Hospitality groups report 3.6% growth in May
The tracker found that year-on-year growth was highest in the pub sector at 4.4%, while restaurants achieved growth of 3.8%
Hospitality groups across Britain achieved year-on-year sales growth of 3.6% in May 2024, despite “disappointing” weather and the ongoing effects of inflation, the CGA has reported. According to the latest CGA RSM Hospitality Business Tracker, this marks a “quick return to growth” after a 1.7% drop in trading in April, which followed six consecutive months of positive numbers.
May’s figure is also “comfortably above” the current rate of inflation, whilst an easing of some household bills, along with two Bank Holiday weekends, provided a “welcome boost” to consumer spending in May.
The tracker found that year-on-year growth was highest in the pub sector at 4.4%, while restaurants achieved growth of 3.8%.
While bars reported a 2.7% drop, this was a “substantial” improvement on April’s figure. The on-the-go segment was down by 1.6%.
For the fifth time in six months, hospitality groups performed better in London than elsewhere in Britain. May sales in the city were 4.1% ahead, and up by 3.5% outside of it.
Karl Chessell, a director at CGA by NIQ, said: “May brought a relief to return to above-inflation growth in hospitality after a blip of negative numbers in April. Wet and cool weather continues to work against pub operators, but they and restaurants may be starting to feel the benefit of a relaxation of spending among some consumers, especially over occasions like Bank Holiday weekends.
“Bars and on-the-go sites are meanwhile still some way short of where they could be. The General Election and greater economic certainty may help to unlock further spending, but operators will be hoping above all for much brighter summer weather to tempt people out of home.”
Saxon Moseley, head of leisure and hospitality at RSM UK, added: “A return to growth in May is welcome news but the sluggish gains since April’s minimum wage increase means that many operators will be struggling to absorb this additional overhead.
“As rainy weather and delayed interest rate cuts continue to weigh on the recovery of consumer confidence, pressure will be mounting on whoever is elected in July to offer much needed support to the sector, with rates reform, reduced VAT and better access to skilled workers high on the wish list.”
