Pictured at the Hospitality Ulster AGM today in Belfast are Tony O’Neill, newly selected Vice Chair of Hospitality Ulster, Colin Neill, Chief Executive of Hospitality Ulster and Danny Coyles newly selected Chair of Hospitality Ulster.
Danny Coyles of the Anchor Bar Complex, has been named as the new Chair of Hospitality Ulster at its AGM today in Belfast. While Tony O’Neill from the well-known Belfast restaurants Coppi and Buba takes up the role as the new Vice Chair.
Danny Coyles, incoming Chair of Hospitality Ulster said:
“It is a great honour to take over as Chair of such a widely respected body which represents the very best of the hospitality sector in Northern Ireland. This is an exciting but also challenging time for our industry, as we look to play our part in spreading the economic benefits of tourism across the province. Whilst at the same time as being held back by outdated licensing laws, we have the highest business rates in the UK and the second highest hospitality VAT in Europe, not to mention Brexit. Put simply, we have huge economic potential, but we need to see less consultation and more action by government if we are to sustain and grow our industry and the Northern Ireland economy.”
He added:
“I would like to pay tribute to the outgoing Chair, Mark Stewart, who has worked tirelessly for members throughout his tenure. Mark’s dedication and effectiveness in the role as Chair has allowed me to take over an organisation which is vibrant, capable and confident.”
Tony O’Neill, incoming Vice Chair also commented:
“Like Danny, I am greatly honoured to be taking up the role of Vice Chair of Hospitality Ulster and I look forward to building on the great work already done to support our fantastic pubs, bars and restaurants. As many in the industry will already know, I have a particular interest in the training and development of staff, and I hope that through this role I can contribute to making our industry a career of choice.”
Colin Neill, Chief Executive, Hospitality Ulster said:
“We are thrilled that Danny and Tony are taking on the roles of Chair and Vice Chair of Hospitality Ulster. Both are highly respected leaders in the sector and have an in-depth understanding of the day to day challenges faced by the industry and a clear ambition to find solutions to the barriers to growth.”
Danny Coyles newly selected Chair of Hospitality Ulster and Tony O’Neill, newly selected Vice Chair of Hospitality Ulster.
“I’d also like to thank Mark Stewart for his hard work in his role as Chair. The position requires many late nights, early mornings and miles on the road, and he has done so with great ease. I speak on behalf of all the members and staff when I say that he will be missed, but I know that he will remain deeply involved going forward.”