The Independent Hospitality Alliance (IHA) was founded in 2023 to provide a working group and a platform for the independent hospitality sector. From our collaboration in the British Takeaway Campaign where we successfully helped government shape legislation to ensure any changes are workable for the smaller hospitality business in the UK the IHA was created to continue this work. We aim to provide a conduit between Government and our hardworking members and rapidly provide data about the sector and the potential impact of any future changes. Whilst in our infancy our member associations have a vast experience in the sector and many of them operate their own hospitality businesses themselves.
We are delighted to welcome two new members, the Ice Cream Alliance and the Northern Ireland Food To Go Association. Andrew Crook, Chair of the IHA commented “With such a fragmented sector it is difficult for Government to engage with small and micro businesses, who are not only vital to the economy, they are also incredibly important to their local respective communities, providing many confidence building jobs and adding vitality to the high streets and villages throughout the UK. The last five years have shown that the sector has many common challenges and we are here to help represent them and ensure our members get their voices heard. The addition of two new organisations with extend our reach and we are looking forward to working with.”
Catherine McNeil, Director of Operations of the Ice Cream Alliance commented “We join this Alliance with great pride in representing the Ice Cream Industry as independents who work incredibly hard to bring great value to their communities throughout the UK. Acceptance into The Independent Hospitality Alliance, creates a strong platform for our membership association and we are determined to make change on the shared challenges we face as one strong, united voice”.
Michael Henderson of the NI Food to Go Association said “The Northern Ireland Food-To-Go Association is pleased to join the Independent Hospitality Alliance (IHA), an organisation dedicated to increasing the profile and advocating for small and independent businesses across the U.K.
This inclusion will provide a stronger platform for N.I. businesses, as it comes together with many additional trade bodies and organisations across the U.K., representing over 140,000 businesses.
The last 5 years have seen a surge in innovation and diversification in the N.I. food-to-go market, helping it grow and enhance Northern Ireland’s reputation as a foodie destination.
However, SME’s continue to face challenges, and it is vital that they receive the necessary business support so they can continue to succeed and contribute to the growth of our economy.”
The full list of IHA members:
The Kebab Alliance
NCASS
The Food Service Packaging Association
The National Federation of Fish Friers
PAPA – The Pizza Pasta and Italian Food Association
Curry Life
Caribbean Food Collective
The Ice Cream Alliance
Northern Ireland Food To Go Association