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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Mar- 2020 -18 MarchBusiness
Chancellor extends rent holidays to all hospitality businesses
All hospitality businesses are eligible for a one-year business rates holiday after the chancellor, Rishi Sunak, announced a series of new measures to help weather the financial strain caused by the coronavirus outbreak. Last week in his maiden Budget Speech the chancellor, Rishi Sunak, announced a one-year rent holiday for…
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18 MarchPubs and Bars
Shepherd Neame implements ‘extensive measures’ amid pandemic
Shepherd Neame has announced a series of “extensive measures” to ensure the health of staff and customers amid the coronavirus pandemic. Effective from 19 March, all office staff will be home-based, and the front office and visitor facilities in Faversham will close. There will be a temporary suspension of brewery…
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17 MarchGovernment
Covid-19: Social distancing measures ‘catastrophic’ for pubs, restaurants and hotels
UKHospitality has said the government’s latest advice that people should avoid pubs, restaurants, hotels will be “catastrophic” for businesses and jobs. It has now called on the government for “immediate support for hospitality”, as well as “meaningful business continuity measures”. UKH’s CEO, Kate Nicholls, said the announcement has “effectively shut…
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17 MarchBusiness
Colliers calls for Rates Deferment Scheme introduction amid Covid-19
Business rates experts at Colliers International have called for the Government to introduce a three-month or even six-month business rates deferment scheme to help businesses impacted by the coronavirus. It follows last Wednesday’s (11 March) Budget announcement, which Colliers said was “largely applauded” for the support given to smaller retail,…
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17 MarchBusiness
Hospitality footfall declines amid government urging social distancing
Hospitality footfall across the UK has declined by 45% yesterday (16 March) compared with the same day last year, amid the recent outbreak of coronavirus. According to research by customer data company Wireless Social, footfall decreased by 33% in the past week compared with the same period last year, with…
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16 MarchTrade Associations
UKHospitality calls for ‘enhanced’ government support amid coronavirus outbreak
UKHospitality has called on the UK Government to “step up” its package of business support as the effect of coronavirus continues to spread. It said the package of measures announced in the Budget on Wednesday were “helpful”, but do not go “nearly far enough” to support the vast majority of…
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16 MarchAdvice
What will the spread of coronavirus mean for businesses?
The serious health concerns brought about by the coronavirus outbreak (officially Covid-19) have been well documented, as nations impose travel restrictions and enter quarantine to tackle the spread. The UK Government recently confirmed that sick employees will receive statutory sick pay from the first day off work, not the fourth,…
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13 MarchAwards & Events
Casual Dining Show postponed until July over coronavirus fears
Following increasing concern about the developing coronavirus situation, Casual Dining organiser Diversified Communications UK has announced it has consulted with the industry and decided to postpone the event to 14-15 July 2020, at ExCeL London. Chris Brazier, group event director of diversified communications UK, said: “Casual Dining is the single…
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13 MarchCafes and Coffee Shops
London Coffee Festival postponed amid coronavirus fears
Organisers of The London Coffee Festival have confirmed that the event will be postponed amid the recent coronavirus outbreak. The event, which was due to take place next month, is now scheduled to take place between 23-26 July. Jeffree Young, the London Coffee Festival founder and CEO of Allegra Group,…
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12 MarchAdvice
The coronavirus impact on the UK travel industry: 5 marketing actions to take now
It was inevitable that the travel and tourism industry would see an impact from the coronavirus outbreak. Travelling is a choice, and in the midst of safety fears, many are choosing to stay put or travel closer to home. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has announced that January saw…
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