North West restaurateurs and hoteliers are being invited to join a new association aimed at supporting businesses in the hospitality industry.

The National Association for Hoteliers, Restaurateurs and Caterers (NAHRAC) has been established by law firm DTM Legal, chartered accountants Morris & Co and commercial insurance brokers Daulby Read.

It provides an opportunity for members to promote their establishments, initiate discussions about relevant industry issues, seek expert advice and collate feedback to report to relevant authorities and governing bodies.

Membership is free for restaurant and hotel owners, subject to approval, and members will immediately benefit from:

·         Attendance at networking events, including sit down meals

·         Direct promotions in NAHRAC’s marketing materials

·         Access to useful resources, including help with accounting and taxation queries, legal matters and insurance

·         Ease of access to suppliers and other service providers for direct communications

·         A platform to raise concerns and act as a voice for operators to communicate with relevant regulators and authorities

Michelle Anthony, specialist catering accountant from Morris & Co who is the Chairperson of NAHRAC, said:

“NAHRAC is born as a direct result of feedback from operators in the industry. As someone who works very closely with restaurateurs and caterers for many years, I have been approached by many operators for a point of reference and a platform whereby they can access useful information from trusted advisors. Operators require advisors who understand the challenging and dynamic nature of their business in the catering and hospitality industry and NAHRAC facilitates in gathering the most knowledgeable and skilled providers to the sector.”

Fredrica Jarrett, solicitor at DTM Legal, said:

“The association provides a much needed resource for the region’s hospitality sector. Members can benefit not just from legal, accountancy and insurance support from the founders, but also from discussing and debating issues with their peers.

“NAHRAC will also be hosting and funding all of the networking events at members’ premises, giving restaurateurs and hoteliers an added incentive to join us and the chance to promote their businesses.”

Peter Goddard, managing director of Daulby Read, said:

“We are extremely pleased to be involved with the Association and are looking forward to adding value to these local businesses who do so much themselves to support the local business community.”

The Association was officially launched on Wednesday 20 January at its first networking event. The evening, sponsored by NatWest and SYS Marketing, was held at one of its founding member’s premises, Slow Boat Restaurant, in Chester.

For more information on how to become a member or to attend NAHRAC’s launch event, please email fredrica.jarrett@dtmlegal.com