MARCH 2026
WELCOME TO MARCH EDITION OF ONTRADE MAGAZINE
Leading the edition is our exclusive interview with Caitlin McAllister, CEO of Ministry of Sound. In a candid and wide-ranging conversation, McAllister reflects on steering one of the UK’s most iconic nightlife institutions through a rapidly evolving hospitality landscape. From brand evolution and customer experience to the future of late-night culture, she shares a clear-eyed view of both the pressures and possibilities facing operators today.
Elsewhere in this issue, I challangeRachel Reeves on her clueless polices, with the industry navigating rising costs, taxation pressures and regulatory change, we challenge Reeves directly on the government’s economic approach, support for hospitality, and what meaningful policy reform really looks like for operators on the ground.
As always, this edition is packed with insight from our industry experts — from market trends and commercial strategy to drinks innovation and evolving consumer behaviour. Whether you’re running a neighbourhood pub, scaling a bar group, or shaping policy at the highest level, our contributors bring clarity to the conversations that matter.
WELCOME TO MARCH.
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Justin Wingate Director at TopGunMedia
Fiona Gauld
Production - info@topgunmedia.co.uk
JUSTIN WINGATE
HEAD OF ONTRADE CHALLENGES CHANCELLOR OVER “CLUELESS” APPROACH
POLITICIANS GRILLED BY HOSPITALITY BOSSES
CAITLIN MCALLISTER THE INSPIRATION DRIVING A GLOBAL ICON SUPPORT A VAT CUT INDUSTRY WARNED THAT RAISING EMPLOYMENT TAXES WOULD DRIVE YOUTH UNEMPLOYMENT
INCREASED RATES RELIEF POSITIVE, BUT BILLS STILL SET TO RISE
The Scottish Government has announced it is increasing business rates relief to 40% for licensed hospitality premises.
Responding, Leon Thompson, Executive Director of
UKHospitality Scotland, said: “This increased relief is positive news and will help soften the blow for many licensed hospitality businesses.
“UKHospitality Scotland has been clear that urgent support was needed for the sector, and it’s clear the Scottish Government has acted as a result of our engagement.
“This is a good example of how the Scottish Parliament can make a positive difference to businesses, when political parties work together.
“However, the sheer scale of rateable value increases have driven rate bill hikes to such an extent that business rates bills will still increase for the vast majority. This is particularly true for businesses in the higher property rate, who have not been included in relief.
“The need for this urgent support is yet another demonstration that the business rates system is completely broken and in need of serious reform. Fixing the system has to be a priority for the next Scottish Government.”
PROJECT ROSIE LAUNCHES
This Heart Month, Project Rosie launches with a clear purpose: to give hospitality workers the confidence to save a life. The campaign will drive a sector-wide commitment to CPR skills that can make the difference when every second counts.
London, 23, February, 2026. CPRWrap Europe, today announced Project Rosie, a nationwide initiative to make CPR training accessible across the UK hospitality industry, equipping employees to be CPR-competent, confident and ready to act.
Project Rosie is a true industry-wide campaign, supported by the British Institute of Innkeeping (BII), The British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA) and UKHospitality (UKH) across the entire hospitality industry, a sector that employs 3.5 million across the UK. In the United Kingdom, there are approximately 115,000 out-of-hospital cardiac arrests reported to ambulance services each year, but emergency services attempt resuscitation in around 43,000 of these cases (about four in 10). Survival to hospital discharge after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest is less than 10%, meaning that the large majority of people affected do not survive.
Immediate bystander CPR can more than double a cardiac arrest victim’s chance of survival, but too few people feel confident to act. A recent Ipsos survey of 2,252 UK adults (aged 16–75) found that just 13% say they are very confident in giving CPR to someone they do not know.
When asked how confident they would feel performing CPR using CPRWrap™, the proportion saying they would feel “very confident” increased to 20%. Overall confidence (those saying they were either ‘somewhat’ or ‘very confident’) increased from 43% to 67% in the same research.
ACHIEVERS AWARDS CELEBRATE PEOPLE, INNOVATION AND COLLABORATION
Scotland’s most ambitious, innovative, forwardthinking and resilient wholesalers – and their people – have been recognised by the industry at the annual Scottish Wholesale Achievers Awards.
Achievers, now in its 23rd year and organised by the Scottish Wholesale Association, recognises excellence across all sectors of the wholesale industry and the achievements that have made a difference to individuals, communities and businesses over the last year.
JAMESON PREPARES FOR ANOTHER SHOWSTOPPING ST. PATRICK’S DAY
The World’s Most Awarded Whiskey is gearing up for its ‘second Christmas’ with activity designed to continue making its signature drink synonymous with the occasion.
Jameson, a spirit brand firmly established in the UK’s Top 10 Spirits, is stepping boldly into St. Patrick’s Day season 2026 by ensuring its Jameson, Ginger Ale & Lime won’t be missed through a range of activities including: above-the-line media, a continuation of its long-standing partnership with the English Football League (EFL), including huge presence at the Carabao Cup Final and O2 academy venues nationwide, sampling across the On-Trade and partnerships with both Hephee and Taytos.
The brand is once again set to show the UK what it really means to be a part of the Jameson family with the second year of its ‘Must Be A Jameson’ campaign - a platform that continues to recruit new fans in a way that is smooth, light-hearted, welcoming and unmistakeably Irish. The multimedia partnership will be live for a six-week period from 9th February to 23rd March via its longstanding collaboration with Sky Sports but also via channels such as YouTube and Meta.
The Sky Sports tie-up supports the brand’s long-term partnership with the EFL and as well as driving brand equity through media, in-stadium, experiential, digital and social, a large-scale experiential event will also be executed at the Carabao Cup Final on Sunday 22nd March. The Jameson Bus ‘Orla Board’ will return to Wembley Stadium, ready to greet football fans with Jameson, Ginger & Lime ready-todrink (RTD) cans. Brand ambassadors will also encourage fans to drink responsibly though the distribution of water as part of Pernod Ricard’s Drink More Water campaign. Liam Murphy, Marketing Director for Pernod Ricard UK, comments: “St. Patrick’s Day is an increasingly popular cultural moment and acts as a second Christmas for us at Jameson! We continue to double down on this occasion and deliver on a promise to bring Irish Craic to UK consumers. Jameson is experiencing exceptional growth in the UK market, driven by increased consumer engagement translating into a stellar performance in the Off-Trade this Christmas. Our English Football League partnership continues to be at the very heart of being more culturally relevant to our target audience, with Jameson, Ginger & Lime being our key serve that continues to resonate.”
When it comes to consumption and purchase, Jameson performs much more strongly among beer drinkers than non-beer drinkers. The brand is capitalising on this popularity amongst beer drinkers by offering a lighter serve, encouraging a beer-to-can switch through listings at select EFL Stadiums and On-Trade venues. Hot off the heels of the relaunch of its iconic Jameson, Ginger & Lime can in a new, bigger and better format, Jameson is rolling out sampling in both the On and Off Trade.
Caitlin McAllister the inspirational CEO of the Ministry of Sound & the Ministry talks to Justin about What it’s like being the driving force of a globally iconic brand , her journey and her thoughts on the current state and future of nightlife and the role it plays in people’s lives and much more.
I’ve been with Ministry of Sound for nearly 11 years. During that time, I’ve held a variety of roles across project management and new business development, including the launch of our workspace and members’ club, The Ministry.
Prior to that, I worked in the live events sector in Glasgow, which gave me a strong foundation in delivering large-scale experiences. My passion has always been designing and elevating customer experiences in everything I do, ensuring that every touchpoint feels intentional, exciting and memorable. It’s absolutely vital that there’s an industry-wide solution. The night-time economy plays a hugely important role in cities across the UK, delivering significant social and economic impact. It drives employment, tourism, culture and community, yet too often it feels overlooked when it comes to meaningful government support.
My key ask would be for government to fully recognise the value of the sector and the challenges it faces, from rising operational costs to regulatory pressures. There needs to be a more strategic, long-term approach that protects venues and supports sustainable growth, rather than
leaving businesses to navigate mounting challenges alone. Breaking that cycle is incredibly important, but I genuinely feel momentum is shifting. Ministry of Sound is celebrating its 35th anniversary this year, and we’ve just undergone a significant refurbishment. XOYO has relaunched, as has Peckham Palais, and there are new venues opening across London. It feels like a real comeback moment.
If the narrative that “nightlife is dying” continues to dominate, people will start to believe it. In reality, there is an incredible range of experiences available. As an industry, we should be championing what’s great, celebrating innovation, creativity and community, and reminding people why nightlife matters.
We continually innovate and aren’t afraid to try new ideas. Recently, we refurbished our main room to enhance the audio-visual experience, and last July our VIP space underwent a major upgrade, offering a more elevated experience for those who want it, without impacting the core dancefloor energy.
We’ve also seen huge growth in day parties and more
alternative formats. One example is Ministry of Sound Games, our fitness rave concept designed for people who want the endorphins and sweat of a night out, but in a different format. Adapting to changing lifestyles while protecting what makes club culture special is key. It starts with variety and inclusivity, offering experiences that cater to different audiences and lifestyles. Safety and enjoyment are fundamental; people need to feel comfortable and welcomed.
Beyond that, it’s about reminding people of the power of real human connection. There’s something irreplaceable about discovering new music on a dancefloor, sharing a moment with strangers, and disconnecting from the digital world for a few hours. That joy is still very much alive, we just need to keep telling that story.
We have an exciting run of events coming up, alongside our global tour, which launched in Dubai last month. Upcoming destinations include Miami, Mykonos, Bali, Singapore and Ibiza, among others.
Ministry of Sound Games takes place on 11th April.
Upcoming club shows include:
13th March – KSHMR
28th March – Mak 10 & Friends
23rd May – Masters at Work
30th May – Sam Divine
It’s shaping up to be a landmark year for us, and we’re excited about what’s ahead.
The most awarded vodka in the British Isles
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NAVIGATING RISING COSTS WITHOUT COMPROMISING SERVICE
The UK hospitality sector continues to demonstrate remarkable resilience. Yet for many operators, resilience is increasingly being tested by a simple reality: costs keep rising, while margins do not. Energy prices remain volatile, staffing costs are climbing and suppliers are passing on increases across the board. In this environment, every operational decision matters.
For restaurateurs, the question is no longer whether costs can be reduced, but where efficiencies can be found without sacrificing service quality or customer experience. Technology, when chosen carefully, has become one of the most effective levers for achieving exactly that.
Cost Pressures Demand Smarter Partnerships
Payment processing is one of the most overlooked cost centres in hospitality. Transaction fees may seem marginal on an individual sale, but over thousands of transactions each month, they quietly erode profitability. Add complex contracts,
third-party providers and opaque pricing structures, and many businesses find themselves paying more than they should, often without realising it.
This is where a more integrated, transparent approach makes a tangible difference. Reducing fragmentation across suppliers not only simplifies operations, it creates clearer accountability and long-term cost control.
One Team, One Solution
Maitre’D and PayFacto were built around a simple principle: hospitality businesses deserve a true one-stop solution, not a patchwork of disconnected services. By bringing POS technology and payment processing together under one roof, we eliminate the inefficiencies and hidden costs that often come with thirdparty intermediaries.
There are no external processors, no outsourced support teams and no fingerpointing when questions arise. From implementation to day-to-day support, everything is handled by one unified team
that understands both the technology and the realities of running a hospitality business. Maitre’D has been working alongside operators since 1999, so the challenges you face today are ones we know well, and we’re set up to support you through them.
Lower Fees, Greater Control
With PayFacto’s integrated payment processing, businesses benefit from competitive, transparent processing rates designed to reduce overall costs rather than shift them elsewhere. Fees are clearly explained, contracts are straightforward, and pricing remains stable, which allows operators to forecast expenses with confidence.
When combined with Maitre’D’s robust POS features - sales analytics, inventory management, multi-service modes and real-time reporting- operators gain both financial clarity and operational control. The result is a system that works reliably in the background, supporting profitability instead of complicating it.
Support That Stays With You
In a sector where downtime is not an option, support matters just as much as software. Our teams are in-house, experienced and
consistently available. When a business needs assistance, they speak to people who know their setup, their history and their priorities, not a third-party call centre.
This continuity builds trust, reduces friction and ensures faster resolutions when it matters most.
Building Stability in Uncertain Times
As UK hospitality businesses navigate another year of economic pressure, stability has become a competitive advantage. Choosing partners that prioritise transparency and long-term value can make a meaningful difference to both margins and peace of mind.
Maitre’D and PayFacto are proud to support hospitality operators with solutions designed to do more than process transactions. We help businesses stay efficient, in control and ready for what comes next.
Together, we are not just suppliers. We are one team, fully invested in your success.
HEAD OF ONTRADE CHALLENGES CHANCELLOR OVER “CLUELESS” APPROACH
Head of OnTrade Magazine Challenges Chancellor Rachel Reeves Over “Clueless” Approach to Hospitality and Economic Policy
Justin Wingate, Head of OnTrade Magazine, one of the most engaged with titles in the hospitality sector representing thousands of hospitality business across the uk , has today issued a direct challenge to Chancellor Rachel Reeves, accusing her of being “clueless” about the real-world impact her fiscal policies are having on the UK’s hospitality sector and the wider economy.
Wingate, a long-standing advocate for pubs, bars, nightclubs, restaurants and hospitality operators across the UK warned that recent Treasury decisions on taxation, business costs and regulatory pressures are pushing an already fragile industry to breaking point and even recent so called “ relief “ goes no where near far enough.
“The hospitality industry is not just another line in a Treasury spreadsheet,” Wingate said. “It is one of the UK’s largest employers, a cornerstone of local communities, and a major driver of economic activity and an environment where relationships , friendships and lifelong memories are built and created, Yet the Chancellor’s approach demonstrates a worrying lack of understanding about how these businesses actually operate.”
He argues that mounting cost pressures — including business rates, employment costs, and supply chain inflation — and the high costs of VAT compared to other countries are being compounded by what he describes as insufficient targeted
support for the sector. According to Wingate, many operators are facing shrinking margins, reduced investment capacity, and difficult staffing decisions.
“Every additional financial burden placed on hospitality businesses ripples through the economy,” he said. “When a hospitality venue of any kind closes , jobs are lost, high streets decline, suppliers suffer, and tax revenues ultimately fall. This is not just about hospitality — it’s about economic common sense.”
Wingate is calling on the Chancellor to meet directly with industry leaders and frontline operators to better understand the day-to-day realities facing the sector. He is urging the Treasury to consider:
- A meaningful review of business rates for hospitality venues
- Targeted tax relief to protect jobs and investment
- Policies that recognise hospitality as a growth engine, not a revenue tap
- A reduction in VAT for the sector
“The Chancellor must engage with the people who are keeping this industry alive,” Wingate added. “Right now, it feels as though decisions are being made in isolation from the consequences. If this trajectory continues, the damage to both hospitality and the wider economy could be longlasting.”
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EMPLOYMENT RIGHTS ARE CHANGING DON’T BE LEFT BEHIND. READ ON.
Almost every business in the UK will be affected by these changes whether it is a small, medium or large sized business and no matter what sector it operates in.
The Employment Rights Bill 2025 is now coming into force as of April 2026 as the Employment Rights Act which received Royal Assent on 18th December 2025. Whether you are a licensed trade business or associated with the trade, a sole trader operation with a couple of employees or a large cross border operator, if you have employees in the UK this affects you and your business. Some of the changes are far reaching and business should be ready. Take time now to consider of you need to make changes to employees, their contracts and your policies as some options to do so may soon be lost. While the Employment Rights Act reforms are based on a desire to improve worker security and modernise workplaces, there is no doubt both employers and employees are affected, in some cases significantly. Most changes will come into place in April 2026 (which is not far away) with others coming in later.
DAY ONE RIGHTS:
Currently, employees have basic rights of nondiscrimination and similar but limited further rights until they have two years of service. This legislation changes that significantly and introduces ‘day one’ rights. That means from the very first day someone is employed with your business, they have specific rights and do not require to reach a two year period or have these rights embodied in a contract. Employees will automatically be entitled to them. Full unfair dismissal rights were not introduced as day one rights but there are changes to that - see below.
PATERNITY LEAVE, PARENTAL LEAVE, AND STATUTORY SICK PAY (SSP)
These will become available from the first day of employment. In addition, the Fair Work Agency is being set up to enforce sick pay, holiday pay
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
and minimum wage payments. It is not known yet exactly what its powers will be, but it is expected it will be able to levy fines for noncompliance. The Lower Earnings Limit (LEL) is being removed. That means the lowest earning employees in your business, who are earning under £125 per week, will now qualify for SSP. This undoubtedly means a rise in employment costs. Also, if employees are off sick, they will now receive SSP from day one at the increased rates, but the operator is still left to pay additional costs for shift cover,. In addition, the three day waiting period has also been removed so SSP is payable immediately.
FIRE AND REHIRE AND EMPLOYMENT TRIBUNAL TIMES:
In a previous article we explained ‘fire and rehire’. This is where an employee will not accept a change to contract or policy terms and the employee can be fired but then rehired on the amended terms. To avoid this, a ban on fire and rehire is introduced in the legislation. There is also employment tribunal times extended from 3 months to 6 months.
UNFAIR DISMISSAL:
Currently employers have two years to decide if an employee is a good fit and can dismiss, all other things being equal, within that two year period without fear of an unfair dismissal claim. The dismissal must not be otherwise
discriminatory such as whistleblowing, pregnancy or similar. That is changing and as of 1 January 2027 the period reduces to 6 months. That date is subject to final confirmation but that is the expected date. That change is retrospective therefore if someone has been employed with your business for 6 months by 1 January 2027, at 1 January 2027 we understand they will automatically have full unfair dismissal protection.
Currently compensation for unfair dismissal is capped at the lower of one year pay and £118,223. This is revised annually. Under the Employment Rights Act, the cap will be removed so there is no limit on the amount that can be awarded. That is the current position re discrimination and whistleblowing claims.
FAMILY RIGHTS:
There is an introduction of bereavement leave for partners.
TRADE UNION AND BALLOTING:
The rules re this are being simplified and the 40% threshold for ballot is removed which makes it easier to gain recognition. Also, employers must inform new staff of their right to join a union. Electronic balloting is introduced as is a reduced notice period for industrial action from 14 to 10 days. Enhanced rights for union reps to access workplaces and for time off to carry out duties.
POLITICIANS GRILLED BY HOSPITALITY BOSSES
Cold Town House was the venue for a number of hospitality industry owners and operators for the cross party discussions organised by The Scottish Hospitality Group last night. Representing the parties were Malcolm Offord CVO , Russell Findlay , Daniel Johnson , #PatrickHarvey , Willie Rennie & #EuanHoslop.
Whilst most of the parties took the opportunity to have senior representation attend and address the industry the absence of the equivalent representation from The Scottish Government was noted by many.
The panel were asked important questions by venue owners like Giovanna Eusebi , Michael Bergson and Donald MacLeod & Kenny Blair with the Scottish National Party (SNP)
representative being pressed on why a proven track record on a lack of support for the industry seemed to be verbally changing so close to an election.
Well done to The Scottish Hospitality Group for organising the event and to Signature Group for hosting , the major positive was seeing so many people from across the industry in Scotland make the journey to attend and have their voices heard.
Only time will tell if the points that were committed to and the words turn into actual ACTION because that is what the industry needs NOW.
The discussion it seems goes on.
INDUSTRY WARNED THAT RAISING EMPLOYMENT TAXES WOULD DRIVE YOUTH UNEMPLOYMENT — THIS WEEK’S FIGURES PROVE IT
The Night Time Industries Association (NTIA) has responded to today’s confirmation that inflation has fallen to 3%, following Monday’s release of youth unemployment figures showing a rise to 16%, the highest level in over a decade.
Michael Kill, CEO of the Night Time Industries Association (NTIA), said: “Inflation falling to 3% is welcome in principle, but that is not the real story this week.
The real headline is employment.
Overall UK unemployment now stands at 5.2%, signalling a cooling labour market. But beneath that sits a far more alarming statistic: youth unemployment has risen to 16.1% at the end of 2025, the highest level since 2014.
Analysis from the Resolution Foundation shows that UK youth unemployment is now higher than the EU average for the first time since comparable records began in 2000. These are not minor fluctuations — they are structural warning signs.
As an industry, we were unequivocal in our warnings to Government. We made clear that raising the cost of employment, particularly through increased employer National Insurance Contributions, alongside consecutive National Minimum Wage rises and wider tax burdens, would disproportionately impact entry-level roles and youth employment.
We said that increasing employment taxes during a fragile economic period would dampen hiring appetite, force businesses to streamline, and reduce opportunities for young people.
This week’s figures confirm that outcome.
No responsible employer opposes fair pay. Businesses want to reward staff properly and sustainably. But wage increases and tax rises must be aligned with economic reality and sector capacity. When employment costs rise faster than productivity or revenue growth, businesses are left with little choice but to slow
recruitment, restructure, or reduce headcount, and entry-level roles are often the first affected.
The irony is stark. The cost of employing young people increases through tax and wage mandates, youth unemployment climbs to a decade high, and months later schemes are introduced to bring young people back into work. Public funding is then deployed to address consequences that industry bodies clearly forecast.
Alongside this, the introduction of the Employment Rights Bill brings further compliance pressures, added risk and reduced flexibility for SMEs and labour-intensive sectors, precisely at a time when business confidence is fragile.
Inflation at 3% may appear reassuring at a macro level, but it will not immediately translate into relief in people’s pockets. For many households, the cost of living remains acute. When a record number of people are out of work, daily financial pressures do not ease simply because the inflation rate has moderated.
For the 5.2% currently unemployed, and especially the 16.1% of young people locked out of the labour market, the economic reality remains harsh.
Policy must be judged not just by headline economic indicators, but by whether it creates sustainable employment and genuine opportunity.
This week’s data should prompt serious reflection. Policy works best when it is shaped with industry, not imposed upon it. If we are serious about growth, confidence and youth opportunity, that principle must now guide the decisions ahead.”
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