Covid-19
Our COVID-19 coverage captures the full impact of the pandemic on the UK’s foodservice and hospitality sector, from lockdown trading restrictions and government support schemes to recovery planning, operational adaptations, and long-term business implications. This includes essential reporting for restaurant operators, pub landlords, caterers, chefs, and F&B directors navigating one of the most disruptive periods in industry history.
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Apr- 2020 -30 AprilCoronavirus
New Hospitality tracker sees first quarter sales drop 21.3%
The UK hospitality sector saw sales decline 21.3% in the first quarter of 2020, as the country and the industry moved into Covid-19 lockdown, figures from the newly launched UKHospitality Quarterly Tracker reveal. The tracker combines data from all sub-segments of hospitality with it showing the “cliff edge impact” of…
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30 AprilCoronavirus
‘Lack of urgency’ in handing out Covid-19 grants to SMEs, says Colliers
Colliers International said it is concerned about the “lack of urgency” many local authorities are showing in paying out “much needed” grants to businesses, including recipients in the hospitality sector. Colliers said that according to the latest data published by the Government, five weeks after the grants were announced 38%…
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30 AprilBusiness Bites
Coronavirus treatment hopes push stock markets up, and ‘Spoons to reopen in June
Investors are chirpy this morning amid hopes of a new coronavirus treatment that has been described as promising by the USA’s top infectious disease official, Dr Anthony Fauci. The experimental drug, called remdesivir, is produced by an American biopharmaceutical firm called Gilead Sciences, and is reckoned by US regulators to…
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30 AprilRestaurants
KFC announces reopening of 80 UK sites amid Covid-19 crisis
KFC has announced it is to reopen 80 more of its stores this week amid the Covid-19 pandemic. The news comes as, earlier this month the fast food chain reopened 11 of its sites for takeaway orders, following the decision to temporarily close its doors last month “protect the wellbeing…
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29 AprilCoronavirus
Sodexo signs up to C-19 Business Pledge
Sodexo has signed the C-19 Business Pledge created by former Cabinet minister, Rt Hon Justine Greening and entrepreneur David Harrison. The national scheme encourages employers to join the coronavirus effort by pledging to help their employees, customers and communities during this crisis. Signatory organisations give their backing to the three…
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29 AprilPubs and Bars
Despite ‘Bounce Back Loans’ there are still huge gaps in support for pubs, says BBPA
The British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA) has said that chancellor Rishi Sunak’s ‘Bounce Back Loans’ programme announced earlier this week should help pubs currently struggling to access loans through the CIBIL scheme, many still have no direct grant support from the government. The ‘Bounce Back Loans’ will be for…
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29 AprilComment
The coronavirus crisis: The importance of adapting and reacting
Weathering the storm of the Covid-19 pandemic is a challenge for businesses of all sizes and the situation is continuing to change by the day. The food, hospitality and leisure sectors have been hit hard by the need to close restaurants and there is widespread concern over how these businesses…
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28 AprilCoronavirus
Greggs to reopen 20 stores for delivery amid lockdown
Bakery chain Greggs has revealed plans to open 20 of its stores for delivery in the Newcastle area as part of a controlled trial, as the UK Covid-19 lockdown continues. According to the BBC, stores would operate at reduced hours and offer a limited product range. The trial is set…
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28 AprilRestaurants
Shake Shack reopens for delivery amid Covid-19 crisis
American burger chain Shake Shack has announced it has reopened its central London Tottenham Court Road store for takeaway and delivery, with plans to open its Canary Wharf site on Thursday (30 April). Customers will be able to order home delivery via Deliveroo from the stores, as the restaurant said…
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28 AprilComment
‘Don’t Stop Now; Keep talking’: Why communication is still vital for businesses
When it comes to adapting your approach to deal with the current pandemic, going dark with your F&B business’ marketing and communications is the last thing you should be doing. Recent studies have already shown a 61% rise in social media engagement, compared to usual usage statistics. Therefore, whether your…
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