The UK Weddings Taskforce has announced its integration into leading trade body UKHospitality, to allow the group’s work supporting the wedding industry to continue in a structured and sustainable fashion. 

Set up in January 2021 to help wedding businesses navigate the Covid-19 pandemic, the industry is now playing catch-up, but doing what it does best; delivering truly special events.

In order to best deliver for the industry, the Taskforce has been working with UKHospitality to come to this solution to ensure the industry continues to be represented to Government. This includes UKHospitality assuming the role of Secretariat of the Weddings All Party Parliamentary Group.

As a result, UKHospitality will promote a new focus for weddings as part of its work on behalf of the entire hospitality sector, particularly on issues of joint interest such as sustainability, workforce challenges, licensing, business rates and VAT.

The Chairperson of the UK Weddings Taskforce, Chris Naylor, comments: “I’m so pleased that we have been able to partner with UKHospitality in this way, and effectively continue the work the UK Weddings Taskforce has been doing as part of a bigger group. We encourage all wedding businesses to join UKHospitality and take advantage of the support and representation. 

“I want to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has played their part in helping support our amazingly diverse industry. We truly do have brilliantly talented people and it is no wonder the UK wedding industry is world leading.”

UKHospitality Chief Executive Kate Nicholls said: “It’s fantastic to be able to welcome the UK Weddings Taskforce into UKHospitality and continue the sterling work they have done representing the industry throughout the pandemic.

“I know how tough wedding businesses have had it throughout the past two years and now, like the wider hospitality sector, their recovery is being impacted by rising costs, workforce challenges and business rates, to name a few.

“I’m committed to ensuring weddings have a strong voice as part of our work championing hospitality at the highest levels of Government and I’m looking forward to working together.”

Wedding venues and suppliers already constitute a valued part of UKHospitality membership but further news on dedicated rates for those in the industry will be shared shortly. More information about UKHospitality and its work is available on its website, and anyone interested in membership can email membership@ukhospitality.org.uk.