Tom McNeice

Liberal Democrat. Proud Mayor of Folkestone 2010-11. I lost both seats in the elections in May 2011. But I will keep my #tag as I will return.

[mustafa yazıcı @myzccc]

🔴 Gazze’de bir kız çocuğu, ayağından yaralanan kardeşini iki kilometre boyunca sırtında taşıdı.

[Farrukh @implausibleblog]

Left: Richard Tice criticises Keir Starmer for not "stopping the boats"

Right: Keir Starmer hits back saying it costs money to stop the boats and "if he paid his taxes we'd have more money to deal with these issues"

[Institute of Hospitality @IoH_Online]

We are delighted to support @HospAction's annual fundraising event, Walk for Wellbeing, which returns in October 2026 for its biggest year yet, expanding into two new UK locations and bringing together hospitality professionals in support of wellbeing across the industry.

Read more and get involved at the link!
https://t.co/Csd1GYV8MJ
#imin #WalkforWellbeing #HospitalityAction #IoH

[Robert Richardson FIH MI @RBWR]

The annual Council for Hospitality Management Education (CHME) Conference is always a highlight, and this year was expertly hosted by the School of Surrey Hospitality and Tourism Management at the University of Surrey.

It was a pleasure to join the panel on "Achieving Excellence with Industry Bodies", sharing perspectives on collaboration between academia, business, and professional organisations, and reflecting on the global impact and work of the Institute of Hospitality.

My thanks to Dr. Xuan Lorna Wang for her excellent chairing, and to my fellow panellists, Angela Maher FIH, Jane Pendlebury MIH and Juliane Caillouette Noble, for such an insightful and engaging conversation.

#HospitalityFamily #InspireMotivateLearn #imin

[GERÇEK BU_ @GERCEK_BU_2]

İnsanlık tarihindeki en vahşi sahnelerden birini izliyorsunuz

İsrail askerlerinin ,silahsız ve korunmasız 14 yaşındaki bir çocuğu sebepsiz yere nasıl öldürdüğüne sizler de şahit oluyorsunuz

Bunu paylaşın tüm dünyanın görmesini sağlayın

#FREEPALESTİNE

[Robert Richardson FIH MI @RBWR]

A wonderful start to the week, enjoying breakfast at "Sunday in Brooklyn" with Elena Attanasio and David Todd from our partners, the Montgomery Group, discussing how the Institute of Hospitality will support this year's Independent Hotel Show in London, and opportunities to support their shows internationally as well.

#IndependentHotelShow #StrongerTogether #HospitalityFamily #MeetingOurPartners

[The Receipts UK ♿ @david_hollas]

Reform's candidate for Makerfield walked into a BBC Question Time by-election special tonight and didn't walk out of it in one piece.
Robert Kenyon arrived carrying the weight of a week in which his party leader called for "pure cold rage," refused to condemn disorder at PMQs, and told Times Radio the violence was "just the beginning." His job was to deliver Reform's message to a live audience two weeks before polling day. He did not manage it.
Kenyon had already deleted all of his previous social media accounts after posts emerged in which he agreed with a user saying he wanted to "smell and lick" an intimate area belonging to Carol Vorderman, and others in which he directly identified as a sexist and attacked women who had undergone abortions. He had dismissed the posts as "squaddie humour." Vorderman sent an open letter to 6,000 female voters in Makerfield ahead of tonight's programme.
Within minutes of the show opening, a woman in the audience told Kenyon she would rather have a career politician than a sexist. He was asked directly to apologise to Vorderman. He deflected. Later, a member of the LGBTQ+ community called him a sexist from the floor. He had been called it twice before Fiona Bruce reached the two-tier policing question, the one Farage spent the entire week building toward nationally.
When it came, Kenyon fumbled it. The erms and the you-knows took over. The media training, visible throughout as a series of mechanical pivots to party lines, fell apart precisely when the stakes were highest.
He eventually said he condemned the Southampton violence. It took two public accusations of sexism and most of the programme to get there. Farage could not say the same words in Parliament on Wednesday.
On Reform's pledge of 30,000 extra police officers, Kenyon was asked how the party would fund and deliver it. His answer: that's a problem for whoever is in charge of that. The audience laughed.
On the Green Belt question, local, specific, the kind of thing Makerfield voters actually care about, he pivoted to immigration. The room had already decided by then.
An audience member put the sharpest question of the night: how can you trust a leader who took a £5 million donation not to sell off the Green Belt to the highest bidder? Kenyon's answer was that it's going through Parliament, so it's not his problem. Three times in one evening, on three different questions, some variant of not my problem.
Andy Burnham did the opposite of all of it. He said plainly that if he wins Makerfield he will run for Prime Minister. He pointed to crime falling in Greater Manchester as the record he would take forward nationally. He said he would take a serious look at the knife exemptions for religious purposes. No pivots. No deflections. Actual positions, stated plainly, in front of an audience that responded to every one of them, including, at points, the Conservative candidate getting warmer applause than Kenyon in a Labour heartland.
Kenyon said this morning that Makerfield was a win-win, that even a loss would give Labour a bloody nose. Tonight looked more like a write-off.
The by-election is 18 June. Polymarket has Burnham at 74%.

#bbcqt

[Robert Richardson FIH MI @RBWR]

One of the highlights of the year is welcoming the new Master Innholders at Innholders’ Hall, and this year was no different.

It was also a pleasure to spend time with our Institute of Hospitality President, The Rt Hon The Viscount Thurso PC FIH MI, and Miles Pooley FIH MI, who kindly hosted me at the magnificent RAF Club in Piccadilly.

Congratulations to all those beginning their journey as Master Innholders.

#MeetingOurMembers #IMIN #HospitalityFamily

[Robert Richardson FIH MI @RBWR]

Our vital UK hospitality sector is currently facing the highest levels of taxation in its history, and when businesses are under sustained financial pressure, investment in people is always the first area to suffer. Recruitment, professional development, and pathways into meaningful careers are now at risk.

We are already seeing the consequences reflected in national employment figures, particularly among those seeking their first opportunity in the workplace. Hospitality has long been one of the UK's most important entry points into employment, providing people from all backgrounds with the opportunity to gain skills, experience and rewarding long-term careers. However, when the cost of doing business continues to rise, the ability of employers to invest in recruitment, training and career development is inevitably reduced.

Yet hospitality remains one of the United Kingdom's most important economic and social contributors. It supports communities, creates opportunities for social mobility, provides rewarding careers, and helps millions of people develop valuable skills for life.

I am grateful to @RosieDuffield1 MP for bringing together hospitality operators, industry leaders, including @Sacha_Lord FIH, former Night Time Economy Adviser to Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham, and parliamentarians in Parliament this week to discuss the case for aligning hospitality VAT with our European counterparts. A more competitive VAT rate would not simply support businesses, it would help unlock investment in people, skills and jobs, delivering significant economic and social benefits for communities across the United Kingdom.

#HospitalityFamily #VATSTheProblem #StrongerTogether

[Robert Richardson FIH MI @RBWR]

It was a pleasure to meet Ben Fletcher, candidate to become the first Mayor of the new Cheshire and Warrington Combined Authority, at the Abode Hotel in Chester today.

Hospitality is a cornerstone of the Cheshire economy, and in these challenging times, it was encouraging to hear Ben’s commitment to ensuring our sector receives the support it needs should he be elected. I was particularly pleased by his recognition that hospitality must sit at the heart of any future skills agenda under the Mayor’s office, especially in light of today’s deeply concerning news regarding a potential “lost generation” in employment, education and training.

Now more than ever, creating opportunities for young people must be central to any legislative agenda, because hospitality remains one of the very best platforms for the next generation to grow, develop and thrive.

#StrongerTogether #HospitalityFamily #InspireMotivateLearn #Cheshire

[Robert Richardson FIH MI @RBWR]

@RosieDuffield1 @julesserkin @canterburycc Likewise Rosie, I live in Canterbury but work internationally, the current volume of challenges hospitality has in the UK - and Canterbury - is obscene.

I've forwarded a document to your office via Cerys Bear, and look forward to speaking with you next week.

[Robert Richardson FIH MI @RBWR]

Only in Manchester would I meet an astrophysicist who retrained to join the vibrant hospitality scene offered by this great city.

That was just one of many takeaways from this week’s Institute of Hospitality networking event, where we asked the question: “What drives hospitality success in the North?”

Thank you to my panellists, Sacha Lord FIH, Laura Green, Stewart Morrell MIH, and Jonathan Baillie, for such a valuable discussion covering the incredible diversity of talent, passion, and opportunity that continues to shape hospitality across the region, alongside the excitement surrounding Andy Burnham’s vision for not just the city, but the country.

Following the event, it was a pleasure to catch up with our Chair, Martin Traynor OBE FIH, and @Sacha_Lord over dinner, discussing exciting future plans for our global #HospitalityFamily.

Manchester is such a vital part of the UK’s hospitality and tourism industry, and it is always a huge pleasure to spend time with our members in this vibrant city. Thank you to my colleagues Aymen Fetouak MIH and Emma Ellis MIH, for managing this latest opportunity to meet our members in the North.

#imin #MeetingOurMembers #Manchester #StrongerTogether

[Institute of Hospitality @IoH_Online]

We are proud to announce that our CEO, Robert Richardson FIH MI, is to be awarded an Honorary Doctorate in Hospitality by the @wlv_uni, in recognition of his outstanding contribution to the global hospitality profession, leadership of the Institute of Hospitality, and commitment to advancing professional standards, education and inclusion across the sector.

The honorary doctorate will be awarded by the University during its summer graduation ceremonies in late July.

Congratulations from all the IoH Team and global #HospitalityFamily on this remarkable achievement! 🎉

To read the full story, please follow the link below.
https://t.co/udFMqfewu9

#UniversityofWolverhampton #HospitalityLeadership #IoH #imin

[Institute of Hospitality @IoH_Online]

We are thrilled to announce the launch of the Institute of Hospitality’s 2027 Annual Charity Golf Day, in collaboration with @TheBelfryHotel and our strategic partners, @ntiaofficial.

📅 Date: Thursday, 13 May 2027
⛳️ Location: The Belfry Hotel & Resort, near Birmingham

This event promises to be more than just a golf tournament, hosted at one of the UK’s most renowned golf resorts.

🌟18 holes of championship golf
🌟On-course competitions
🌟Evening garden party with BBQ and music
🌟Spa day package options
🌟Networking

The proceeds will support the charitable work of the Institute’s Youth Council and Night Time Industries Association, which aids businesses across the UK’s vibrant night-time economy.

Find out more https://t.co/oHa7JpnHlO
#IoHGolfDay2027 #NTIA #HospitalityFamily #TheBelfry
@RBWR

[Institute of Hospitality @IoH_Online]

Delighted to confirm renewal of #IoHEndorsement for @diversey in the USA, for 17 online video training courses specialising in cleaning and disinfection for housekeeping, laundry, and food and beverage teams, offered through the Typsy learning platform.
https://t.co/oKgwQ4WISI
#OnlineLearning #ProfessionalRecognition

[Robert Richardson FIH MI @RBWR]

Every week I hear another story, a business closed, a dream shattered, and more hard working people becoming unemployment statistics.

It is heartbreaking. And it was avoidable.

No one takes pleasure from watching a Prime Minister forced from office, but spare a thought for those who lost their livelihoods along the way.

https://t.co/lEGio985y9

[Tom McNeice @CllrTom]

Well said Robert.

[Tom McNeice @CllrTom]

Well said Robert.

[Robert Richardson FIH MI @RBWR]

Full disclosure, for the majority of my career I’ve been an operator, and I know what it feels like to go to bed hoping tomorrow’s cash flow will enable you to pay tomorrow’s bills. My heart goes out to anyone experiencing the sleepless nights that come with running a business and being responsible for the livelihoods of their teams, and their families.

This weekend held one ambition, dinner out at a restaurant that had been on the radar for a while. A restaurant that opened in 2016, and one that was only months away from celebrating its tenth anniversary.

Ten years is a huge achievement for any business, let alone one operating under some of the highest cost burdens in Europe.

Then, just two days before the booking, the restaurant closed with immediate effect. The rising costs associated with running a business in 2026 were, in the owner’s own words, the “cause of death”.

Whilst patrons, myself included, are obviously saddened by the news, for the owners this is the end of a dream. For the team, it means livelihoods lost at a time when UK unemployment is at its highest level in years, with approximately 1.78 million people currently unemployed across the country.

The owners are now filing for bankruptcy, their dream, shattered.

As tragic, and arguably avoidable, as this story is, it is by no means unique. Across the UK, hospitality businesses are closing at an alarming rate, which pushes up our obscene unemployment rates each and every day.

Last week’s local election results delivered an unambiguous message from voters, reflecting growing frustration around the rising cost of living, taxation, and economic uncertainty facing both individuals and businesses alike.

Now, against this backdrop, a backdrop of a profession that feels its voice simply is not being heard despite being one of the UK’s greatest economic and social assets, we wait to see where government takes us next.

It is a fact that hospitality is a force for good. It is an economic driver, a creator of opportunity, and one of the few professions where any person, from any background, can grow, develop, and thrive.

When hospitality succeeds, communities succeed. When hospitality is supported, the wider economy benefits too.

The organisation I lead has more members than some countries have populations, so I speak with authority when I say that even in difficult times, I remain optimistic about the resilience, determination, and spirit of our hospitality family.

This profession of ours has faced enormous challenges before, and yet it continues to innovate, adapt, and inspire.

As long as we are left able to do so.

Hospitality matters, deeply, and it deserves not only to survive, but to thrive.

#Hospitality #HospitalityFamily #HospitalityMatters #ChesterHospitality

[Institute of Hospitality @IoH_Online]

We are pleased to share that the Institute of Hospitality are backing @beinclusivehosp's Better Hospitality campaign, a landmark campaign designed to build a fairer, stronger, more inclusive hospitality industry.

The campaign invites everyone working in hospitality to take part in a sector-wide survey to explore pay disparities, career pathways, and progression barriers across the industry.

Find out more at the link https://t.co/Xvhq7FEt34
#imin #IoH #DEIB #InclusiveHospitality #Hospitality
@RBWR

[Robert Richardson FIH MI @RBWR]

A great pleasure to be a guest of The Master and The Worshipful Company of Cooks of London at Innholders’ Hall, joining the Lady Mayor of London, The Rt Hon Dame Susan Langley, for their annual Civic Dinner.

The Company undertakes excellent work to improve the lives of people from disadvantaged backgrounds across London and the surrounding boroughs, supporting individuals into employment through hospitality; values very much aligned with those of the Institute of Hospitality.

It was especially a pleasure to spend time with former Institute of Hospitality CEO Philippe Rossiter FIH, a gentleman who was incredibly generous with his time and support when I first assumed my place within the IoH CEO family.

#HospitalityFamily #imin #WorshipfulCompanyofCooks #StrongerTogether