Nus Ghani, MP for Wealden, has written to the Business Secretary calling for urgent support for Wealden’s wedding sector.
In December last year, Nus visited Hendall Manor Barns wedding venue to meet its owners, Nicola and Peter Young, to discuss the devastating impact of Covid-19 on the wedding industry and listen to their concerns regarding ongoing restrictions imposed on the sector.
Wedding receptions are unique within the hospitality sector as they are booked and planned a long time ahead of the date in question and require close interaction with the venue. Throughout the pandemic, Nus has spoken to countless Wealden couples who have sadly had to postpone their big day, some due to the inability to view venues and make arrangements.
Weddings also create a cascade of local economic activity from catering, to music and taxis, including many small and vulnerable local businesses and the self-employed. The ongoing postponements and cancellations are having a profound impact on the many stunning local venues and on Wealden’s economy as a whole.
Nus has written to the Business Secretary and urged him to open up the sector further. She advocated for the industry to be treated the same as the housing market and for the ability of wedding venues to show couples around, regardless of regional restrictions or national lockdowns.
Nus Ghani said: “Wealden’s wedding venues have been hit particularly hard by the pandemic due to the many cancellations and postponements of booked appointments and the inability to conduct viewings throughout the national lockdowns. We need further measures that would help the sector recover and thrive beyond the pandemic. Making the same concessions and treating wedding venues the same as the housing market would be a much welcome boost to the sector and give confidence to couples who are planning their big day for when the circumstances allow.”
“With a vaccine now available, the end of the pandemic is in sight. In the coming months, surviving hospitality businesses will be pivotal in restoring a sense of normality, by providing pleasant experiences for a nation that has sacrificed so much during the pandemic. We need a long-term strategy to rescue businesses in Wealden and to ensure they thrive for years to come. I hope that the Ministers will help ensure just that.”
You can read Nus' letter below:
