Help Out Hospitality back with national campaign

The Help Out Hospitality (HOH) campaign has kicked off again for the fifth year and will once again see suppliers offering businesses discounts, which they can then pass on to customers to increase footfall and fill venues.

While pubs have had some relief with the new Government business rates relief package, the wider industry is still struggling with overheads, including alcohol duty, red tape and staffing issues. 

Businesses are also bracing for changes incoming with the deployment of the Employment Rights’ Bill, which will change parental rights, sick pay and zero-hours contract obligations in what is being praised as a boon for workers.

The Help Out Hospitality campaign aims to help businesses mitigate some of these changes by keeping businesses booming during the industry’s off-season.

Winter woes

The Full Range is launching the Help Out Hospitality campaign in what is a tough market, but also a traditionally tough time of year. 

The culinary and purchasing consultancy shares: “January to March are traditionally lean trading months for operators, but this year, pressures on energy, supply, and consumer confidence are expected to intensify.”

This is especially true after a festive period, which may have seen longer stays and bigger spends per visit, but did not see occupancy up from previous years, says The Drinks Business. 

What’s the deal?

The campaign gives hospitality businesses access to deals from suppliers, which can then be used to create guest-facing offers, promoted to potential customers, commission-free, on the Help Out Hospitality website. Customers are then able to book directly with venues.

The hope is that the scheme will see a rise in trade for restaurants, bars, cafés, hotels and accommodation providers, but also reinforce the vibrancy of local communities during months that are typically characterised as dark and bleak. 

The organisers add that anyone can get involved, from groups and independent businesses to venue owners, suppliers, and wholesalers. 

How can I get involved?

The campaign runs until 31 March 2026, and interested parties can sign up via the website. This is where suppliers can set their discounts and categories, and the HOH team will then assist them with rollout materials.

Barry Knight, Director of The Full Range, told CLH News: “By involving suppliers in the process, we can drive meaningful change – generating discounts at the beginning of the process while removing commission on the other end; a real win-win for the industry and at the same time satisfying consumer demand for great value deals.”

With confidence still low among hospitality business owners, this campaign is a chance to buoy spirits in the quieter months and perhaps lift hopes for a better year ahead. 

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Planet of the Grapes founder Matt Harris has over 25 years of experience in hospitality. Read his bi-monthly column for Startups now.

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