![Ufi Ibrahim, BHA chief executive](/sites/default/files/styles/single_page/public/images/screen_shot_2017-06-09_at_09.22.44.png?itok=BcUHoUKy)
The Conservative Party required 326 seats to win a majority but secured 316 seats, with the Labour Party winning 261 seats.
The British Hospitality Association (BHA) and Lynx Purchasing have speculated and expressed concern over the lack of certainty and stability that may come with the result.
Rachel Dobson, managing director of buying specialist Lynx Purchasing, said: “In the latest edition of the Lynx Purchasing Market Forecast, we said that hospitality and catering businesses needed a period of stability to help counter the effects of food and drink inflation.
“A hung parliament makes that extremely unlikely, and the financial markets have already started to react. A weaker pound will mean higher prices for many catering staples, and operators will have to plan their meals accordingly.
“Working closely with suppliers to make the most of seasonal availability, and examine every cost centre to see where savings can be found, will be more important than ever.”
The British Hospitality Association (BHA) has expressed additional concern in response to the election result.
Ufi Ibrahim, chief executive of the British Hospitality Association, said: “The general election result means that we will be faced with the reality of greater and continued political uncertainty in the short term and that is bad for the economy and business.
“This is the last thing the hospitality and tourism industry needs as we already face a ‘perfect storm’ of issues but the BHA will work with whatever government emerges to see a return to stability and certainty so that we can get on with creating jobs and growth in the economy.”
Kate Nicholls, chief executive of the Association of Licensed Multiple Retailers (ALMR), also commented on the short-term uncertainty for businesses.
She said: "It is of paramount importance that any new government is in place swiftly, in order to address the immediate and desperate needs of hospitality businesses trying to operate amid the cost burdens of business rates, the National Living Wage and the many other current pressures on pub and restaurant operators."
“The complexion of the next Government remains unclear, but as we approach Brexit and a new Government looks to secure a new deal for the UK economy, high street hospitality businesses are going to play a crucial role. We are ready to provide our support and are looking forward to working alongside the new Government at this incredibly important time."
The British Beer and Pub Association chief executive Brigid Simmonds (pictured left) responded to the result with a focus on securing rights for EU staff in the hospitality industry.
Simmonds said: "I hope the current situation can be resolved quickly, as there are many urgent issues that need attention. With the Brexit negotiations due to begin, I hope we can secure very swiftly the rights of existing EU staff in our sector, and being to put in place arrangements that ensure we have access to the skills we need, and trade as freely as possible.
"We will play our part to attract UK based talent. Whilst Brexit will bring opportunities as well as challenges, the sector needs a stable policy framework with no new and unnecessary cost and red tape.
"We are already dealing with a great many new costs and regulatory challenges this year, with a big increase in beer duty in the Budget, and unfair business rates, among others. We need a relentless focus on measures that actually help business to create jobs and growth."