Coronavirus
We reported extensively on the impact of coronavirus across the UK foodservice and hospitality sector, from the initial lockdowns and emergency legislation to the reopening phases, staffing challenges, and long-term recovery. This brings together our coverage of how restaurants, pubs, cafés, bars, and catering firms navigated one of the most disruptive periods in industry history. From furlough and financial support to operational pivots, supplier disruption, and shifting consumer behaviour, our reporting offers critical context for hospitality professionals reflecting on the crisis and preparing for what comes next.
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Apr- 2020 -22 AprilBusiness Bites
Will there be coronavirus help for small company directors who are paid by dividend?
The financial plight of limited company directors has been raised by the Tory chairman of the Treasury select committee. Mel Stride, a former Treasury minister, said chancellor Rishi Sunak needs to view company directors as a tranche of people who have ‘slipped through the net’ of all the other largesse…
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22 AprilComment
The coronavirus diaries: Larkin Cen
A few weeks ago, we had no idea what the effects that Covid-19 would have on our industry. Unprecedented is probably the best word to describe it and overnight the whole economy was decimated. As the days have changed so too has the entire landscape of the country and I…
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22 AprilComment
‘It hit us like a tidal wave’: A story of success in a time of crisis
Hospitality is facing an unprecedented battle. Merely months ago, coronavirus was a geographically distant crisis, and few predicted the tsunami it would bring to every corner of the world. Within a matter of weeks, life as we know it has come to a screeching halt, with all sense of normality…
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21 AprilBusiness Bites
Oil prices plunge, Virgin Australia could crash land, Nasa robots controlled from the kitchen table
Oil producers in the United States will pay you to take their barrels as global demand has plummeted amid government lockdowns. It’s hard to overstate the significance of the story, but probably the best way is to say that this has never happened before. Essentially the largest producers have ended…
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21 AprilCoronavirus
Companies House suspends strike-offs amid Covid-19 crisis
Companies House has announced it has temporarily paused its strike off process to prevent companies being dissolved amid the Covid-19 pandemic. The government announced changes to Companies House enforcement last week (16 April), which gives businesses affected by the coronavirus outbreak the time they need to update their records and…
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21 AprilComment
Helping small hospitality businesses in the age of coronavirus
A few weeks ago we started LocalSmallBusinesses.co.uk, a platform to generate cash flow for independent London businesses by offering services for future use. Allowing loyal customers to support their favourite places so that when this nightmare is over London remains the exciting and diverse city we all love. Many small…
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20 AprilCoronavirus
Le Pain Quotidien facing administration, says reports
Le Pain Quotidien is reportedly on the verge of collapsing, placing 500 jobs at risk. According to Sky News, the bakery chain is “racing to find a buyer” for its UK operations, and could appoint administrators as early as this week. Reports say that the emergency sale process for the…
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20 AprilCoronavirus
Kent pubs come together to offer ‘crucial’ support for communities
Kent-based publicans have taken it upon themselves to raise both spirits and money to support their communities with various different initiatives, including the provision of complimentary meals for children, as well as free accommodation to key workers. The news, which comes after the Government requested the closure of all pubs,…
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20 AprilCoronavirus
Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme portal goes live
The portal for the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme is now live, with the government saying that businesses with validated claims will receive payments within at least six days. Under the scheme announced last month, employers can claim a grant covering 80% of the wages for a furloughed employee, subject to…
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17 AprilCoronavirus
Chancellor extends coronavirus loan scheme to bigger firms
The Coronavirus Large Business Interruption Loan Scheme has been extended to include businesses with turnover greater than £500m. The £330bn package now allows all firms with a turnover of greater than £45m to apply for loans of up to £25m. Initially, businesses with a turnover of more than £500m were…
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