Ontrade Progress Issue #37

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Drink Up and F**k Off! During August it was Eat Out to Help Out... now with the 10pm curfew there’s a very different message.

Owners, Operators & Licensees providing an irreplaceable resource of up-to-date industry news, insight and business-building solutions.

ISSUE 37 | Editor’s Letter

Hello In Issue 37, I spoke to you about our industry finally getting back to some kind of ‘normal’ after months of lost revenue, forced closures and national lockdowns.

Contributors

However after a few months of summer fun, it seems that this, for a lot of us, has been pulled from beneath our feet rather unexpectedly.

With more local lockdowns being announced by the day, it seems a second spike is on its way. But whether you’re in Tier 1 or Tier 3, we aim to equip you with the knowledge to support your business during this difficult time.

Betsy Kharas Guest Writer

We bring back our ‘Good News’ feature on page 8, a sure-fire way to brighten your day.

With the Eat Out to Help Out scheme long forgotten, we discuss the new 10pm curfew on page 10. Contradictory and confusing, we question the government’s motives behind this new regulation and discuss the potentially catastrophic effects it could have on our industry.

Michelle Hazlewood John Gaunt & Partners

On page 18 we were lucky enough to sit down with award-winning chef of gastropub The Swan, Paul. We chat to him about all things food safety.

As it seems that restrictions and regulations are here to stay, we explore how you can reduce the risks of cancellations during this difficult time on page 22.

Finally, we take a look at the most recent government support and guidance being offered to businesses on page 38.

As we near the end of 2020, it’s more than likely going to be a year that bars, pubs and restaurants will hope to forget. We aim to do as we always have; advise, prepare and inform you as best as we can.

Enjoy the issue!

Mya Medina Editor-in-Chief Ontrade Progress magazine

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About us Ontrade Progress takes a detailed look at everything that is needed to run a pub, club, bar or restaurant successfully including interior design, security, seasonal food and drink trends, technology and training & recruitment. This is all brought together by the latest industry news, big name interviews and round-table events with senior industry professionals.

Printed and distributed monthly, Ontrade Progress is the essential community for owners, operators, and licensees in the hospitality sector looking to keep abreast of news and articles to assist in progressing their businesses.

Our team

Published by:

Director Ryan Bunce Creative Director Richard Day Editor Mya Medina Account Manager Ash Gadd Subscriptions Anna Stevens Online Manager Danny Allen Accounts Natalie Taylor

Iconative Ltd. Unit 32 Maple Leaf Manston Business Park Ramsgate Kent, CT12 5GD www.iconative.co.uk

contents

ISSUE 37 | Contents

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ISSUE 37 | Contents

08

10

14

Good News

Eat Out to Help Out. Now: Drink Up and F**k Off!

Open Letter to Parliment

Here, we discuss some of the more

With the Eat Out to Help Out scheme

We publish Campaign For Pubs

uplifting stories that have arisen over

long forgotten, we discuss the

open letter to Parliament, urging the

the past few months. These are sure

controversy of the new 10pm curfew.

government to listen to their pleas for

to brighten your day.

help and support.

18

22

26

Swans, Soufflé and Safety

Cancel Culture

Beers to Make You Stand Out!

Recently, we were lucky enough to

As it seems that restrictions and

Brewers Association are back advising

sit down with award-winning chef of

regulations are here to stay, we explore

you on how your beer offering can

gastropub The Swan, Paul. We chat to

how you can reduce the risks of

make you stand out from the crowd.

him about all things food safety.

cancellations during this difficult time.

28

32

34

Never Give Up!

Importance of Cash-Flow Management

Job Retention Scheme

We discuss the challenges that our

As 2020 comes to an end, cash

We look into how the new furlough

industry has faced in 2020 and look

flow management is more important

scheme is helping people – will it

ahead to the future.

than ever. We explore strategies to

actually save jobs?

help you here.

38

42

Helping Out Businesses

Legal Stuff

Here, we take information from the

Confusing and contradictory, we

GOV.UK website to update you on the

discuss the ‘rule of 6’ and how to

Send it to:

most recent government initiatives to

enforce this at your venue.

editor@ontradeprogress.com

Have you got story to share, why not send it to us to spread the word?

support your hospitality venue.

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ISSUE 37 | Featured articles

Open Letter to Parliament

Swans, SoufflĂŠ and Safety

Helping Out Businesses

We publish Campaign For Pubs

Recently, we were lucky

Here, we take information

open letter to Parliament, urging

enough to sit down with award-

from the GOV.UK website

the government to listen to their

winning chef of gastropub The

to update you on the most

pleas for help and support.

Swan, Paul. We chat to him

recent government initiatives to

about all things food safety.

support your hospitality venue.

14 18 Page

6

Page

40 Page

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Good News Marcus Rashford campaign to put brakes on child food poverty.

The UK’s leading foodservice supplier, Brakes, has joined the Child Food Poverty Task Force, which was formed by Marcus Rashford in early September. Brakes will join Marcus and some of Britain’s leading retailers and food manufacturers, to endorse three policy recommendations from the Government’s National Food Strategy, with the objective of seeing sufficient funds allocated to implementing them – a unifying step to identifying a long-term solution to child food poverty in the UK. In signing up to the Child Food Poverty Task Force, Brakes has committed to endorsing three policy recommendations.

Recommendation one entails expansion of free school meals to every child from a household on Universal Credit or equivalent.

Recommendation two calls for expansion of holiday provision (food and activities) to support all children on free school meals. The final recommendation includes, increasing the value of the Healthy Start vouchers to £4.25 per week (from £3.10) and expanding into all those on Universal Credit or equivalent.

For more stories and detials visit: www.ontradeprogress.com

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ISSUE 37 | Good news

Apprentices make history

Trust Water launched to support the drinks industry workforce

The very first apprentices have now

Trust Water has been launched by

completed the pioneering Level 4

hospitality experts Mark Bickerton

Brewer Apprenticeship, making them

and Richard Bailey specifically to help

the highest qualified apprentices in the

support those working in the drinks

UK brewing sector.

industry, with 100% of net profits from every bottle sold being donated to The

Those who have completed the Brewer

Drinks Trust.

Apprenticeship benefitted from an 18-month programme, which included

Both still and sparkling variants of

residential workshops run by The

British spring water from the beautiful

University of Nottingham’s International

Herefordshire countryside will be

Centre for Brewing Science, where

offered in a range of Trust Water

they learnt about different brewing

bottles, from glass and recycled PET,

techniques, as well as the chemistry

to lightweight refillable aluminium.

behind the brewing process.

Trust Water is available in a range of The Level 4 Brewer Apprenticeship is a

bottles including 330ml and 500ml

first-of-its-kind qualification, delivered

recycled PET, 330ml and 750ml

through a unique collaboration

glass and an environmentally friendly,

between employers, HIT Training and

lightweight aluminium bottle that is

The University of Nottingham.

ideal for refilling. The label design, created by specialist drinks design

The apprenticeship was developed by

agency Barlow & Co, features a

a highly engaged employer trailblazer

ripple effect which reflects the brand

group, facilitated by the British Beer

ambition to create positive ripples that

& Pub Association (BBPA). The

turn into a wave of support for workers

group is made up of industry leaders

in the drinks industry from within its

including HIT Training, the Institute of

own community.

Brewing and Distilling, The University of Nottingham, as well as some of the most prominent brewing companies in the sector.

The Brewer Apprenticeship was created in direct response to the rise in popularity of craft beer.

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ISSUE 37 | Coronavirus

COVID-19

Eat Out to Help Out. Now: Drink Up and F**k Off! Ontrade Progress reflects on the changing regulations around eating out.

With the launch of the Eat Out to Help

Among these new restrictions is a

This particular restriction has been

Out scheme in August, there was an

‘3 Tier system’ that has seen the areas

met with much scepticism, with many

undeniable sense of hope in the air

in the UK with the highest number

arguing that the thinking behind the

for a brighter future for the hospitality

of cases face severe restrictions,

curfew is flawed. There is no denying

industry. However, the second wave is

including the closure of bars and pubs

that the government’s advice across

wreaking havoc across the UK; daily

that can’t operate as restaurants.

the span of this tumultuous period

cases are at an all-time high, hospital

However, even restaurants in areas far

has, more often than not, been

admissions and deaths are increasing,

less affected by the virus have fallen

contradictory and confusing - and this

and restrictions are once again being

subject to a range of suppressive

is another example. One minute, the

put in place in order to try and curb

measures, including a 10pm curfew

public is being practically ushered out

the spread of the virus.

for all hospitality venues nationwide.

of their homes to ‘eat out to help out’, and the next is being told they can’t stay out past 10pm. So, what evidence is there for the 10pm curfew? And will it really have an impact on reducing coronavirus cases?

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ISSUE 37 | Coronavirus

Eat Out to Help Out?

Does the 10pm curfew make sense?

From 3rd to 31st August, the

A bold, and somewhat confusing,

government launched a scheme aimed

move by the government, the 10pm

at getting the hospitality sector back

curfew has left many scratching their

on its feet after a 3 month, nationwide

heads. There are calls from local

lockdown had unprecedented

government leaders to reassess the

economic impacts on the industry.

curfew, as many argue it is causing

The scheme allowed diners to claim

more problems than it’s solving.

a 50% discount on food or nonalcoholic drinks to eat or drink in (up

What the government failed to

to a maximum of £10 discount per

consider, it seems, is that while it’s all

person) for every Monday, Tuesday

well and good kicking people out of

and Wednesday in August.

pubs and bars at 10pm, this is actually forcing thousands of people out onto

Whilst the scheme was largely hailed

the streets and public transport at the

a success, with many saying it led to

same time. Shortly after the curfew was

a boost in trade, the benefits of the

implemented, social media was littered

scheme were short-lived, with new

with videos and images of thousands

restrictions placing many businesses

of people gathering on the streets in

back in deep water. The contradictory

huge crowds as a direct result. To

messaging of ‘Eat Out to Help Out’

implement a curfew such as this and

followed less than a month later by a

then expect people to go directly home

10pm curfew, has caused significant

is shortsighted - people want to have

backlash, with many arguing that it’s

fun and hospitality venues want to

nonsensical and won’t help to curb the

continue serving customers in a safe

spread of the virus.

and secure environment.

Moreover, throughout the course of the first lockdown, venues across the country went above and beyond to put measures in place to become ‘COVID secure’, but these efforts have largely been overlooked. The industry, it seems, is being vilified for providing the breeding ground for coronavirus, but figures published by Public Health England demonstrate that this is far from the case.

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ISSUE 37 | Coronavirus

Cancel The Curfew Many industry workers are furious about the curfew, and aren’t afraid to make their feelings known.

Created by a group of hospitality professionals from across England and Wales, the Cancel The Curfew campaign was launched in order to put pressure on the Government to reverse the implementation of the curfew. The campaign is attempting to boost awareness among consumers in order to garner support and increase pressure on the government by demonstrating the terrible impact that the policy is having on hospitality businesses.

There is no denying that the hospitality industry has been disproportionately affected by coronavirus - and the 10pm curfew is just another example of a restriction that will have longlasting and damaging effects on the industry and its workers. For now, we can only hope that the government is proactive in their response to these complaints and that the industry will get the help that it needs to survive.

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I n t e r i o r s

ISSUE 37 | Open letter to Parliament

Campaign for Pubs Promote, Support and Protect Pubs Rt Hon Rishi Sunak MP Chancellor of the Exchequer HM Treasury 1 Horse Guards Road London SW1A 2HQ 25th September 2020 Dear Chancellor, We, all UK publicans, are writing to you to implore you to understand the situation we, our staff and our families are now in as a direct result of the Government imposed restrictions on pubs and hospitality – and to urge you to offer meaningful support to compensate for the loss of trade, income and livelihoods that the Government restrictions will cause.

We are dismayed at the way you have ignored the needs of pubs, publicans, staff and our families in your statement.

Despite many pubs now facing levels of trade that make opening unviable, you provided NOTHING in your statement to help thousands of pubs other than limited help to those that serve food or provide accommodation. This oversight is astonishing considering that the Government so often claims to care about ‘the Great British pub’, but it is also disgraceful, considering that the Government’s own decisions are what have led directly to many pubs being unable to trade viably.

We were already dismayed at the way the Government introduced new restrictions, rather than seeking to ensure compliance with the existing ones. Many of us invested significantly in screens, outdoor areas, increased staff and other measures to ensure safe operation. As it is, many pubs, especially smaller pubs, are now scarcely trading profitably and many are not doing so at all. Many pubs have incurred significant losses and rental debts from the three-month lockdown, and the new restrictions will now reduce trade to a level where many pubs simply will not be viable, without meaningful support.

There seems to be a completely flawed perception that the 10pm curfew somehow means “just one hour less of trading”. This shows a complete lack of understanding of the operation of pubs and the current reality of trade.

Many pubs, especially in towns and city centres, are heavily reliant on trade at weekends up to midnight or 1am, and without a busy Friday and Saturday they are instantly unprofitable. The requirement for table service only (which very clearly puts us and our staff at greater risk than service behind a screened bar) also means extra staff are needed.

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ISSUE 37 | Open letter to Parliament

Campaign for Pubs Promote, Support and Protect Pubs

How, for example, can a characterful wet-led community pub with perhaps different rooms, an upstairs and a garden provide table service with one member of staff? It is impossible now, whereas previously it may well have been the norm for one staff member to supervise the whole site. Staff costs, already the largest cost for any pub alongside property costs (which this Government has also catastrophically failed to effectively address), have now gone through the roof. Yet there was zero acknowledgement of this fact in today’s statement which purported to be all about saving viable jobs. Jobs in these pubs are perfectly viable under normal circums tances, and it is only the Government’s own restrictions which have currently rendered them not so. To not support them now is frankly scandalous.

In all their decision making so far, it seems clear that the Government either doesn’t understand or simply doesn’t care (an increasingly widespread belief amongst publicans) that pubs directly provide the Campaign for Pubs Ltd. Registered company number 12637917 Registered in England and Wales livelihoods of thousands of families up and down the country and sustain the viability of thousands more busines ses in their supply chains. There seems to be no consideration at all of the people and families that have been making such an heroic effort to help our precious pubs survive this far through the crisis, some of whom are already facing hardship due to the fact that restricted trade means they are already struggling to make a profit, or in many cases are now not making one at all.

Beyond the immediate threat to jobs and the welfare of publicans and their families, the current policy of this Government risks the failure of many pub businesses and the perman ent closure of thousands of pubs, irrevocably changing the face of this country, its villages, towns and cities. A key part of our culture, and an institution that is known and loved all round the world, namely the great British pub, is now under grave threat. Yet you have offered no support and it feels to us that you have actively turned your back on pubs and publicans, leaving them to sink or swim in waters made far more turbulent by the Government’s own policies .

As public-facing, community orientated businesses we are used to

being on the “front line” in many respects, and we accept, even at the best of times, that we must carry out our busines s as safely as possible and under strict regulations. These however are the worst of times, and today’s announ cement may well have been the final straw that will simply tip many pubs over the edge – just when we were banking on you and the Government to assist us following the introduction of the recent hotly-debated measures.

The extension to the 5% VAT level helps pubs that do food (and the

nothing whatsoever to help pubs that do not, many of which are the

minority that do accommodation) but does

new restrictions. Once again we are seeing a policy choice that does

pubs, pub tenants and freeholders, yet provides a huge boost to big

pubs that cannot operate profitably under the nothing to help thousands of small business

chains. Why are you supporting corporate chains like McDonalds and KFC and providing no support for the multitud e of idiosyncratic small business pubs, the very ones that best embody the iconic institution of the genuine pub, that is so famous and beloved around the world, and also so vital to our villages, towns and cities (including in your own constituency)?

The Job Support scheme may be very helpful for some sectors, but

it isn’t any help at all for most pubs. Some pubs

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ISSUE 37 | Open letter to Parliament

Campaign for Pubs Promote, Support and Protect Pubs

publicans and their families are working have no staff, especially at the moment with trade so reduced, and instead . Those with staff are now finding they need every hour to run them all on their own just to survive the current situation subsidy for non-working staff is absolutely useless even more people working in order to cope with the new measures. A this extra employment in return for less revenue. to them, they need help with their actual payroll while they provide all make sense now to close, either temporarily or Faced with this reality we are already hearing that for many it will only altogether. This cannot be your intention. permanently, which will obviously spell an end to any associated jobs the most iconic small business institution of UK It is cruel to talk about “help for hospitality” or “small business” when ent. The inescapable impression is that we are hospitality, the pub, is being so ignored and sidelined by the Governm businesses, often individual families, who serve now being utterly cut adrift. Most pubs in the country are run by small under normal circumstances the responsibilities their community directly from within. The work is relentless, and even communities are at the heart of what we do, our are enormous, while the rewards for most are notoriously paltry. Our and we feel as passionately as anyone about reputation within our communities is of paramount importance to us, that we get at least some support in doing so. preventing the spread of this virus. We do not think it too much to ask for pubs, to make up for the loss of trade So we want to know what you are going to do to provide proper support Government restrictions and to avoid the pubs are and will suffer, as a direct result of the deeply questionable ds. otherwise inevitability of pub business failure, closures and loss of livelihoo wet led pubs that work daily at the heart We do know, as a matter of urgency, for the many thousands of beloved pubs, that without Government support will of our communities, including many beautiful and deeply valued historic mean the loss of the small businesses and families close and could be lost for good. Make no mistake this will not just of cases the buildings themselves, if they are that occupy them (as if that is not bad enough) but in a huge number freeholders that currently stand to regain their allowed to revert to the stewardship of the very many unsympathetic vacant possession. words and photo opportunities, you and the We urge you to do the following – if, as you so often claim with your Government genuinely care about our pubs, publicans and their families: • 5% (or even better zero) VAT on ALL sales in pubs restrictions and have to close temporarily • Grants to cover full costs if pubs cannot viably trade with the current business rates for pubs prior to recommencing • A business rates holiday extension, with a complete overhaul for the fact many pubs are facing wholly • A statutory right to an immediate rent review for all pubs, to tackle reduced trade unreasonable rent levels, considering the Government restrictions and off closing due to the restrictions, yet The simple fact is that in the current situation, many pubs are better . These are viable, important community you have announced nothing to help them through this next six months culture and identity, yet you have ignored them. business and a fundamental, iconic part of the fabric of our national

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ISSUE 37 | Open letter to Parliament

Campaign for Pubs Promote, Support and Protect Pubs

So we are urging you to listen to the nation’s publicans – to meet with us and understand that we need urgent support now to get through the next six months. If you ignore us, you and the Government will be responsible for the closure and loss of many important pubs up and down the country, as well as causing loss and hardship for publicans, pub staff and their families.

We look forward to hearing from you – and hopefully meeting with you – as soon as possible.

Yours sincerely,

Paul Crossman

Dawn Hopkins

Chair, Campaign for Pubs

Vice-Chair, Campaign for Pubs

The Swan, The Slip Inn & Volunteer Arms, York

The Rose, Norwich

1. Paul Crossman, Chair, Campaign for Pubs; The Swan, The Slip Inn & Volunteer Arms, York 2. Dawn Hopkins, Vice-Chair, Campaign for Pubs; The Rose, Norwich 3. Gary Murphy, Campaign for Pubs PCA Liaison Officer; Ye Olde Mitre Inne, High Barnet 4. Victoria Macdonald, Campaign for Pubs NEC member Cellar House, Norwich & The Old Ram’s Head, Tivetshall St Mary, Norfolk 5. Dave Law, Campaign for Pubs NEC member; The Eagle Ale House, Battersea Plus hundreds more UK publicans see: https://campaignforpubs.org.uk/open-letter-to-the-chancellor-from-the-nations-publicans/

Campaign for Pubs, The Volunteer Arms, 5 Watson Street, Holgate, York YO24 4BH Email: campaign@campaignforpubs.org.uk Twitter: @campaignforpubs Facebook: @campaignforpubs Instagram: @campaignforpubs Registered company number 12637917 Registered in England and Wales

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ISSUE 37 | On the plate

FOOD SAFETY

Swans, Soufflé and Safety Being one of the top gastropubs in the UK, The Swan knows its fair share about food safety. An AA Four Star Gold classic English country pub (and the oldest pub in Bampton, Devon!), The Swan offers the very best dishes using seasonal, regional ingredients, peppered with top-notch customer service.

We were lucky enough to sit down

How long have you been a

with Paul, the talented, award-winning,

chef and what inspired you

industry-acclaimed chef of The Swan,

to open The Swan?

who has gained a reputation for creating some of the region’s tastiest

I have been a chef now for 30 years.

dishes, to chat about food safety.

We didn’t really know what we wanted Paul, we are really excited to

to do with it when we originally took it

work with you and see what

on, and that’s the truth.

has influenced you over the years. So, when did The Swan

Over the years it has developed

first open?

into what it is now; modern British with classic dishes. We struggled at

9 years ago next month!

first and had some conflicting ideas about the direction of things, but it’s progressed as we’ve gone along and I think that’s probably the best way.

Luckily, our customers have come along with us!

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ISSUE 37 | On the plate

Over the last 9 years that you have owned The Swan, how has awareness of food

What influence does food

safety changed?

safety have on your cooking?

It’s changing all of the time, that’s why

Clearly, if we are cutting meat we

they bring in new regulations so often.

follow the guidelines.

The emphasis now is on you; it’s up to you to keep your finger on the button

Take chicken parfait for example, you

through various sources of information

must make sure that you have got

but mostly through your local council

it to the right temperature and that

website and environmental health.

it has been held there at the right

Also, little things like trading standards

temperature. Most chefs will tell you

and food standards are important too.

this, but we have ways of making it look pink.

Things are always changing. It’s nice, isn’t it, to go and buy half a dozen

You just can’t afford to take chances.

eggs from the lady down the road,

We have a motto in our kitchen, I think

but do you know what you’re giving

a lot of kitchens do: if you’re not sure,

your customer if you do this? If you

bin it! It’s simple. If you’re not sure

want to take a chance yourself (which

about something, don’t use it.

certainly seems like a nice idea if you’re on holiday in Devon or Cornwall

If not, we could ruin a perfectly good

or somewhere similar!) that’s fine.

business just for being lax.

But, if you want the food you serve your customer to be safe then you’ve got to make sure that your eggs are approved by the Lion! Everybody knows that the bacteria is on the outer shell of the egg. It’s in my customers’ interests (and therefore my business Paul and Donna Berry

interests) to make sure that everything

The Swan, Bampton owners.

is cushty!

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ISSUE 37 | On the plate

So how long have you been using British Lion Eggs and

What’s your favorite egg

what do you know about their

dish on your menu and what

message of egg safety?

inspired it?

Well to be honest with you, I just know

If we have a customer staying for

It has to be our soufflé. It’s quite

they are the right eggs to use. We

bed and breakfast, I want an egg

unique as it’s actually gluten free.

have been using them for 2 years now

that’s going to sing to them in the

We wanted to create something for

as unfortunately our last egg supplier

morning with a lovely bright yellow

our customers that were intolerant

retired and we had to find a new one.

yolk. An inspector who stayed here for

to gluten or completely coeliac. That

breakfast once described our eggs as

way, they feel like they are getting

a little ray of sunshine!

something special!

good telling customers where we get

It’s all part of the experience and you

Often, these customers can feel as

our eggs from but it’s important that

can definitely tell the difference. I don’t

though chefs ‘can’t be bothered’ to

they know that the eggs we’re using

want to serve cold looking eggs, if I

cater for them. There’s an art to the

are safe.

make scrambled egg I want it to look

soufflé and I think they appreciate that.

I also think the locality of the eggs is really important. It is all well and

bright not pale – you want that colour in there!

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ISSUE 37 | On the plate

COVID-19

Cancel Culture With the rules around eating out and travel changing fast, hotels, restaurants and bars are experiencing waves of cancellations.

Confirm, confirm, confirm Back in March, the rules around what

As a hospitality venue operator,

we can and can’t do were simple –

ensuring you don’t waste resources

for the most part, the rules were ‘we

by hiring too many staff is key. If you

can’t do’. That is to say, bars and

anticipate a fully booked evening

restaurants remained shut (except

and only half of expected customers

for takeaways) – pure and simple.

show up, you’ll be wasting money on

However, with the Government’s

hiring the staff and they’ll be bored

implication of a ‘tier system’ that

waiting on only one table. The most

continues to see areas across the UK

important way you can avoid this

added overnight, and with various

unnecessary loss is to confirm every

devolved nations implementing their

booking. Some restaurants, such as

own versions of lockdowns – the rules

The Hare in Harrow already do this,

are changing every day and they are

asking customers to confirm their

changing fast. Hospitality simply can’t

booking via email 24 hours before

keep up. Moreover, new rules coming

their arrival. Additionally, if the

into force constantly means that

customer doesn’t respond to the

cancellations are at an all-time high.

email, they call to confirm.

A written or verbal confirmation from the customer means you are far less likely to receive no shows and helps the customers establish a bond with the venue.

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ISSUE 37 | On the plate

d e v r e s Re

Covid secure

Credit card please

Despite the ‘Eat Out To Help Out

It may seem as though you see

Scheme’ being a general success for

high drop off figures when asking

the hospitality industry, the scheme

customers to leave a credit or debit

took place at a time when COVID-19

card with any booking, but this is

cases were falling across the country.

essential to ensuring the bookings

With the second wave still climbing,

you do receive are serious ones.

the confidence that customers

Customers are far less likely to not

fostered for hospitality is waning.

show up if they know they’ll be charged a fee. Would you rather a

Assure customers, both on your

fully booked restaurant where only

website, through signage and in-

70 per cent of customers actually

person, that you are taking COVID-19

show up? Or have 70 per cent

hygiene measures seriously. This

occupancy wherein every single

means insisting customers follow the

customer attends?

rules by, for example, ensuring they wear masks while not sat at their tables

This is key to ensuring that you’ve

or having clear signage that states a

planned your resources accordingly and

dedicated entrance and exit route.

you aren’t wasting money needlessly.

Even though it may seem strange to call a customer up on not wearing a mask, which feels innately against the ‘customer is king’ scheme of thought, by doing this, you ensure other customers that you are taking their safety seriously.

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ISSUE 37 | Good news

GOOD NEWS

Train ‘em Up! Specialist training provider offers free mental health training to businesses nationwide.

Connect2Care, the leading provider

completed extensive work with

of training and apprenticeships in the

individuals experiencing psychosis,

healthcare, adult care and early years

schizophrenia, bi-polar and personality

sectors, is prioritising mental health by

disorders, as well as managing a

offering free training to all businesses

community support team for those

nationwide. Two staff members from

enduring mental health issues.

any sector business or supplier will be able to access the Level 1 Awareness of First Aid for Mental Health Training

“We know that now more

Course, free of charge. This initiative

than ever, the mental

has been launched in response to

strain placed on many

growing concerns around mental health throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.

professionals across the country is substantial and we want to help support

This announcement follows warnings

people to manage their

from the Government of a “hidden

stress and mental health

mental health crisis” in the UK, with

concerns. We want to

twice as many people experiencing a

break down as many

diagnosable mental health condition

barriers as possible

since the start of the pandemic. This

and ensure training is

is especially pertinent in the hospitality

accessible for those who

sector where workers’ roles and daily

need it most.”

lives have been significantly impacted by recent events.

She comments.

Lindsey Appleby-Flynn, Adult Health and Social Care Lead is heading up

As part of its commitment to improving

the Connect2Care mental health

mental health provision and education

programme. An expert in the field

in the UK, Connect2Care has also

of mental health, she sits on the

developed a dedicated mental health

Executive Committee of the Care

strategy and action plan to support

Apprenticeship Board and has

its staff.

24

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ISSUE 37 | Mine’s a pint

BREWERS ASSOCIATION

Beers to Make You Stand Out! Lottie Peplow, American Craft Beer Ambassador for Europe for the Brewers Association, the non-for-profit trade association representing small and independent American craft brewers, on how to stand out from the crowd.

As confidence returns to the on trade

Beers submitted to international beer

American craft beer regularly wins

it’s worth considering the potential

competitions are judged blindly against

medals at beer competitions around

to stock sought-after, world-class,

other entries based on their ability to

the world that are judged by the

high quality beers that will offer your

meet criteria outlined in style guidelines

best sensory palates in the business.

establishment a point of difference

like those produced by the Brewers

American craft beer is able to deliver

over the competition.

Association or those they define

unparalleled flavour due to a number

themselves. In larger competitions,

of reasons – the use of high quality

But with so many beers on the market

like the World Beer Cup, beers will be

raw materials, relentless innovation,

how to choose your range can be

judged against potentially hundreds

technical brewing expertise and an

difficult. A good rule of thumb is to

of other entries in a category. Those

unswerving commitment to quality

stock beers that win top honours at

making it to the final rounds and

throughout the supply chain to ensure

international beer competitions like the

ultimately selected for a medal have

it reaches the beer drinker exactly as

World Beer Cup, European Beer Star

been deemed the most exemplary and

the brewer intended.

and Brussels Beer Challenge.

outstanding in their class.

Award-winning American craft beer is available from UK importers and selected wholesalers.

A wealth of free resources are available on www.brewersassociation.org 26

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ISSUE 37 | Coronavirus

UK HOSPITALITY

Never Give Up! One of the great challenges of this pandemic is that we all find ourselves battling against a constantly evolving landscape of misfortune.

Nine months after the first reported case in the UK, events continue to unfold so rapidly, that it feels like you are constantly trying to hold back the tide.

At the time of writing this, the Welsh

Another considerable barrier to

Government has just announced the

formulating a coherent plan to

“firebreak� lockdown which will see

supporting our sector is the different

the mandatory closure of hospitality

approaches to battling the virus taken

venues across the country. Liverpool,

by the UK’s different governments.

Lancashire, Manchester and Sheffield have been placed in tier 3, while

The devolved governments in

large parts of the North East, South

Scotland and Wales have not taken

East and West Midlands are in tier 2.

wildly different approaches to that

More shifts to higher alert tiers seem

of Westminster, but there have been

probable, along with who knows what

crucial discrepancies in the way that

other measures.

countries have imposed restrictions and made support available. It leaves you feeling like you are playing three separate games of chess with three different people, each playing by a unique set of rules which can be changed, without consultation or input from yourself, with no prior warning.

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ISSUE 37 | Coronavirus

One thing which unites businesses in

Businesses have spent a great deal of

every region is, unfortunately, the bleak

time and money making their venues

outlook for many of them. A recent

secure only to be told they must close

survey carried out by UKH, along with

arbitrarily at 10pm or, in the case of tier

the BII and BBPA, showed that more

3 venues, completely. All this despite

than three-quarters of businesses

there being no evidence to suggest we

were loss making. Startlingly, total

are a problem.

business failure by the end of 2020 was estimated at 1 in 4 and over half

The challenge facing the UK’s

expected to fail before the end of the

hospitality sector is the biggest it has

first quarter next year.

ever had to face. Surviving is going to be a considerable feat, made all the

This is a staggeringly desperate position

more difficult when the goalposts keep

for our sector to be in. It is doubly

being shifted.

difficult to take as all evidence points to hospitality not being a large part of the problem. Incidents of COVID linked to eating and drinking businesses are a tiny amount. Yet our businesses are facing the most severe restrictions and being hit harder than any other sector.

ONE INDUSTRY. ONE VOICE. UKHospitality is the powerful voice representing the broad hospitality sector – covering everything from bars, coffee shops, contract catering, hotels, nightclubs, visitor attractions and other leisure venues. www.ukhospitality.org.uk

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ISSUE 37 | Mind the pennies

COVID-19

Importance of Cash-Flow Management As we come towards the end of 2020, it’s been a year many pubs, bars and restaurants will hope to forget. Even before the global pandemic hit our shores, establishments were having a tough time with sources quoting 2,800 establishments closed down during the 12 month period before the March lockdown began.

During the initial COVID-19 lockdown

We have all heard the phrase ‘Cash

phase, the various support packages,

is King’ and approximately 80% of

from The Furlough Scheme to

failed businesses collapse due to

Tax Deferrals, helped keep many

fundamental cash-flow issues and

establishments afloat with the hope of

under COVID-19, the management of

the notion that, if we all did as we were

cash is important, now more than ever.

told, we could go back to ‘business

Forecasts are essential to try to predict

as normal’ as soon as possible.

what may happen to cash in the future

Alongside the preparation of cash

Unfortunately, as I write this article,

and enable owners of establishments

flow forecasts, business owners

heightened restrictions are in place,

to take decisions now to protect

need to review the overheads of the

with pubs in areas such as Liverpool

businesses for the future. Forecasts

business and try to reduce any of

having to shut their doors, potentially

are part art and part science but a

the high variable overheads as much

putting the last nail in the coffin for so

good, realistic cash-flow forecast will:-

as possible.

• Act as an early warning for future cash short-falls; • Help to ensure future liabilities are met on time; and • Provide supporting evidence for the application of finance.

many businesses.

32

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ISSUE 37 | Mind the pennies

Lots of establishments are highly

There are opinions that delaying

geared with some expensive debt to

payments to suppliers will help with

breweries, banks and other finance

the cash surplus of a business but this

providers. It is important to enter

needs to be done with extreme care.

into discussions with these lenders

Unilaterally making the decision not to

as soon as possible to discuss the

pay suppliers can be very damaging

options around payment and interest

for supplier relationships. I would

rate holidays.

encourage businesses to contact suppliers and have discussions about

Getting the business’ financials up-to-

what can work for the both of them.

date is key. Many establishments may hide away from this compliance

Over the last 6 months, the

but knowing what tax liabilities will

Government backed support has

arise in the future, will assist with

changed and evolved and businesses

cash-flow management.

should review online resources and speak to their professional advisors to

Should tax liabilities, both personal

ensure all Government backed support

and corporate not be afforded, I would

has been taken. We are coming

strongly urge businesses to contact

towards the end of support packages

HMRC as soon as possible to identify

and having realistic cash-flow forecasts

and agree possible payment plans.

will give businesses the confidence that they will survive into 2021.

33

ISSUE 37 | Government support

COVID-19

Job Retention Scheme We look into how the new furlough scheme is affecting people - will it actually save jobs?

The Coronavirus Job Retention

Alongside these new measures, the

Scheme (CJRS) will draw to a close

government also announced a new

at the end of October after having

job retention scheme, coming into

subsidised the wages of nearly

action on 1st November and running

10 million workers since it was

for 6 months. However, after receiving

announced on 20th March. However,

significant criticism, Chancellor Rishi

as the second wave of coronavirus

Sunak has made substantial and

wreaks havoc across England, it is

unexpected changes to the scheme

clear that this crisis is far from over.

that aim to ensure that hospitality businesses can access the economic

There is no denying that hospitality

support that they need during these

has been one of the industries hit

unprecedented times.

hardest by the pandemic, and the government’s new ‘3 Tier System’

Despite these changes, many are still

has seen a reintroduction of some

extremely concerned about the future

of the most severe restrictions that

of the industry and its workers, and

were in place during peak lockdown.

questions such as:

Venues in areas under Tier 3 rules will be particularly hard-hit, with measures including the temporary closure of pubs and bars unless they operate as restaurants.

“Is it too late? Will this new scheme be effective? Is it enough to save jobs?”

are at the forefront of many people’s minds.

34

www.ontradeprogress.com

ISSUE 37 | Government support

Did the CJRS work?

With more than half of those furloughed since May returning to work by mid-August (according to data published by the Office for National Statistics), the CJRS was, to an extent, successful.

However, with the introduction of a range of new restrictive COVID measures, including a nationwide 10pm curfew for pubs, bars and restaurants, mandatory table service and ‘the rule of six’, alongside stricter rules in Tier 3 that include the closure of venues unless they serve a substantial meal with drinks, it is becoming ever more apparent that while jobs may have been saved in the short-term, we are far from out of the woods.

One of the most recent examples is pub and brewer Marston’s, who, despite resilient trading during the post-lockdown summer months, announced that they have cut 2150 furloughed jobs - the largest single hit to jobs in the sector since the pandemic began. The trade union Unite, which has 580 members at Marston’s, said the decision clearly demonstrated the need for urgent government intervention.

The true scale of job loss as a result of this crisis is yet to manifest, and Marston’s has coped better than many, with customer numbers remaining robust due to their high number of venues and access to outdoor seating. Other establishments have not been so lucky.

35

ISSUE 37 | Government support

What are the changes to the furlough scheme and how does the new plan work?

Too little, too late?

October marks the end of the CJRS -

The alterations to the scheme mean

While the new furlough scheme was

the original furlough scheme that saw

it is far more viable for employers

originally met with much frustration,

up to 80% of people’s wages being

to keep staff on, as it reduces the

the revisions made by the government

supplemented by the government up

pressure of having to make up wages

have been welcomed by businesses

to £2,500 a month.

for hours not worked. When it was

across the country.

originally announced, the JSS saw However, in response to growing

employers paying a 1/3 of employee’s

Nevertheless, it is concerning that

concerns about new coronavirus

wages for hours not worked, and

these measures have been announced

restrictions, in September Rishi Sunak

required employers to be working

barely days before they will come into

detailed plans for mitigating the impact

33% of their normal hours. Changes

play - and waiting until the last moment

of the second wave and the ‘3 Tier

to the scheme reduce employer’s

to announce them has warranted

System’ by announcing a new, ‘scaled

contributions to those unworked hours

criticism. Critics have warned that

back’ Job Support Scheme (JSS).

to just 5%, and reduces the minimum

it is too late, and that there was not

hours requirements to 20%, meaning

enough support provided for people

Originally, the scheme was

even those working just one day a

who have already lost their job as a

disappointingly limited; support was

week will qualify for support.

result of the pandemic.

3 areas, with 1/3 of wages being

Amongst other measures, Sunak has

While the CJRS scheme certainly

covered for employees who were

also announced that grants of up

helped for a while, ultimately the

not able to work due to enforced

to £2,100 a month will be offered to

restrictions in place have resulted in

closures. As a result, it was met

struggling businesses. These grants

a reduction in footfall and some jobs

with considerable criticism. Many

will be backdated, starting from

simply can’t be saved. The future

establishments in Tier 2 argued

August 2020.

remains uncertain - but we’re hopeful

only accessible to businesses in Tier

that they would be better off if they

that this is a step in the right direction.

were under Tier 3 restrictions, as at least they would be eligible for state support. In response, with just over a week to go before the launch of the JSS, The Chancellor has now altered the terms.

For more infromation of the Job Retention Scheme and all other Coronavirus business support visit: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/claim-for-wages-through-the-coronavirus-job-retention-scheme

36

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ISSUE 37 | Government support

BUSINESS NEWS

Helping out Businesses With restrictions still in place, local lockdowns being introduced daily and regular announcements from the Prime Minister, it’s clear that the effects of coronavirus are going to last longer than we all thought.

Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme Luckily, the government is continuing

If you wish to continue claiming for

to provide financial support to

your employees’ wages until the

businesses during this uncertain time.

scheme finishes, 30th November is

Here, we take information from the

the last day you can submit claims

GOV.UK website to update you on the

for periods ending on or before

most recent government initiatives to

31st October 2020. After this date you

support your hospitality venue.

will not be able to submit any further claims or add to existing claims.

38

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ISSUE 37 | Government support

Job Retention Bonus

Retail, Hospitality and Leisure Grant

Though the furlough scheme is coming

The Retail, Hospitality and Leisure

to an end, the government have

Grant Fund is now closed.

introduced the Job Retention Bonus.

You should have received your grant This is a £1,000 one-off taxable

by 30 September 2020. Contact your

payment to you (the employer), for

local council if you think you’re eligible

each eligible employee that you

for a grant but have not yet received it.

furloughed and kept continuously employed until 31st January 2021.

You’ll be able to claim the bonus between 15th February 2021 and

Statutory Sick Pay Rebate Scheme

31st March 2021. You do not have to

The Coronavirus Statutory Sick Pay

pay this money to your employee.

Rebate Scheme will repay employers the Statutory Sick Pay paid to current

To be eligible for the bonus you must

or former employees.

make sure that your employees have been paid at least the minimum

This scheme is for employers. You can

income threshold.

claim back up to 2 weeks of SSP if:

To meet the minimum income

• you have already paid your

threshold you must pay your employee

employee’s sick pay (use the SSP

a total of at least £1,560 (gross)

calculator to work out how much

throughout the tax months:

to pay).

• you’re claiming for an employee

• 6th November to 5th December 2020.

• 6th December 2020 to 5th January 2021.

• 6th January to 5th February 2021.

who’s eligible for sick pay due to coronavirus.

• you have a PAYE payroll scheme that was created and started on or before 28th February 2020.

• you had fewer than 250 employees on 28th February 2020 across all your PAYE payroll schemes.

39

ISSUE 37 | Government support

Local Restrictions Support Grant The Local Restrictions Support

The grant will be extended to cover

Grant (LRSG) supports businesses

each additional 3-week period, so if

that were open as usual, providing

your business is closed for 6 weeks

services in person to customers from

it will receive £2,000 or £3,000,

their business premises, but which

depending on the rateable value of

were then required to close for at

the property.

least 3 weeks due to local lockdown restrictions imposed by government.

Grants will be based on the rateable value of the property on the first full

Your business may be eligible if it:

day of local lockdown restrictions.

• occupies property on which it pays

You may receive a grant of up to

business rates.

• is in a local lockdown area and has

£1,500 at the discretion of your local council if:

been required to close because of the formal publication of local restrictions guidance that resulted in a first full day of closure on or

• your business is required to close but you do not pay business rates.

• if your business is not required

after 9 September. This funding is

to close, but has been severely

not retrospective.

affected, for example as a result of

• has been required to close for

customer businesses being closed.

at least 3 weeks because of the lockdown.

• has been unable to provide its

Your local council will publish details of discretionary funding on their website.

usual in-person customer service from its premises.

If your business is eligible and has a property with a rateable value of less than £51,000, you will receive a cash grant of £1,000 for each 3-week period your business is closed.

If your business is eligible and has a property with a rateable value of £51,000 or above, you will receive a cash grant of £1,500 for each 3-week period your business is closed.

40

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ISSUE 37 | Government support

Deferral of VAT payments On 24th September 2020, the Chancellor announced that businesses who deferred VAT due from 20 March to 30th June 2020 will now have the option to pay in smaller payments over a longer period.

Instead of paying the full amount by the end of March 2021, you can make smaller payments up to the end of March 2022, interest free.

You will need to opt-in to the scheme, and for those who do, this means that your VAT liabilities due between 20th March and 30th June 2020 do not need to be paid in full until the end of March 2022.

Those that can pay their deferred VAT can still do so by 31st March 2021.

For more information visit: www.gov.uk/coronavirus/worker-support

41

Legal Stuff Desperate to do the right thing, but operators’ queries suggest rules lack clarity.

While it sought to achieve clarity, the rule takes little account of human nature or the need for flexibility and is, I believe, hugely complicated.

Then there’s the triple-whammy of 10pm closing, face masks for customers not sitting down eating or drinking, and table service only; though these at least are easily understood and implemented.

The rule of six, however, presents many issues.

Take, for example, a customer enquiring about how best to accommodate twenty four people at a wake. Whose details should be taken?

Everyone’s, or just the person booking? To avoid admitting one big group, should the mourners be allowed in as four groups of six?

Once seated, must each group remain together at their respective tables, only getting up to use the toilets while wearing a mask? It’s going to be difficult to enforce all of that, particularly at an emotionally-charged occasion like a wake.

My advice? Be seen to undertake due

Operators are good people, desperately

diligence and ensure your COVID-19 risk

trying to do the right thing, with 95% of

assessment is up-to-date, communicate with

the population willing to comply with

your customers to minimise their shock on

regulations, but life has too many nuances

how the environment has changed, make

to be able to follow them to the letter. I

clear your own COVID-19 guidelines, and

don’t detect anger or frustration, just a

remind the customer about government

keenness to get things right, and without

regulations, including the rule of six. All this

the prospect of clarity any time soon, we

can then be reinforced on the day with posters

must applaud that keenness.

around the venue.

Michelle Hazlewood is a partner at leading licensing firm John Gaunt & Partners www.john-gaunt.co.uk

42

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