New figures show £61m hospitality contribution to Harwich economy

Sir Bernard Jenkin, MP for Harwich and North Essex met with UKHospitality bosses to discuss the role hospitality, leisure and tourism plays in the economy and communities.

New figures show hospitality is a significant part of the local economy in Harwich and North Essex, delivering £61 million to the country's economy and accommodating 2507 jobs.

Sir Bernard has now praised his constituency after seeing the impact its hospitality industry is having on the lives of those who live and work in the area.

He said: “I was delighted to support the UK hospitality industry in the House of Commons last week.  

Hospitality - Sir Bernard Jenkin and Tony Sophoclides (Image: Submitted)

“In just my own constituency of Harwich and North Essex, restaurants, pubs and hotels contribute £61m to the local economy and employ over 2,500 people.  

“There is excellent local training and education at the Colchester Institute and at the Edge Hotel School at Wivenhoe House on the University of Essex campus. 

"Rishi was right to support this sector through the Covid crisis.”

Nationally, the hospitality industry contributes £93 billion to the UK economy while the sector is also the third largest employer in the country, providing 3.5 million people with jobs.

Kate Nicholls is the CEO of UKHospitality and believes the industry is essential for the growth of the country and the different-sized areas within in it.

She said: “Hospitality is truly unique in its contribution to every part of the country.

"From bustling cities to our more idyllic small towns and villages, venues like the local pub or coffee shop act as critical pillars of our communities and help bring people together.

“As these figures show, hospitality is also a significant driver of economic growth and, crucially, helps employ so many people. 

“It’s fantastic to be able to share this with MPs and receive so many pledges of support for the sector.”