital that we support the BHA while attempts to strangle our businesses keep coming from every side, such as the new alcohol code and ‘scores on the doors'," he told Caterersearch. "That is why all Pride of Britain's 37 member hotels subscribe to the association."

Hancock also defended the BHA's multi-faceted approach, insisting this was the only way it could represent all parts of the industry.

"I accept the comment from Compass Group that the organisation has become diverse, but of course that is because the hospitality industry itself is so large and fragmented," he said. "The more of us the BHA can represent, the louder is its voice on our behalf."

Contract caterer Sodexo also expressed support for the association, insisting that it represented the entire hospitality industry well.

Phil Hooper, corporate affairs director of Sodexo, said: "The BHA has sectorised committees to deal with issues specific to particular groups as and when they arise."

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By Rosie Birkett

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