Hospitality businesses across Southampton came together this week for an action-focused meeting to address the growing challenges facing the sector. Rising costs, staffing pressures, and economic uncertainty have placed many venues under significant strain, and this gathering provided an opportunity for the industry to respond collectively.

The meeting brought together local and national hospitality businesses to co-produce a formal letter to local MPs, highlighting the urgent pressures facing the sector and setting out the changes required to support businesses now. Attendees worked collaboratively to agree on a shared position across the city’s hospitality sector alongside national hospitality businesses, ensuring a united and credible voice. The meeting also identified clear next steps for continued action beyond the initial discussion.

The session was chaired by Spencer Bowman, owner of Mettricks, representing GO! Southampton BID.

“Hospitality is a vital part of Southampton’s economy and identity, but many businesses are at breaking point. This meeting was about acting together, being honest about the pressures we’re facing, and clearly setting out what needs to change.”
Spencer Bowman, Owner of Mettricks

As an employer of temporary staff in the hospitality sector, Fire Group was proud to support the meeting and play a part in giving businesses a voice. Mike Carter, Director of Fire Group, commented on the importance of collaboration:

“Supporting hospitality businesses isn’t just part of what we do — it’s at the heart of why we exist. We’re proud to help ensure the sector has a fairer playing field and that its challenges are heard at the highest levels.”

The meeting marked an important step for Southampton’s hospitality sector. By coming together, businesses demonstrated the strength of a collective voice and set the foundation for meaningful change that will support the industry now and into the future.