Recipe for Success

Strategic Tax Support

We act as your outsourced, strategic Head of Tax, bringing clarity, confidence and continuity to your tax strategy, so you can stay focused on running your hotels, restaurants, and bars.

We work with CFOs and FDs across hospitality groups of all sizes, from fast-growing operators to established brands and multi-site portfolios, who need senior-level tax insight, strategy and planning without the cost or commitment of a full-time hire.

In Hospitality, tax often only becomes a focus when something goes wrong. You’re juggling tight margins, mixed-rate VAT, tronc and service-charge rules, refurbishments, property transactions, franchise arrangements, seasonal staffing and international expansion. Regulations shift. Transactions get complex. And without a dedicated tax lead, it’s hard to know what to prioritise, or where the risks are.

But tax isn’t just about avoiding pitfalls. With the right advice, it can be a source of opportunity, through capital allowances, reliefs, incentives, and smarter structuring that supports long-term growth and reinvestment.

Has the Budget left you in a pickle?

Since Rachel Reeves made her Autumn Budget announcements, you might be wondering, what does this mean for the Hospitality sector? Let us break it down for you below.

From 1 April 2026, the National Living Wage jumps 4.1% to £12.71 per hour, with even bigger increases for younger workers – 18-20 year olds up 8.5% to £10.85, and 16-17 year olds and apprentices up 6% to £8.00. For Hospitality, that’s yet another cost to factor in.

Business rates are also shifting: a new retail, hospitality and leisure (RHL) multiplier will sit 5p below the national rate for properties under £500,000, but those above face a 2.8p hike – a hit for some operators.

Tax changes are on the horizon too:

• Dividend tax rises by 2 percentage points from April 2026.
• Savings and property income tax follow suit from April 2027, with property finance cost relief fixed at 22%.

On the brighter side, EMI limits double to 500 employees, giving more Hospitality businesses access to tax-efficient share options. EIS limits also increase, though still capped at groups under 250 employees.

Finally, the capital allowance main rate drops from 18% to 14%, but full expensing stays – good news for investment planning.

What does this mean for you? Rising costs, new opportunities, and plenty to plan for.

Act now: Review your wage budgets, tax strategy, and employee incentive plans today to stay ahead.

Need help? Get in touch with our Hospitality team for tailored advice and read our full Autumn Budget Overview here.