Figures released by The Office for National Statistics show the UK economy bouncing back from the impact of Covid-19 accelerated in July, as the reopening of businesses closed for months began to have a positive influence on more people venturing out and spending. The Office for National Statistics reported gross domestic product rising through July by 6.6% compared … [Read more...]
Archives for September 2020
The Savoy reopening date announced alongside new MD
Fairmont has today announced the appointment of Franck Arnold as Managing Director and Regional Vice President of The Savoy as of September 21st 2020. His arrival at the iconic hotel precedes the phased reopening of the London hotel, which will commence on 24th September. Franck Arnold is a figurehead of luxury hospitality with 30 years’ experience with some of the best known … [Read more...]
HM Treasury announce local lockdown grants to businesses
HM Treasury has announced that businesses in England that are required to shut because of local Covid-19 interventions will now be able to claim up to £1,500 per property every three weeks. Chief Secretary to the Treasury Steve Barclay told MPs yesterday. To be eligible for the grant, a business must have been required to close due to local Covid 19 restrictions. The largest … [Read more...]
Various Eateries LSE AIM launch, restaurant superheroes face Herculean task
The restaurant market sector in the UK currently is unrecognisable from the impact of Covid-19. Household names have joined countless lesser known eateries being no longer in business. Making trading even more difficult, yesterday’s announcement from government set even more stringent rules in place limiting people meeting more than five others at any time, and warnings to the … [Read more...]
Hospitality people respond to this afternoon’s government briefing
Prime Minister Boris Johnson addressed the UK live on television earlier this afternoon setting out the new guidelines for reducing the spread of Covid-19 in England. Aided by chief medical officer, Professor Chris Whitty, and chief scientific adviser, Sir Patrick Vallance. After the PM’s introduction he handed over to Professor Chris Whitty who used an animated map with … [Read more...]
Prizes for masking poetic licence
We are looking for people to bring poems to our readership outlining the need for all in hospitality to adopt wearing face coverings while at work. We hope to share smiles behind mask wearers encouraging peers to do the same, protecting colleagues and customers from the further spread of Covid-19. All you have to do is compose a few lines, as many or as few as you like, and … [Read more...]
Has Boris pressed the lockdown alarm bell early?
As the government is set to announce details of a second limited lockdown in England later today, some measurements by and signals from government beg questioning, asking if the data has been interpreted correctly. The first question is has the way in which data was and is now measured changed, and if so, has any adjustment been applied to allow for changes. Apples and … [Read more...]
Lockdown Two: Perspective – “we must only look forward”
Reaction to last night’s news that the government will later today detail further lockdown restrictions has been varied. Earlier today we received a view from Chris Stern, Managing Director, Stern Consultancy on his perspective and we have published in full below. We hope readers find Chris’ views as refreshing as we do. “Putting opinions about the government to one side, we … [Read more...]
Lockdown Two: Hospitality on the road to nowhere
Tough new lockdown restrictions on social gatherings across England are set to be announced later today as Prime Minister Boris Johnson tries to limit the spike in Covid-19 transmissions. The new rules will come into force this coming Monday 14 September banning groups of more than 6 people from coming together. The new rules will apply to all people in England of all ages, … [Read more...]
Tripadvisor’s safe restaurant gap opportunity in London
Tripadvisor is used by millions of people to search for restaurants that meet their criteria every day for their next dining experience. As a response to reopening hospitality post the Covid-19 lockdown a new filter was launched by Tripadvisor. The new filter enables people searching where to eat to identify restaurants that have put safety measures in place. Since the launch … [Read more...]
Don’t look back, look forward to Safe Hospitality
The hospitality industry has changed, and it is not going back to what it was pre Covid-19, the experience the industry has already gone through ensures this. Some will look back and remember the good old days, others will look forward and picture the new hospitality, safe hospitality. Safe hospitality is the best option as it is the solution that will see the … [Read more...]
Unfollow Boris and follow consumers, this is not a twitter tactic
Consumer confidence is everything for businesses looking to survive the Covid-19 crisis in hospitality. As consumers venture out the experiences they take in, consciously and sub consciously drive their future experiences. Feeling safe is undoubtedly the factor that continues to direct consumer confidence and will continue to do so for the foreseeable future. Political … [Read more...]
PizzaExpress CVA approved by majority of creditors
PizzaExpress this morning has announced that their proposed company voluntary arrangement has been approved by its creditors. The approval was agreed once the 75% approval line had been crossed seeing circa 90% of creditors that responded agree the move. Critically landlords voted in favour. As previously reported, the CVA was a key component of a wider financial … [Read more...]
Burger King release new restaurant design minimising multiple touch points
BURGER KING RESTAURANT DESIGN: Details of new restaurant designs that focus on minimising multiple touch points at Burger King restaurants have been released. Created by the Restaurant Brands International in-house design group, the plans were drafted to dramatically improve the Burger King restaurant guest experience. The new designs will provide multiple ordering and … [Read more...]
Pret a Manger subscription aimed at a niche target market
Pret a Manger has announced it will launch a new monthly subscription offering people five drinks a day in an effort to boost sales and footfall. The new service will enable subscribers paying £20 a month to enjoy up to five coffees, hot chocolates, teas, smoothies or frappe drinks a day, every day. In a 30 day month that would at a maximum equate to 150 drinks for … [Read more...]
