Bill Wolsey, whose Beannchor Group runs the Merchant Hotel along with a number of other hotels, bars and restaurants, has described hospitality as Northern Ireland's 'Cinderella' industry. He challenged Stormont to treat the sector fairly, highlighting its significant economic contribution.
Hospitality's Role in the Economy
Mr Wolsey, a veteran in the industry for decades through the Troubles and Covid, argued that hospitality businesses deserve much more support. 'I think the hospitality industry in general is sort of a Cinderella industry,' he said. 'Years ago, hospitality was dwarfed by farming and engineering. In a few years time, we'll be bigger than them. They have ministers that represent them. We don't have anybody.'
He noted that while some operators, including his own, make a profit, many are barely breaking even or trading at a loss. 'It absolutely should be supported more,' he added.
Tourism and Investment
Mr Wolsey emphasised the sector's importance in attracting tourists and visitors. 'If you think about tourism, a lot of people who come here love pubs. They like the restaurants, they stay in the hotels,' he said. He recounted a conversation with a boss of a large solicitors' firm that relocated to Northern Ireland, citing the appealing nightlife as a factor in attracting talent. 'There's huge impact,' he stated.
Challenges and Unfair Treatment
Mr Wolsey criticised the disparity in support for different industries. 'There are grants that are given out to all sorts of industries, and then they make a bit of money here, and then they move to India or Bangladesh, or whatever. I've yet to see any restaurant to pick up all his bricks and move to India.' He stressed that hospitality is embedded in the community and plays a vital role, yet is not represented fairly.
He highlighted the financial pressures facing the sector: 'Our rates are astronomical. We've been hit with all sorts of rises, and it's a very difficult time for our industry.'
