How can the embattled hospitality sector fight back?

Firms across the hospitality sector are flooding claims firms with fresh requests for advice and support as the latest round of energy price rises kick in.

More and more businesses are taking legal advice as further evidence of mis-selling, hidden fees and a lack of clarity around bills and contracts emerges.

Only last month Energy Solicitors Limited (ESL) revealed it had helped one unsuspecting restaurant save £12,000 in energy costs. 

And its team of litigation specialists is ready to go into battle for landlords, restaurateurs and caterers across the country — in the week that the UK’s leading pub association predicted its ‘worst year ever’.

“We’ve got a track record of supporting the hospitality sector at a time when they need all the help they can get,” said ESL’s Victoria Myers.

“April was always going to be a particularly challenging month with energy bills set to rise, new employment laws coming into force and an increase in taxes.

“There is also evidence that the hospitality industry has been unfairly targeted by unscrupulous third party intermediaries and brokers when it comes to energy contracts.

“Every day we’re coming across more and more examples of pub landlords and restaurant owners questioning their bills and wondering where they can turn.

“We’re in a position where we can assess any potential case quickly and efficiently and start the process of recouping funds.”

The pub industry, in particular, appears braced for a difficult few weeks with the British Beer & Pub Association (BBPA) concerned that as many as one in 50 members could be forced to close their doors for good in 2025.

Rising energy costs are crippling landlords grappling with less footfall and a shrinking economy.

And BBPA Chief executive Emma McClarkin said: “If closure rates accelerate as expected compared to recent years then we might see one in 50 pubs close this coming year as costs increase and margins are squeezed beyond what can be endured.

“The beginning of April is a massive cliff edge and a lot of publicans are really fearful. This could be the worst year for pub closures ever.”