Powering Hospitality’s Future: How Zapgo can help the sector thrive in challenging times

The UK hospitality sector has long been one of the nation’s vital economic cornerstones - employing millions and supporting local communities across the country.

Yet recent projections suggest that by the next Budget in November 2025, around 111,000 hospitality jobs could be lost, a sobering figure that underscores the pressures the industry faces.

And everyone is pretty much in agreement on the causes.

The 2024 Budget introduced higher tax and regulatory costs, including changes to employer National Insurance Contributions (NICs).

Lowering the NIC threshold brought many part-time and flexible workers into the tax system for the first time – a big issue for a sector that relies heavily on such roles.

Meanwhile, rising energy, supply, and wage costs have squeezed margins further. Hospitality is a labour-intensive industry with many lower-paid and flexible roles, meaning even small increases in costs can hit hard. Together, these factors are making it more difficult for venues to stay profitable without reducing hours or staff.

But amid the challenges, there are also opportunities, especially in how businesses can diversify income and attract new customers. That’s where Zapgo comes in.

Turning car parks into charging hubs and revenue drivers

Zapgo helps hospitality venues turn their car parks into revenue-generating assets by installing EV chargers that attract new visitors and create a steady income stream. Rather than being a cost centre, the car park becomes a business opportunity.

Here’s how it works: Zapgo installs and manages the charging infrastructure at no upfront cost, and the venue earns a share of the revenue every time a driver plugs in - simple, seamless, and scalable. EV charging also drives footfall. Guests stopping to charge often spend time and money on-site, whether that’s a coffee, a meal, or an overnight stay. For hotels, pubs, restaurants, and leisure destinations, chargers act as a subtle marketing tool, boosting dwell time and encouraging repeat visits.

Helping hospitality rebuild

While the job loss projections are deeply concerning, the industry’s history is one of resilience and innovation. By embracing technologies that open up new income streams and improve customer experience, hospitality businesses can help safeguard their future.

At Zapgo, we believe the road to recovery can also be a road to opportunity, one charge at a time.