NW tourism on the up, but companies need to get online

North West hospitality businesses are reporting increased profits, but an inability to take online bookings is holding some businesses back, according to a survey.

This is despite the fact that 50 per cent of respondents to the annual survey reported a year-on-year increase in online bookings and the fact that there has been a 16 per cent increase in the ability to take online bookings direct.

The survey was conducted by MHA, the UK-wide association of chartered accountants and business advisors, of which Moore and Smalley is the North West member.

One third (33 per cent) of respondents to the survey still employ workers on zero hours contracts, only slightly lower than the 37 per cent recorded last year. The amount of zero hour contract staff who are working more than 21 hours has halved since last year to 34 per cent.

The percentage of companies who have green policies in place has dropped to 65 per cent, down from 82 per cent last year and over 41 per cent remain unaware that tax reliefs are available for introduction of such policies.