Speaking alongside CH&Co founder, Tim Jones, at the Arena Face2Face Interview yesterday at Lambeth Palace, he said the industry needs to properly embrace the move.
“In my opinion, this is long overdue. We need to embrace it as an industry,” said Toner. “It will be costly but it’s important for the industry to find a solution to the problem. We haven’t had a client come back to us yet not wanting to embrace it.”
Jones was similarly enthusiastic about the move, but highlighted possible industry-wide inflation because of it.
He said: “I think it’s a fantastic piece of legislation, but it’s certainly going to create some headaches to see it through. There are going to be some implications in the short to medium term as there isn’t the margin there to absorb the cost straight off, I think there could be inflation across the whole of the hospitality sector.”
The duo were interviewed by ITN’s Alistair Stewart and he began the interview with a tribute to Robyn Jones, who sadly passed away last week, he hailed her a ‘remarkable business woman’.
The event was held at Lambeth Palace and was the first to be held as part of the Palace’s move to host external hospitality and events. A raffle for Hospitality Action also raised over £1,100 on the day.
The next Arena event will take place on 7th December at the Madarin Oriental Hyde Park.