Prezzo's Karen Jones to represent hospitality on Government’s Build Back Better Council

One of 30 members representing industries from retail and hospitality to finance, science and technology Jones, who is also on the board at restaurant groups Mowgli and Hawksmoor, will be invited to share her views on the economy and provide commercial perspective on policy and highlight obstacles and solutions to economic recovery. 

The role will also involve working in partnership with the Government to unlock investment and boost job creation.

Members have been appointed for a fixed term of 12 months.

The Build Back Better Council, which is co-chaired by Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Chancellor Rishi Sunak, held it first meeting virtually yesterday (18 January), where Johnson updated members on the vaccine roll-out and plans to rebuild the economy after the crisis.

It will meet quarterly, with further sessions agreed if required.

While Jones’ appointment has been welcomed by the hospitality industry, the lack of representation for the late-night sector on the council others has been highlighted by others.

Speaking of the appointment of the members, Sacha Lord, the night time economy adviser for Greater Manchester, described the decision to overlook someone from the night time industry as "completely insulting".

Taking to Twitter he said: "What a kick in the teeth for the Night Time Economy. No representation for the 5th biggest industry in the UK. Just bankers, financiers and large scale corporate CEOs. What about the independents? The heart of our High Streets. Completely insulting."