President’s Report – October 2025

Dear Members,

Welcome to your October newsletter.

As we approach Budget 2026 tomorrow, we are all well aware of how important this moment is for our sector. Our message has been consistent by calling for the reinstatement of the 9% VAT rate to take effect from 1 January 2026. While at the time of writing I cannot be certain of its inclusion or implementation date, recent reports suggesting it will be reinstated are welcome. However, it is essential that this happens from 1 January to protect businesses facing additional pressures such as a likely minimum wage increase and the introduction of pension auto-enrolment in January.

Together, as a team and as a membership, we have worked tirelessly for its reinstatement. I would like to personally thank you all for your continued efforts in raising this issue with your local representatives. Every email, call and conversation makes a difference. We now await tomorrow’s Budget in the hope that it will offer much-needed support to our hardworking and deserving sector at a time when costs remain at an all-time high.

This month, we also held our Charity Golf Day at Tulfarris Golf Course in aid of Friends of the Elderly, a wonderful organisation that supports those in our communities who may need a helping hand or simply someone to talk to. It was a cause we were proud to support. In addition, our President’s Dinner was a great success, thank you to everyone who attended and contributed to such a worthy cause.
Finally, as we await tomorrow’s Budget, thank you once again for your ongoing commitment and support. As always, if you need any assistance, please do not hesitate to contact our team. We are here to help.