John Vincent, co-founder of Leon restaurants speaking earlier today on BBC Radio 4 told listeners in stark terms about the impact of lockdowns to his business and the wider hospitality sector.
He warned it was “quite possible” that the Leon restaurant business could collapse “if weeks and months drag on”. Also, putting perspective behind his statement he said Leon was losing circa £200,000 a week while closed.
Vincent cited a lack of cohesion in combating the pandemic being all too evident through what he called: a “pantomime of scientists against business”. He continued by speaking for most people saying: “as if there isn’t one giant shared agenda.”
It wasn’t only the economic cost that Vincent focused on but the human one too. Stating that the length of lockdown and the lack of a view how to escape from it was having a huge impact on the people who work with Leon.
He was also critical of a seeming lack of analysis alongside government decision making, drawing the analogy, “I wouldn’t launch a chicken wrap without analysis.”
Leon have supported the NHS during the Covid-19 crisis, working alongside actors including Damian Lewis. Let’s hope that Boris Johnson on Monday, and Rishi Sunak in his forthcoming budget provide more support for Leon and all hospitality businesses throughout the UK.
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Hospitality suppliers face devastating closures and job losses without imminent support
Hospitality & Catering News: Leon founder warns of possible business collapse and the pantomime of scientists against business. – 20 February 2021 – Leon founder warns of possible business collapse and the pantomime of scientists against business.
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