Bill Wolsey, who runs the Beannchor Group in Belfast, described hospitality as Northern Ireland's main overlooked sector. He called on Stormont to provide more support to businesses in pubs, restaurants, and hotels.

Wolsey operates the Merchant Hotel in Belfast's Cathedral Quarter along with 20 bars, the Bullitt Hotel, and the Little Wing restaurant chain. The group employs 670 people directly in the area.

He noted that hospitality lacks dedicated representation at Stormont, unlike farming and engineering. Wolsey stated the sector supports tourism and retains jobs locally, unlike other industries that relocate operations abroad.

Wolsey highlighted high business rates and recent cost increases as challenges for operators. He pointed out that many hospitality firms operate at a loss or minimal profit.

The Merchant Hotel occupies a former Ulster Bank building in Skipper Street. It opened in spring 2006 with 27 rooms and later expanded to 63.

Wolsey's group plans further developments in Belfast, including expansion of the Raging Ramen eatery and a new Indian restaurant. They also intend to open a bar at the site where the United Irishmen movement formed.