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 -8 AprilBusiness
Average UK SME does not have enough cash to cover debts due in 2021, says UHY
The average UK SME does not have enough cash to cover debts due in the next year, according to new research from accountancy firm UHY Hacker Young. The firm’s analysis of the balance sheets of more than 13,500 SMEs in the UK showed that the average SME now has only…
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8 AprilCoronavirus
Hospitality slowdown worsens with 98% collapse in shifts
The hospitality industry has now suffered a 98% slowdown as the coronavirus shutdown continues to weigh heavily on the sector, according to income streaming provider Wagesteam. Wage stream found that the number of shifts being carried out by workers in the hospitality industry has fallen 97.96% month on month, deteriorating…
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8 AprilPubs and Bars
Punch launches ‘Pub Shop’ initiative amid the coronavirus pandemic
Punch pubs has launched its new ‘Pub Shop’ initiative allowing customers to buy staple groceries from their local Punch pub, amid the coronavirus pandemic. Pubs up and down the country will offer a range of food boxes to local customers, providing a “safe, hygienic and accessible way” for people to…
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7 AprilCoronavirus
Hospitality workers deserve full earnings from furlough scheme, says UKH
UKHospitality has urged the Government to reconsider its decision to exclude tronc payments from the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme. Under the Job Retention Scheme, tronc payments such as tips and gratuities will not be included in the amount paid to furloughed workers. UKHospitality chief executive Kate Nicholls said the decision…
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7 AprilCoronavirus
PCA demands support for pub tenants
The Pubs Code Adjudicator (PCA) has called on all pub-owning businesses not currently waiving rent to demonstrate how they will support their tenants as the coronavirus crisis continues. The authority said it is currently aware of five pub companies, regulated under the Pubs Code, that have not yet waived any…
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7 AprilPubs and Bars
Buzzworks Holdings donates £10,000 to Hospitality Action amid coronavirus pandemic
Independent bar and restaurant operators Buzzworks Holdings has made a £10,000 donation to UK charity Hospitality Action, amid the coronavirus pandemic. The donation will provide funding for the charity, which offers a range of support services for people working within the hospitality industry, including a 24 hour hotline for advice,…
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6 AprilComment
Covid-19: Developing a food service business continuity plan
While this crisis is shocking and unprecedented, it’s positive to represent a business which delivers useful and relevant products in the areas of hygiene and food safety. The Home Office has classified Bunzl as a ‘critical supplier’ and each division, including Tri-Star, WK Thomas and London Bio Packaging (LBP) has…
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6 AprilRestaurants
Covid-19: The Restaurant Group increases banking facilities as execs take pay cut
The parent company of Wagamama, The Restaurant Group (TRG), has announced extra flexibility in its banking facilities, with executive directors agreeing to take a pay cut amid the coronavirus pandemic. The company, behind the brands of Chiquito’s and Frankie and Benny’s, said the TRG lending group has agreed that there…
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3 AprilCoronavirus
Chancellor unveils new measures to SME loan scheme
Chancellor of the exchequer Rishi Sunak has unveiled a major overhaul to his previously announced SME loan scheme. Initially, the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS) was aimed at businesses unable to secure regular commercial financing as the virus took its toll on the UK’s economy. However, according to Sky…
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3 AprilCoronavirus
Wahaca launches online platform
Wahaca has announced the launch of Wahaca At Home, a new online platform for families amid the ongoing coronavirus lockdown. Wahaca At Home will offer an “ongoing content series” of recipes, cocktail ideas, playlists, company news and activity ideas for families. In a statement, the Mexican food chain said: “In…
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