CLH Digital - Issue #5

ISSUE 5

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1m Hospitality Jobs at Risk Without Reopening Plan

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An extended period of social distancing could cost one million jobs unless measures to protect hospitality businesses are put in place, according to UKHospitality, the single authoritative voice for the UK’s pubs.

third of the sector at risk of shutting, chief executive Kate Nicholls called for rent payments to be deferred and the employee furlough scheme extended for premises which may have to continue social-distancing measures.

On the day that Professor Chris Whitty warned that social distancing measures could last beyond 2020, UKHospitality wrote to Cabinet Office Minister, Michael Gove MP, recommending a six-point plan to help the country’s hospitality businesses reopen following the crisis and save jobs and businesses. Recognising that public health must be the paramount objective in Government policy, the letter highlights how many hospitality businesses would not be able to operate profitably while implementing social distancing measures and set out the need for a pragmatic, evidence-based plan to help businesses open when it is safe to do so.

UKH has emphasised the immense diversity and variety of business models across the hospitality sector, meaning that some businesses may be able to reopen earlier than others, following the Government’s guidelines.

Earlier this month UKHospitality warned MPs that Britain's pubs, hotels and restaurants could face a 'bloodbath' when the lockdown is lifted, with up to a

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The letter stresses the need for a phased approach to avoid a “yo-yo effect” of openings and closings which could see businesses fail and see up to one million jobs lost.

The six-point plan sets out the level of support that the sector needs to reintegrate into the economy, to avoid in excess of one million redundancies and to ensure much-loved local businesses and high-street brands can survive the crisis.

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CLH Digital

Issue 5

Editor's Viewpoint

Welcome to Issue 5 of CLH Digital Welcome to the fifth edition of CLH Digital - an “offshoot” from our normal monthly CLH News, which we will be distributing via our digital newsletter, social media and will also available to read online whilst this current Covid-19 crisis continues.

EDITOR

Peter Adams

Have you noticed the complete lack of opinion regarding staged reopening and getting the economy moving as quickly as possible?

I did note a couple of weeks ago that there were some observers who were prepared to stick their neck out and say that we should be looking for a planned and staged reopening in May. However, we live in times where opposing/conflicting opinions are rounded on people bullied and harassed into silence.

This has never been more evident than with mainstream media reporting. I have been utterly dismayed at the toxic and hostile environment the media have created and I really do wonder why some of the Ministers appearing in interviews allow themselves to be so publicly humiliated. So much so that nobody wants to come out and say that we need an end plan. We need to start looking at when the hospitality sector can open, to avoid total catastrophe.

I said in a previous editorial, and I stand by the comments now, I come from rather humble beginnings, growing up on an inner city council estate during the 70s, at a time of high unemployment. I lived in an area, which at one time was highly industrialised, but very quickly during the 70s became deindustrialised.

I have seen and experienced first-hand the poverty, despair, and all subsequent consequences that unemployment brings.

I am absolutely horrified at the thought at the thought of the hospitality and licensed on-trade sector succumbing to the same fate.

Experience has taught me that once these businesses close, they are closed for good.

The hospitality sector is the third largest employer in the UK - but more importantly, going out for a meal or visiting a pub is good for the nation’s health. Don’t take my word for it, I remember reporting a couple of years back on a study.

Research by academics at Oxford University, published in the journal Adaptive Human Behaviour and Psychology

revealed that people who drink regularly at a local pub are happier, more satisfied with their lives, and have more friends.

The Madrid Hotel Association have already asked the City Council for an extraordinary plan for terraces to help stop the closure of bars due to the impact of the coronavirus crisis, with hoteliers asking that all bars and restaurants have a terrace when the state of emergency is over.

Professor Robin Dunbar of the University of Oxford's Experimental Psychology department, said: "This study showed that frequenting a local pub can directly affect peoples' social network size and how engaged they are with their local community, which in turn can affect how satisfied they feel in life".

I have been firing off emails to various government departments to see if there will be a post lockdown plan that will help businesses deal with limited customer visits, and the possibility of extending terrace areas without the need for complicated planning applications simply to assist with complying with social distancing. It will come as no surprise to say that I have heard nothing, so I am going to do yet another round of emails!

Professor Dunbar also said: "While pubs traditionally have a role as a place for community socialising, alcohol's role appears to be in triggering the endorphin system, which promotes social bonding.

That said, I strongly suspect that once other European countries do take the lead and begin reopening, we will follow. Which is why preparation for post-lockdown, is so important.

It was the same for eating out. Research also revealed that the more often people eat with others, the more likely they are to feel happy and satisfied with their lives.

Once again, we have some of the industry’s leading lights forward/experts to give an insight on the crisis itself, but also to advise with guidance and best practice on how to merge ready to trade!

Using data from a national survey by The Big Lunch, the researchers looked at the link between social eating and an individual’s happiness, the number of friends they have, their connection to their community, and overall satisfaction with life.

The results suggest that communal eating increases social bonding and feelings of wellbeing and enhances one’s sense of contentedness and embedding within the community.

Researchers found that people who eat out socially are more likely to feel better about themselves and have a wider social network capable of providing social and emotional support The sector is going to be vitally important to people’s health and well-being once this crisis is over, and I think we have enough of this insecurity and indecisiveness.

We need clarity. We need to know when it can reopen. The concept that pubs and restaurants may not be able to open until Christmas is, in my opinion, too ridiculous for words.

Our government has been reactive to this crisis, as opposed to proactive, and it is mainstream media dictating the agenda. Politicians appear to be caught like rabbits in headlights.

Italy is looking at proposals to restart the economy, including hospitality, at the beginning of May, which is only about a week away. France is looking at reopening its bars and restaurants in mid-June.

In Spain, the Madrid City Council are working on a de-escalation plan that includes enlarging the terraces of bars, reducing seating capacity or installing protective measures, such as partitions inside establishments.

Visit our website for our “Staycation-Your Country Need You” Poster available to download. Only the hospitality sector can put some cheer back into the country, showcasing the wonderful diverse vibrant UK! www.catererlicensee.com/staycation.jpg

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EDITOR Peter Adams

SALES EXECUTIVES David Bartlett Guy Stephenson

PRODUCTION & DESIGN Matthew Noades

PRODUCTION & WEB ADMIN Shelly Roche Published by

1m Hospitality Jobs at Risk Without Reopening Plan Issue 5

(...CONTINUED FROM FRONT COVER) Extension of the furlough scheme beyond the end of June for hospitality Legislative intervention on rent payments Improved access to capital A comprehensive fiscal package to stimulate demand post-crisis An overhaul of business regulation Guaranteeing a functioning and responsive insurance market UKHospitality Chief Executive Kate Nicholls said: “With social distancing measures still in place, reopening the hospitality sector without a plan would be catastrophic.

“The hospitality sector was one of the first hit by the crisis and the hardest hit in terms of lost revenue. It will also be one of the last to fully emerge from the lockdown.

“An extended period of social distancing will mean that many hospitality businesses will not be able to operate fully, and many will not be able to open at all. Hospitality is a sector built around socialising, so there must to be Government support for businesses that continue to be hit

“We need a plan of phased opening for our sector. For those businesses that can trade safely with social distancing measures still in place, they should be able to. For the many venues where it is not possible, support, such as the furlough scheme, must be extended to make sure these businesses stay alive and jobs kept open. We can’t have a situation where, overnight, the entire sector is suddenly expected to hit the ground running.

“If the correct support is not in made available to help businesses get back to work when the time is right, then businesses will have survived the immediate crisis only to find themselves out of business during the aftermath.”

Tom Stainer, CAMRA's Chief Executive said: "The pub industry was one of the first to be affected by the lockdown and it is likely to be one of the last to have restrictions lifted.

"This is having a hugely devastating impact not only on local businesses and jobs but on the breweries and cider producers that sell their products through pubs.

“The Government needs to recognise the impact of an extended lockdown on these businesses and confirm that the support package in place is extended until all restrictions are lifted. It must also consider a support package for pubs, breweries and cideries after they are able to reopen, in recognition that it will take many months for businesses to recover fully.”

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Emma McClarkin, Chief Executive of the British Beer & Pub Association said: “Pubs are the original social network, so reopening them with social distancing restrictions is going to be extremely difficult. Both for staff and customers alike.

by this crisis.

The organisation recommends: • • • • • •

CLH Digital

“It’s clear that the Government are going to need to give pubs special consideration for a restart, as well as specific support just for them. The Job Retention Scheme must continue for pubs throughout their closure along with a ‘back to work’ scheme with the same level of support when they can re-open. Such measures will save jobs whilst the trade slowly recovers. Further extension of the grant support from Government for pubs, including the 10,000 pubs above the threshold for such support at present, will also be needed. Pubs will be lost if such measures are not taken, and will help the trade whilst it slowly recovers. We need these measures put in place now, to ensure that pubs can survive and be ready to re-open when safe to do so and then help as they slowly recover.

“Trade will not immediately return to the level it was before the COVID-19 crisis hit when pubs reopen. Upon reopening, trade could be down by as much as half what it was before. It will inevitably take time for consumer confidence to build. Social distancing restrictions in pubs will inevitably have a direct effect on footfall in pubs.”

Night-Time Industries Association To Challenge Insurance Claim Denial insurance claims, many claims are being disputed by insurers based on contrived arguments to avoid sharing the financial burden during the Covid – 19 crisis.

The Night Time Industries Association has announced that it will be coordinating claims against Hiscox Insurance for its refusal to pay out under its business interruption policy.

We have instructed Philip Kolvin QC, the leading industry barrister, to advise on our members’ rights under their insurance policies. One of the main leisure sector policies was underwritten by Hiscox Insurance, who have written to their clients denying liability. Philip Kolvin QC has advised that claimants who were insured by Hiscox against closure by public authorities and who had to close their premises under the regulations have a good case against Hiscox.

Michael Kill CEO – NTIA says “Nighttime Economy businesses are being denied legitimate

We want to talk urgently to any businesses within the Hospitality and Leisure sector which have a

Policy with Hiscox and would like to join the current group of over 100 claimants to progress a legal case against the company ” Philip Kolvin QC – Cornerstone Barristers said: “Leisure operators are suffering severe hardship.

There is a clear and present danger that the industry will be decimated, that leisure businesses throughout the UK will go to the wall, that jobs and livelihoods will be lost, and that the cultural capacity of the nation will be depleted for years to come.

We should celebrate that the Night Time Industries Association has stepped up to the plate to support the sector. It is time now for those insurance companies who know they are liable under their policies do the same. The clue is in the name ‘insurance’. It is what they are in business for. They

should not be running for cover. They will never be forgiven for doing so.”

Simon Mabb Managing Director – NDML Insurance added: “As brokers, we are working with NTIA and Philip Kolvin QC in representing our clients in pursuing their claims for Business Interruption losses due to the Covid – 19 lockdown. We are exploring every possible avenue to get insurers moving and paying legitimate claims to their clients.

So, this is a direct call to certain insurers to do the right thing NOW, even though times are hard. Now is the time to work together. Not to find loopholes and re-write wordings that exclude claims. But to stand by the clients that have stood by you for so many years, to recognise that loyalty. And to save our industry.”

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CLH Digital

Issue 5

Top Three Marketing Tips For Smaller Postponement of London Wine Fair 2020 Businesses And Independents Amidst COVID-19 By: Paul O’Donoghue, VP solution engineering, Uberall down for in-premises business but have delivery capabilities, your website is a simple and direct way to let them know.

It is with a heavy heart that Hemming Group Ltd is postponing London Wine Fair 2020. It remains inconclusive as to when, or for how long the Government might place restrictions on mass gatherings in the UK. Nonetheless the London Wine Fair team has taken the difficult decision to postpone this much-loved event.

They say, "We are keenly aware that the developing COVID-19 pandemic is putting immense pressure on not only the events industry, but the drinks industry and the hospitality industry. We value our position at the heart of both and will always make decisions with them front of mind.

"Experience dictates that the bulk of organising for exhibitors and sponsors happens between now and the event. Our objective in taking this decision with two month’s lead-time, is to minimise unnecessary expenditure and stress caused by uncertainty.

"The safety of our exhibitors, visitors, sponsors, suppliers and inhouse team of course takes over-riding precedence in the bigger picture.

"We plan to release more information about the next steps for London Wine Fair as soon as possible. Given the exceptional circumstances and elevated number of stakeholders to consider, we would ask for your patience in the interim period.

"The London Wine Fair is the U.K.’s largest and longest-running drinks industry exhibition; an essential platform for businesses buying and selling wine in the U.K. and beyond. It attracts some 500 exhibitors and more than 13,000 visitors each year. Further updates will be shared with the trade media and will also be posted on our web-site (www.londonwinefair.com) and social media channels."

The coronavirus outbreak has had a profound impact on local businesses, and this is especially the case for independent proprietors. With people self-isolating in their homes, consumers are largely unable to spend money in bricks-andmortar establishments, with only a handful of exceptions, such as grocery stores and restaurants offering takeout.

In these difficult times, many independent operators are struggling to figure out what to do, both from a communications and marketing standpoint. But there are some simple, practical steps you can take to keep lines of communication open with regular customers and put yourself in a position to attract new ones when the crisis is over.

TIP 1: COMMUNICATE WITH CUSTOMERS EFFECTIVELY Critically, make sure you’ve updated your homepage to reflect current circumstances, and if possible, highlight links to where customers can access relevant information and support. If you’re tech-savvy, consider creating a dedicated landing page on your website that provides more in-depth information. But even if it's simply the adding the words, “Temporarily closed due to COVID-19” or “Open for takeaway,” to your homepage, your customers will appreciate being able to find out what’s going on. It doesn’t have to be fancy to be effective. If you’ve shut

Email is a great way to get the word out, but we’ve all been inundated recently with COVID19 emails from companies ranging from airlines and grocery stores to retailers and more.

Rather than getting lost in the noise, make sure if you are sending emails, that they aren’t too general or corporate – make sure you truly have something to say, and that it actually addresses your customers’ most pressing concerns. Are you a pub that is now providing takeaway? Let customers know about the services you are providing.

Today, you have multiple channels to reach your customers. Make use of your social media accounts to engage your audience with useful and appropriate information. If you don’t have any, now may be the time to sign up. Social media provides you the opportunity to connect with customers and build relationships.

TIP 2: UPDATE IMPORTANT, PUBLICFACING BUSINESS INFORMATION Government guidelines during COVID-19 are changing rapidly, and as businesses adapt, they need to keep customers updated. And with everyone limiting their trips to outside of the home, it’s crucial that businesses keep their information current and accurate. Although people are mostly staying at home, they are still looking for your business online to see whether it’s open or closed, and whether you offer contactless delivery or accommodation to critical workers. Your online business listings are more important than ever.

As a first step, update your Google My Business information. Google is often the first place people consult to determine if you're open or if you’re offering the services they need. Google provides a list of information that should be updated now, which includes: changed business hours (use special opening hours for

that), changed business information, such as special precautions, extra services to customers or community, expected delays etc., and updated phone numbers to make sure customers can reach out to you. Because of COVID-19, Google has made some functions unavailable in order to focus more on verifying the information on Google Search and Google Maps.

Consequently, new ratings, responses to ratings and new Google Q&A are not currently available. Check out the Google My Business COVID-19 Help page for more information.

Where possible, make these updates on the key online platforms for your business, whether that’s Tripadvisor or Facebook.

TIP 3: REVISIT MARKETING PLANS Take a look at your marketing strategy. Many businesses are putting marketing efforts on hold until the second half of 2020, when they anticipate a rebound in spending or demand. But now may be the perfect time to get your marketing plan in shape, by working on refreshing your website, figuring out whether to re-allocate marketing spend, or brainstorming new marketing tactics.

Whether you’re scaling back or moving ahead with your marketing strategy, you need to be sensitive and thoughtful, evaluating your strategy carefully and running some scenarios. It’s crucial not to hit the wrong note, and come across as insensitive now, or going forward. Keep in mind that there will be yet another “new normal” post-coronavirus crisis, and you will need to adapt to it.

CONCLUSION These are undeniably tough times, but it’s important to remember there are positive steps you can take to preserve – and even build – your customer relationships. Businesses that communicate well with customers, and genuinely seek to support their customer communities now, will not only survive, but thrive when they come out the other side.

Issue 5

CLH Digital

Brits Rally To Support Local Businesses As Community Spirit Surges Amidst Coronavirus Introducing Proper are the most likely to feel this way, with 65 per cent of residents in the Scottish capital planning to focus more of their spending locally.

Despite the challenges facing retailers, Barclaycard’s recent Consumer Spending Index – which compares consumer spending year-on-year – showed some relief for small businesses. Specialist food and drink stores, such as off licences and greengrocers, saw spend grow by 30.5 per cent in March as the nation chose to buy locally and support independent businesses.

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Bar Snacks by SCT

Top five ways Brits will support local businesses once lockdown measures are eased: Research from Barclaycard, which sees nearly half of the nation’s credit and debit card transactions, reveals that community spirit and support for local businesses is flourishing amidst the challenging circumstances brought about by coronavirus.

The findings show that four in 10 (41 per cent) Brits have checked in on vulnerable neighbours to see if they need help with shopping – a figure that increases to 48 per cent for stereotypically reserved Londoners.

What’s more, 71 per cent say they have made a conscious effort not to leave others empty-handed by being mindful to not stockpile food.

When it comes to supporting local communities, over half (55 per cent) of Brits want to increase their support of nearby businesses as a result of the lockdown – primarily by visiting local shops and markets when they can do so again. Respondents in Edinburgh

1.Visit more local independent/specialist shops 2.Visit local farmers’ markets or craft fairs more often 3.Use local tradespeople (e.g. plumbers, builders) over bigger companies 4.Use independent local services (hairdressers, nail bars, etc.) more often 5.Recommend local shops, pubs and restaurants to friends and family Esme Harwood, Director at Barclaycard, said: “It’s heartening to see how the nation is coming together to support each other and their communities, with Brits looking out for their neighbours and showing more desire to shop locally. Retailers are adapting to this demand too, from restaurant suppliers selling straight to customers, to bricks-and-mortar stores rapidly moving online. The appetite from shoppers is clearly there, which bodes well for smaller and independent stores when we see the social distancing measures start to ease.”

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UKHospitality Calls on Government For Enhanced Business Support Support for businesses hit by Covid-19 must be extended, enhanced and delivered swiftly if businesses are to recover from the Covid-19 crisis and jobs saved.

Speaking on behalf of the UK’s hospitality sector, Kate Nicholls, Chief Executive of UKHospitality, gave evidence to the House of Commons Treasury Committee today outlining the problems being faced by hospitality businesses hit hard by the Covid-19 crisis.

Giving evidence, Nicholls highlighted a number of areas where Government support was not having the intended effect of supporting businesses, with many businesses struggling to access support and others excluded from schemes. Nicholls also highlighted the need for business support to continue past the end of the lockdown if the hospitality sector is to fully recover.

FURLOUGH AND JOB RETENTION SCHEME • Despite an extension to the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme, an estimated 350,000 hospitality workers are missing out as they are seasonal workers or hit by technicalities, including new starters and those unable to produce a payslip

LOAN SCHEMES • Hospitality businesses have been frustrated by the loan scheme • A UKH survey of its members showed that 50% of businesses had applied for a loan but only 18% of those that had applied had secured one, with 58% of applicants still waiting for a response • Some banks have indicated they will not lend to hospitality businesses • EU state aid rules were getting in the way of investment

GRANTS SCHEME • 71% of hospitality business is carried out in a venue with a rateable value of above 51,000 and therefore ineligible for a grant • This is not restricted to large pubs – community-based

They provide high-quality snacks to retail and trade customers, including pork crackling and nuts.

They have been creating these products for more than 10 years, and they are proud of the service that they are able to offer.

venues also do not qualify

INSURANCE • 71% of UKH members had claims rejected • Bolt-on coverage allowing businesses to claim is too expensive for many businesses

RENTS • Serious damage to the sector expected when rents are next due without extended moratorium • Businesses require lead time after reopening before beginning to repay rents with a repayment schedule needed • A rent moratorium would allow businesses to focus on paying suppliers • The sector has confidence it can return to near full strength if it is supported on rents Kate Nicholls commented: “Government support for businesses has been swift and it has helped many businesses get over the initial shock of the crisis. It is clear, however, that too many businesses are struggling to access support and that the schemes in place must be extended and enhanced.

“Hospitality was the first sector to be hit hard by the crisis and it will be one of the last to make a recovery. Even when lockdown measures are lifted, our sector faces a huge challenge in getting customers back through their doors and finding solutions to social distancing measures that are likely to be in place.

“Business support needs to be boosted immediately to make sure that every business that needs it can access it. Scrapping thresholds for grants and support with rents will keep businesses alive and keep jobs open.

“This support then needs to be carried over after the worst of the crisis has passed. If it is abruptly switched off, then all the good work that has been done during these difficult weeks will be undone.

Hospitality is going to be battling with the effects of this for months, if not years and support from the Government cannot be stopped until businesses are back up to full strength.”

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CLH Digital

Issue 5

How Can Hospitality Employers Navigate Unchartered Waters?

Comments from Simon Robinson, founder and employment lawyer at specialist Leeds-based firm, Robinson Ralph The hospitality industry has taken one of the hardest hits from the coronavirus outbreak and for a sector that was already dealing with the effects of Brexit, the pandemic has been a seismic blow.

Despite this, the country has seen some moments of magic from hospitality businesses over recent months. They’ve demonstrated true agility, camaraderie and many continue to fight with tenacity.

Numerous restaurants, bars and suppliers have diversified their service to continue servicing customers and keep employees in work by offering home deliveries or gift vouchers in an effort to safeguard their organisations. Some hotels have thrown open their doors to front line staff in an act of generosity that has touched the hearts of the nation.

As well as developing a business continuity strategy, company owners are faced with the added responsibility of determining the most appropriate approach to employment during this time. Here are the key considerations –

CORONAVIRUS JOB RETENTION SCHEME This scheme is designed to help employers that can’t maintain their current workforce because operations have been severely affected by coronavirus. It allows companies to retain their current staff – and rerecruit staff whom they had previously laid off or made redundant or who have recently left the company – by enabling employers to put an

employee on furlough and claim for 80% of their wages (subject to a cap of £2,500 per month) plus any employer National Insurance and pension contributions on that subsidised wage.

a Court decision interpreting the Working Time Regulations. Moreover, the question of whether an employer can require an employee to use holiday still remains.

The scheme will initially run for four months from 1 March-30 June but may be extended. It can be used at any point during this period – provided the employee was employed (and on an RTI submission) by the company on or before 19 March – and the minimum furlough period is three consecutive weeks.

With regards to sickness, if an employee is on sick leave, self-isolating or shielding due to coronavirus, they’ll be able to get Statutory Sick Pay. Employers are eligible to furlough employees that are currently off sick and in these cases, the employee should no longer receive sick pay and would be classified as a furloughed employee. They can claim back from both the CJRS and the SSP rebate scheme for the same employee but not for the same period of time.

PAYE will continue to be recorded and paid through furlough but employers may request a deferment of tax payments due to COVID19.

Many employers are ‘topping up’ the furlough payment by 20% to ensure employees continue to receive full pay, although this isn’t obligatory.

Employers cannot expect furloughed employees to undertake any work and there will be criminal sanctions for those that do, as well as an employee hotline to report employers breaching the rules of the scheme.

SICKNESS AND LEAVE Annual leave can be taken whilst on furlough and Working Time Regulations (WTR) require holiday pay to be paid at the normal rate of pay or, where the rate of pay varies, calculated on the basis of the average pay an employee received in the previous 52 working weeks.

Government guidance also states that whilst furloughed, employees will continue to accrue leave as per their employment contract.

If someone usually works bank holidays, as is common within hospitality, then their employer can agree that this is included in the grant payment. The policy on holiday pay remains under review and it’s also important to remember that this is government guidance as opposed to

Employers are also entitled to furlough employees who are being shielded or are off on long-term sick leave.

Furloughed employees who become ill must be paid at least SSP but it’s an employer’s discretion as to whether they move these employees onto SSP or keep them on furlough, at their furloughed rate. It hasn’t been confirmed whether a period of sickness would break the minimum period of furlough but by analogy with holiday pay, presumably not.

PROFESSIONAL ADVICE The reality is that we’re going to be living with the effect of Coronavirus for the next year – possibly beyond. Those at the helm of hospitality organisations are faced with what are likely – and hopefully – the biggest decisions of their professional lives. It’s an extremely stressful time and one that shouldn’t be navigated alone.

There is a wealth of free, accessible advice from professional bodies such as ACAS and experts in the legal and financial industries are poised and ready to offer valuable advice – now’s the time to take it.

Budweiser Brewing Group: Save Pub Life Hits £500k Milestone sures, has hit the milestone of £500,000 in funding to pubs.

Budweiser Brewing Group UK&I, part of AB InBev, launched Save Pub Life to provide urgent financial support to the nation’s pubs following their closure in March. The scheme allows pubgoers to buy a gift card to spend at their local pub once it reopens.

Budweiser Brewing Group has pledged to match the value of the gift cards up to a combined total of £1 million.

Save Pub Life, Budweiser Brewing Group’s programme to support the trade during Covid-19 clo-

Since launching four weeks ago, more than 1,300 pubs across the country have signed up to the

scheme. Pubgoers have purchased more than 9,500 gift cards, and the scheme remains open to new pubs and purchases.

Pubs can find out more and sign up to the scheme at: https://savepublife.com/ Paula Lindenberg, President of Budweiser Brewing Group says: “The response to Save Pub Life has been overwhelming – both the positive feedback we’ve received from publicans and the generosity of people in supporting their local pub during this challenging time.

“Pubs are not just a significant contributor to the

nation’s economy, they are a core part of our communities. We launched Save Pub Life to help support the future of this vitally important industry, and are thrilled that the scheme has made an impact less than a month from launch. Our goal is to help as many pubs as possible, so we’d encourage any pub that hasn’t signed up to visit SavePubLife.com.”

Dom Levi, owner of Tribeca and Three Piggies, Liverpool says: “Save Pub Life has allowed us to access money at a time when we have little or no income. Signing up was fast and efficient - we can’t recommend the scheme highly enough.”

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Issue 5

A Significant Proportion Of The Leisure And Hospitality Industry May Not Reopen Until Next Year

CLH Digital

“The number of businesses that choose not to reopen for the winter period will have a negative knock-on effect to the economy, with tax contributions such as VAT, alcohol duty, PAYE and National Insurance all reduced, thus adversely affecting the UK’s economy ability to bounce back. Indeed, further damage could be done for those that do try to get through the winter and end up having to close permanently, because they were not able to survive those quieter months.

Michael Gove, Cabinet Office Minister has confirmed pubs, restaurants and hotels will be among the last to reopen when the coronavirus lockdown is relaxed. During an interview with Andrew Marr, when asked on whether they could reopen before the winter, Gove replied: “Areas of hospitality will be among the last to exit the lockdown, yes that is true.”

There were some theories that leisure and hospitality, along with the construction industry could be some of the first businesses to return to work due to the ‘Multiplier Effect’. This is the impact and ripple effect these industries have on other sectors, therefore, helping to springboard the economy back into life. Businesses in leisure and hospitality would impact wholesalers, growers, farmers, food producers, logistics businesses and many more. However, Mr Gove has put a clear halt on that theory and all leisure and hospitality businesses should prepare to be the last to get back to work.

Alex Demetriou, Managing Director of Regency Purchasing Group said: “Gove has confirmed that leisure and hospitality will be among the last to reopen, which is a further blow to the industry, although we clearly all understand preservation of life has to be the priority. That said, for many seasonal businesses, this could mean that they will not open again until next year.“We have already received confirmation from two Regency members that they will not be opening this year and are making plans to open in March 2021. At Regency, we own and operate several coastal businesses and we know we must make money in the spring and summer to get through the winter season, where we make losses in most months. Without the profits from the busy spring and summer period, we could not sustain the winter and therefore, closing until March 2021 may be a possibility, and the only viable option, for many more businesses in the sector.

“Beyond this, the businesses that choose not to reopen until next year will inevitably let staff go once the furlough period is over, so we can expect to see higher levels of unemployment that could be concentrated around the coastal towns of the UK. “We are in challenging times right now and looking head, the one thing that operators cannot yet predict is the behaviour of customers once lockdown is lifted. We will be living in a new world and as yet, no one knows whether it will be better or worse. Just because a business was successful before the pandemic, does not guarantee the same business model will be as good afterwards, while others that were doing good enough, may thrive following a change in behaviour.

“It is clear from surveys already undertaken that different age groups intend to behave differently once this lockdown is over. The younger and less vulnerable want to get back to normal life and intend to re-visit bars and restaurants as they did previously, whereas the elderly are stating they will be more cautious.

Again, going back to the coastal community, away from school holiday periods, they are heavily reliant on the older demographic day visitors for trade. If they choose not to come out, it could be another hit.

This is supported by over two thirds of us (71%), who believe that takeaways and deliveries from their local pub or restaurant could be considered an essential service during the pandemic.

As a result of the shift in eating habits enforced by the lockdown, almost half (49%) of people noticed that local establishments had adapted their businesses to offer deliveries. Concern about the sur-

The 64oz (3.5 Pints) Clear Growler with Screw Top are now selling at £7.80 each in packs of 6 with a 50% discount to beer trade for pallets of 192!

“This really is on a knife edge in terms of timing; we will have to see how the next few weeks play out and hope that the public have all stayed home and done enough to bring the pandemic to a manageable state.”

Following the UK’s lockdown extension until May 7th, a new opinion poll reveals the top 10 most popular takeaways that Brits have been enjoying at home over the last three weeks:

Research which involved more than 2,000 people nationwide also found that delivery services are helping to combat loneliness, as one-in-six Brits admit that the taste of their takeaway was helping them to feel less isolated while at home.

The 32oz (1.75 Pints) Amber Growler with Screw Top are now selling at £6.66 each in packs of 12 - OR with a 50% discount to beer trade for pallets of 384!

“We have brought these factors to the attention of government ministers. Of course, their priority is the NHS and they have a number of sectors to look after and consider, so we cannot expect this to be their priority. Nor indeed would we want them to get restaurants and leisure businesses opened sooner at the risk of public health, but there may be more support needed to help businesses that find themselves in this position.

Indian Revealed As Brits Favourite Lockdown Takeaway

1. Indian 2. Fish & Chips 3. Chinese 4. Italian 5. Greek 6. Mexican 7. Kebab 8. Turkish 9. Thai 10. Burgers

Perfect for pubs looking to sell their draught beer to customers before it spoils and great for offering a refill service!

www.hsfrenchflint.co.uk/special-offers

HS French Flint Ltd. based in London and Lincolnshire but supplying all over the U.K and abroad, still have good stock of Growlers to support Pubs, Hotels, and Farm Shops with their carry-home sales of Beer, Cider, Wines and Oils. As part of the supply chain to the food industry we remain open and able to ship our full range of Glass and Plastic Bottles, Jars, Caps Closures and Pumps.

vival of local businesses and supporting the livelihood of local people was the primary reason behind orders.

The findings show that Brits do #supportlocal and follows widespread use of the popular hashtag on social media. It was mentioned almost 20,000 times** in the week that saw the lockdown measures extended.

Difficulty finding stock in supermarkets was the second driver for orders. Beyond purchasing takeaway meals and drinks, 15% of people indicated they were keen to show support by purchasing ingredients and groceries direct from their local pub or restaurant.

Our showrooms have had to close but you can call us on 020 7237 1750 or visit our website at www.hsfrenchflint.co.uk

The pubs are closed, but don't let the beer go off!

HS French Flint LTD The Gallery, Springalls Wharf 25a Bermondsey Wall West London, London SE16 4TH United Kingdom

7

Stop The Confusion: How To Know If Your Business May Be Insured Against COVID-19 8

CLH Digital

Issue 5

By Alex Balcombe, Partner at Harris Balcombe

The last few months has seen businesses in hospitality, tourism, retail, leisure and more forced to close their doors following the Government’s orders that they should close to prevent the spread of coronavirus.

course having an impact on businesses and employees alike. For small businesses especially, there are still many concerns about how they can claim on their insurance to weigh the fall of this impact.

While this is expected to flatten the curve and reduce the number of coronavirus cases, it’s of

The insurance industry has also been extremely vocal that there is no cover for any coronavirus-hit businesses during this tough financial period. This isn’t

MIXED MESSAGING In response to calls to help struggling businesses, the Government has informed the public that companies who are facing turmoil will be able to claim on their business interruption insurance during this difficult time. For most, this is wrong.

strictly true either.

a claim.

How can businesses see through the mixed messaging and best secure their future and their livelihoods and reduce money worries? It’s an extremely stressful time for many companies, and confusion over whether or not they can be covered can only cause more unnecessary stress.

However, again, it’s not always that simple. Many policies require the disease to have been on your premises, while others specify a radius from your premises in order to qualify.

Since it’s a new disease, most businesses will not be covered for business interruption due to COVID-19.

In fact, the vast majority of policies do not cover anything related to COVID-19.

That said - don’t rule out the idea that you may be covered. There is a chance that you will be covered against COVID-19, but not know it. This is a very small chance, but your current cover may already protect your business against the consequences of coronavirus, and the nationwide response to it though those with this cover are unlikely to realise it.

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Not everyone has business interruption insurance, as it’s not a legal requirement. It is entirely up to the policy holder to weigh up the benefits of having it, and their ability to trade should a disaster happen.

To be considered for cover for COVID-19, there are two types of policy extensions to your business interruption cover that can potentially cover you for this situation:

2 - Denial of Access Extension (nondamage) Denial of Access Extension (non-damage) policies may cover you if you’re prevented from accessing your property. This could be due to an event, or by the actions of a competent authority, which could cause your business interruption cover to engage.

If covered by this clause, there are often very subtle differences in wording in your policy. This could depend on the insurer or policy. You may well be covered, but it will depend on your particular circumstances, and the specific policy wording.

WHAT NOW? It’s clear that the Government needs to do more in ensuring there is clear messaging for businesses, and to help the insurance market look after policy holders. This is an unprecedented situation, and with many people looking to claim on their insurance, we’re already seeing major delays which could have a domino impact.

Many policies expressly state which diseases fall within the realm of being an infectious or notifiable disease. If this is the case, your policy will not provide cover. As it is a new disease, these policies will not have included COVID-19.

People throughout the world are understandably facing all kinds of worries because of the current pandemic. Our ways of living have changed, and many business owners will not have experienced a situation like this in their life times. If you own a business and are unsure about whether you can claim for business interruption, or are confused about ambiguous wording, get in touch with a loss assessor.

Other infectious disease extension policies will define the disease with reference to the actions of the government. Since the UK Government has named COVID-19 as a notifiable disease throughout the UK, it is possible that your business may fall into this definition, thus meaning you may be able to make

These claims are not simple, but loss assessors will be experts in business interruption insurance, and will specialise in large and complex claims. They will be able to help and guide you along the way, check your wording and work on your behalf to make sure you get everything you are entitled to.

1 - Infectious Disease Extension

Issue 5

CLH Digital

9

Industry Welcomes Additional Protection for Tenants from Landlords The hospitality sector has welcomed the announcement of measures to protect commercial tenants including swathes of bars and restaurants that are currently closed and have no revenue to fund rent payments to landlords.

The Government has today announced new measures to prevent aggressive rent collection in the wider commercial sector. The measures will temporarily ban the use of statutory demands and winding up orders where the non-payment is due to Covid-19.

The Government is also laying secondary legislation to provide tenants with more breathing space to pay rent by preventing landlords using Commercial Rent Arrears Recovery (CRAR) unless they are owed 90 days of unpaid rent.

UKHospitality Chief Executive Kate Nicholls said: “This is a very helpful and pragmatic response from the Secretary of State and will give hospitality businesses some very valuable breathing room. UKH has pushed the Government to provide extra protection for businesses, so it is good to see positive action. Many businesses in our sector have no revenue whatsoever coming in, so paying rents has been out of the question for a significant number. This is likely to be the case for the rest of the year and further government action is required to address this for the next nine months.

“This extra space will allow businesses to survive and to find a way to work with landlords. If social distancing measures are to be in place for some time, as we now believe they will, this measure must be extended to ensure that businesses can survive. A cancelation of existing sanctions is also very welcome.

“The majority of landlords have understood the challenges the sector has faced, but these measures were much needed to curb the aggressive behaviour of others which, if left unchecked, threaten hundreds of thousands of jobs.”

Dan Simms, Co-Head of Retail at Colliers International comments on the UK Government’s announcement

today with new measures to protect the UK high street from aggressive landlord rent collection and closure: “ This latest government announcement is a welcome move in that it closes the clumsy gap in the hastily created legislation previously announced which prevented a business’ forfeiture for three months but did not deal with statutory demands or winding up orders.

“The statement provides some much needed protection from aggressive landlord moves, which will only take place in a very small percentage of overall landlord and tenant discussions, however it does nothing at all to help, guide, regulate or fund the principal issue facing the sector. The main question is how we will resolve the issue of non-payment of rent in an environment where little turnover is being generated and the profound future impact this has on both landlords and tenants.

“Furthermore, the government’s move gives some clear protections to tenants, which is welcome, but does little to reflect or assist the awful position of many landlords, many of whom have their own obligations to fulfil - either owing money to lenders and therefore potentially have little room to manoeuvre or those who pay out income to the general public via pension payments and dividends etc. Bland platitudes such as “We understand that landlords are facing their own very serious pressures and are concerned about their position with lenders. We are working with banks and investors to seek ways to address these issues and guide the whole sector through the pandemic.” after 5 weeks of lockdown is underwhelming at best! Positive words but no detail of a plan for how to fix the issue.

The Government urgently needs to consider: - Creating a grant scheme and a system of regulated solutions for furloughed retail and leisure space to assist landlords and tenants to come to an equitable and balanced solution to the question of payment of rent for the March and inevitably also the June Quarter.

- Extending the rates holiday to cover all vacant and non-property to ease the chronic cash flow burden now being felt by landlords. This could be funded by altering the current broad brush rates holiday provisions to vary the relief depending on whether stores are furloughed or still trading.

- Banks and other lenders now need to be drawn into helping create an overall solution, so that the industry can start to work on some constructive and balanced solutions where the inevitable pain is shared between tenants, landlords and lenders with Government assistance to ameliorate the situation.

This is too large a problem to be left ongoing with no clear and effective Government intervention.”

Saving Costs In The Hospitality Industry Throughout The Pandemic Laura McLellan, Director in the Employment team at Walker Morris, discusses the impact of COVID-19 on the hospitality industry and the potential for costs savings that can see businesses in the sector through to the ‘new normal’.

It is difficult to think of another industry that will have been more heavily impacted by the coronavirus than hospitality and it is impossible to predict how long that impact will continue for. Certainly, it seems the duration is likely to be longer than for other industries.

Speculation that pubs and restaurants will be the last businesses to re-open are rife. Companies in the sector will have no choice but to begin looking at multiple areas for cost-saving.

One immediate area for consideration is, unfortunately, pay roll

costs. Currently, this is being supported by the Government's Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme and you would expect that the vast majority of staff across the hospitality industry are currently furloughed, with the Government subsidising 80% of their pay up to a cap of £2,500. However, despite this already having been extended once to 30 June 2020, it is difficult to envisage this being extended too much further and certainly not beyond when many other industries may be able to return to work. So, what does that mean for employers in pubs, cafes, hotels which may still not be allowed to open?

Inevitably, it will mean looking at more extreme measures, such as a reduction in head count and collective redundancy processes. If the company knows this is what is coming, it may be sensible to try and time this outcome with the end of the furlough scheme – so it needs to be looked at now. There may be some less extreme measures that can be considered, such as reducing hours or temporarily reducing pay, but remember; both of these constitute a fundamental change to an employee's contract and require their consent.

There is also the ongoing "cost" of employee relations that should be measured. For the employees who are retained, how will they feel they have been treated during this time and will they look to go elsewhere?

10

CLH Digital

Issue 5

Coronavirus (COVID-19) and Immigration: Double Trouble For Employers

By Matthew Davies is Head of Immigration at Wright Hassall On 5th March 2020, the Government unveiled its long-expected revised Immigration Bill to re-balance the immigration system and end Free Movement for EEA nationals from 2021. It simultaneously faced another priority: escalating the response to COVID-19.

As the Immigration Minister and Chief Medical Adviser both took to the stage, businesses wanted to know how to manage an unfortunate combination of two unwelcome disruptions.

‘Today we’ve taken the momentous first step to end free movement and take back control of our borders, delivering on the people’s priorities’, said Minister for Future Borders and Immigration, Kevin Foster, presenting the Bill in place of the embattled Home Secretary.

Shortly afterwards, Chief medical officer Chris Whitty gave the first of his increasingly alarming briefings on what was coming to, and expected of, the UK.

fraught and complex.

The first formal guidance setting out the principles of the Government’s approach was issued on 27 February 2020 in relation to Chinese nationals and absences by Tier 2,4 & 5 migrants due to COVID-19: "The Home Office recognises the current situation is exceptional and will not take any compliance action against students or employees who are unable to attend their studies/work due to the coronavirus outbreak, or against sponsors which authorise absences and continue to sponsor students or employees despite absences for this reason."

A dedicated helpline was set up; within days, it was clear that its limited scope (migrants from China) was no help at all to the majority of employers and situations.

Having received some criticism, and following much lobbying from employers, lawyers and politicians, the Government has clarified the position in some situations. We can give some clearer pointers on those causing most concern, although all should be addressed on a case by case basis.

Here are the issues which we are seeing most often:

TRAPPED BY TRAVEL?

A month on, “our borders” and “the people’s priorities” look very different. Borders are shutting down, at least to lawful entrants; planes are grounded, and immigration applications cannot proceed due to Government lockdowns. No-one is talking about immigration policy anymore; Brexit fears seem almost forgotten.

Many who have been issued Certificates of Sponsorship or have applied online for entry clearance in another category cannot complete their applications by attending biometric appointments overseas because the entry clearance posts are closed. The Government’s biometric provider has now moved to actively discouraging applications (3 April):

Employers are firefighting the immediate consequences of the most severe national crisis since World War II, with an economy and workforce in turmoil. Everyone’s first priority is the safety of their family’s health and security.

‘Due to the impact of COVID-19 and the worldwide border, travel and public health restrictions, including Visa Application Centre (VAC) closures in many countries, UKVI services are limited and we are unable to meet our usual service standards.

Therefore, we are not encouraging applications at this time and cannot say when your application will be decided if you do decide to apply. We continue to keep the situation under review and hope to resume normal services when we are able’.

THE CHALLENGE FOR EMPLOYERS: MANAGING MIGRATION IN A CRISIS. It was possible to apply employment law principles quickly to the problems of absence, infection management and furloughed employees. Dealing with immigration compliance, pending applications and recruitment costs already committed as travel advice changed by the day, has proved far more difficult. In an international crisis, global mobility has rapidly become

We understand that, for example a Certificate of Sponsorship with a 3-month validity may still be accepted for entry clearance after that that time in light of this advice, and that the 3-month window for

assigning a Restricted Certificate of Sponsorship in the first place will be extended.

So, some may be trapped outside the UK but decide to apply online in an application category that would normally require an in-country process, in the hope of applying for entry, or vice versa. There is provision for this already in the Immigration Rules, subject to Government discretion: ‘33A. Where a person having left the common travel area, has leave to enter or remain in the United Kingdom which remains in force under article 13 of the Immigration (Leave to Enter and Remain) Order 2000., his leave may be varied (including any condition to which it is subject in such form and manner as permitted for the giving of leave to enter. However, the Secretary of State is not obliged to consider an application for variation of leave to enter or remain from a person outside the United Kingdom.’

Migrants who travelled on business and whose statuses must be renewed in the UK may be unable to return for the time being due to travel restrictions, with the risk of forced expiry, loss of accrued entitlements to indefinite leave and of access to the UK and their jobs. Others who were required to leave due to expiry, or to apply for a new status cannot.

On 24 March, the Government confirmed that no individual who was in the UK legally, but whose visa is due to expire, or has already expired, and who cannot leave because of travel restrictions related to COVID19, will be regarded as an overstayer, or suffer any detriment in the future.

• A visa will be extended via a simple notification process to 31 May 2020 if an individual cannot leave the UK because of travel restrictions or self-isolation related to coronavirus (COVID19). Individuals must contact the Coronavirus Immigration Team email to advise of their situation. A dedicated Government UKVI email address requiring basic details is the contact point; there is also a helpline.

Migrants trapped in the UK to switch to a longterm UK visa until 31 May. This includes applications where they would usually need to apply for a visa from their home country.

• They will need to meet the requirements of the route they are switching into and pay the UK application fee.

• Those whose leave expires between 24 January and 31 May 2020, including those whose leave has already

been automatically extended to 31 March 2020, are eligible to apply .

• They can apply online.

Home Secretary Priti Patel said in anticipation of this (24 March): “The UK continues to put the health and wellbeing of people first and nobody will be punished for circumstances outside of their control. By extending people’s visas, we are giving people peace of mind and also ensuring that those in vital services can continue their work.”

We expect this special proviso to be extended further beyond 31 May as the crisis approaches is peak.

The Home Office page addressing this is at: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-advicefor-uk-visa-applicants-and-temporary-uk-residents

UK BIOMETRICS CANCELLED? The vast majority of biometric enrolment appointments, the last stage of extension and change of status applications for migrants in the UK, were being cancelled by the end of March. This means that applications could not be completed.

Although in these cases status is preserved by statutory operation of law under the Immigration Act 1971, applicants are still in limbo – although of course they probably cannot travel anyway due to lockdowns.

WHAT ABOUT INDEFINITE LEAVE, NATURALISATION AND LIFE IN THE UK TESTS (LITUK)?

Indefinite Leave applicants must demonstrate that they have spent a requisite proportion of time in the UK – what if their enforced absence menat they exceeded the thresholds?

We await clearer guidance but are advising on the assumption that Priti Patel’s assurance (see Trapped by travel, above) will be written inti guidance and law.

LIFE IN THE UK TEST APPOINTMENTS ARE CANCELLED AND RESCHEDULED Simply, this is an essential protective public health measure. The Government is looking for online provision that builds in anti-fraud measures – fraud being the reason that personal attendance and evidence of ID.- is required at these exams.

(Continued on following page...)

Coronavirus (COVID-19) and Immigration: Double Trouble For Employers (...Continued from previous page) EU SETTLEMENT SCHEME (EUSS) APPLICATIONS EU and EEA nationals and their non-UK dependents have been applying for a year to convert their EU law status into UK law before the transitional arrangements end in 2021. COVID-19 is throwing up challenges here, too.

The Home Office has stopped accepting documents by mail and stated that all documents already received will be returned as quickly as possible. Applications can still be made online using the EU Exit ID Document check app., which is the Government’s preferred method.

RIGHT TO WORK CHECKS We received many queries from employers struggling to carry out right to work checks of documents in person, due to social distancing and restrictions on travel, whether for new starters or employees whose status had been due to expire. An inadequate right to work check can expose an employer to fines or even prosecution as well as loss of sponsorship, so this has caused much anxiety.

On 30th March the Government adjusted the requirements temporarily so that: • Checks of documents as well as their holder can now be carried out over video calls • Job applicants and existing workers can send scanned documents or a photo of documents for checks using email or a mobile app, rather than sending originals but • Employers should use the Employer Checking Service if a prospective or existing employee cannot provide any of the accepted documents The adjusted guidance makes clear that retrospective checks under the old arrangements will be expected when the crisis is over, and that checks carried out under the emergency measures must be recorded as such: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-right-to-work-checks

SPONSOR LICENCES – SPONSOR DUTIES IN THE COVID-19 CRISIS Licenced sponsors will be acutely aware of sponsor duties to report changes in circumstances affecting employees or their businesses, usually within 10 working days. Some changes, such as reductions in salary, are generally not permitted at all. As the crisis drives many unplanned alterations to working and contractual arrangements, the Government has announced some interim dispensations: Working from home - Tier 2 and 5 sponsors are normally required to notify UKVI of a change of work location, but the

Home Office states that “due to the current exceptional situation, we will not require sponsors to do so if working from home is directly related to the pandemic”.

Furloughed sponsored migrants - The Tier 2 & 5 Guidance for sponsors has been revised to allow salary reductions to 80% of the stated salary or to £2,500 per month, whichever is lower, to reflect the provisions of the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme. However, it also states that all employees should be treated in the same way – clarification of that is needed ad has been requested by lawyers.

Submission sheets – where a non-excepted notification is being made, a sponsor may now submit a signed submission sheet electronically with electronic supporting evidence as needed where a hard copy with wet signature is ordinarily required.

Issue 5

CLH Digital

11

Hospitality 4 Heroes Edges Towards £10,000 NHS Fundraiser Target

Absence - In respect of sponsored migrants prevented from working due to sickness, the need to serve a period of quarantine or the inability to travel due to travel restrictions caused by coronavirus: • Sponsors do not need to report unauthorised absence • Sponsors do not need to withdraw sponsorship if they consider there are exceptional circumstances when a migrant employee is absent from work without pay for four weeks or more, as they ordinarily would

SPONSOR LICENCE APPLICATIONS Appendix A supporting documents, until now required by mail within 5 working days in original hard copy, are temporarily being accepted electronically, although the Home Office reserves its right to insist on originals in cases of doubt, with discretion applied on a case by case basis.

As the national and global situation worsens, we expect further declarations by the UK Government about how it will manage the impact on immigration.

Our immigration team has extensive experience in managing crises and finding practical solutions where possible. We are staying fully abreast of developments and can speak with any clients concerned about managing the immigration impacts of COVID-19.

About the author: Matthew Davies is Head of Immigration at Wright Hassall and is an expert in business immigration law, advising employers, business people and investors on how best to navigate the complexities of the UK’s immigration rules and minimising delays, costs and risks in hiring talent from overseas.

He also represents private individuals and business people in relation to UK immigration and nationality matters.

About the firm: Wright Hassall is a top-ranked firm of solicitors based in Warwickshire, providing legal services including: corporate law; commercial law; litigation and dispute resolution; employment law and property law. The firm also advises on contentious probate, business immigration, debt recovery, employee incentives, information governance, professional negligence and private client matters.

A social media fundraising campaign to raise money for frontline NHS workers has gone viral, as some of the hotel industry’s most well-known businesses show off their skills in aid of ‘Hospitality 4 Heroes’. https://www.gofundme.com/f/hospitality-4-heroes-challenge The campaign, presented by James & Cranwell, a high-end headhunting company, asks well-known figures from the sector to upload a short video on social media performing a hospitality-related ‘how to’ demonstration, including such as cooking a dish or making a cocktail .They then nominate three other industry professionals to take part. So far, the likes of David Morgan-Hewitt, managing director at The Goring has demonstrated how to make the perfect dry martini, Knut Wylde, general manager at The Berkeley London has showcased his margarita making skills!

The post should include a link to the GoFundMe page, and creators nominate three friends or colleagues to do the same within 24 hours.

The challenge has been shared widely on social media and has seen Rosewood London managing director Michael Bonsor sharing his gardening tips, Corinthia London managing director Thomas Kochs demonstrate his Wiener schnitzel recipe and two-Michelin-starred chef Hélène Darroze cook tarte tatin on Instagram. Holborn Dining Room head chef Calum Franklin also showed off his magic skills.

The initiative is one of many set up by the industry to support the NHS and its workers during the coronavirus crisis, with a whole host of businesses delivering food to workers, setting up donation pages, and hotels pledging free overnight stays for carers once they reopen.

“This is our way of giving back to the incredible superheroes at the NHS,” explained director Warren Dawes in the video that launched the initiative.

“Whilst everyone’s priority is staying home and staying safe, we know that everyone is looking for ways to help,” the duo explain on the GoFundMe page.

“We believe the Hospitality for Heroes Challenge is a powerful way to do that, whilst having some fun in the safety of your own home.”

Issue 5

CLH Digital

13

WSTA Members Show Their Fighting Spirit This St. George’s Day Many businesses whose income has evaporated during the coronavirus thought St George’s Day was the ideal time to celebrate just a few of the lockdown are facing a long wait for things to return to some kind of nor- English wine and spirit companies who, despite their reduced cashflow and pressures of excise duty payments, are doing their bit to keep people mal. in jobs and at the same time give something back.”

Amongst those fighting for their futures are WSTA members who have Here are just a few shining examples of English firms doing their best been forced to adapt their businesses to find a way to keep trading and to help communities and finding inventive ways to continue to trade: save jobs.

Jascots Wine Merchants is still open for business despite usually sell exclusively to pubs, restaurants and hotels. After seeing their clients disappear overnight following lockdown the Jascots team did not throw in the towel, instead they changed their business model to offer wine delivRestaurants, pubs and their suppliers across Britain have become local eries to the public. The company, based in north west London, assembled lifelines, delivering food and drink free of charge to the housebound, isodrivers from within their workforce and are offering trade prices for lated and key workers. Some have started making hand sanitiser and othwine delivered for free inside the M25 or with a delivery charge of £10 ers are finding ways to keep a nation in lockdown entertained by offering outside. In some cases, communities have come together to co-ordinate free tutored tastings online. a Jascots order to their area for a more environmentally friendly wine Miles Beale, Chief Executive of the Wine and Spirit Trade Association, delivery. said: “The government’s intention to maintain social distancing in the hosBrighton Gin on the Sussex south coast is one of the many distilleries pitality sector for longer than other parts of the economy means that across the country to have turned their hand to making hand sanitiser. hospitality businesses and their suppliers will need additional support for For every bottle of hand sanitiser bought from their longer. brightongin.com/shop two are donated to frontline key workers and The WSTA is lobbying hard for the government to clarify that support community groups. for the hospitality industry includes suppliers – so that local authorities Chapel Down winery in Kent is offering free delivery on all orders and make the right decisions about who does or does not qualify for business have also begun a series of free virtual wine tastings with a Question and rate exemptions and grants.

Answer session by their Head Winemaker, Josh Donaghay-Spire. The The outbreak of coronavirus has brought with it both emotional and tutored tastings go out live on Instagram once a week and anyone who financial trauma for people throughout the country. But during times of wants to learn more about English wine is encouraged to send in questions adversity we often see the best coming out in people. For this reason, we for Josh to answer. Today it’s Chapel Down’s CEO Frazer Thompson who Despite all the obstacles thrown in their path many are going above and beyond their day to day work and are offering a helping hand to communities.

will take a turn at hosting a live Q&A session at 6.00pm this evening to raise a glass to St George’s Day and to answer questions from customers.

Hatch Mansfield a wine agency based in Berkshire has boosted its support to The Drinks Trust charity with a combination of donations and fundraising initiatives planned during the pandemic. For every order of its regular promotional activity placed throughout May and June Hatch Mansfield are donating £10 to the Drinks Trust. The Drinks Trust has been providing care and assistance to drinks industry workforce since 1886. Demand for their services is at an all-time high and has led them to set up a Covid-19 Emergency fund as well as a specialist mental health support helpline on 0800 915 4610.

Chase Distillery in Herefordshire have teamed up with its sister company Willy’s and are now also producing liquid hand sanitiser. They are donating 30,000 units to frontline medical professionals and key workers in their local Herefordshire & Worcestershire areas and have also donated several tonnes of potatoes to local food banks. To entertain their online community they have created the campaign #ChaseAtHome where the wider Chase team and bar tender friends including The Savoy & The Lanesborough have been producing how-to cocktail videos at home, available to watch for free on their social channels.

Ridgeview winery in East Sussex has introduced a new initiative to support the charity, Hospitality Action. Ridgeview donate £2 for every bottle of Ridgeview Sparkling Wine sold online until the end of May to Hospitality Action. All orders no matter how big or small are being delivered free of charge across the UK with £2 for every bottle going direct to the charity. Hospitality Action is a charity that has been supporting the UK hospitality trade for over 180 years, helping hospitality people in difficulty or crisis.

Brilliant Response To Chef’s Jackets Appeal To Support Virus Care Staff Chefs across the UK have been praised for their “brilliant” response to an appeal by the Culinary Association of Wales (CAW) for surplus chef’s jackets which can be made into masks and other items for care workers to use on the front-line fight against Coronavirus.

Arwyn Watkins, CAW president, launched the appeal on social media to co-ordinate chefs’ practical response to the pandemic. He says demand for the jackets is far outstripping supply.

“Chefs jackets are the perfect material to be made into masks, scrubs

bags, headbands and caps for front line staff in care homes and working in the community,” he explained.

“We have jackets coming in from across the UK and many are brand new, made for competitions that are unable to be held because of the lockdown. Demand for jackets is far outstripping supply.

“Some chefs who work in colleges are very frustrated because they want to support the appeal, but their surplus jackets are locked away in places they are unable to access. The response has been brilliant.

“The jackets are made from material that’s ideal because its workwear that withstands a high heat for sterilisation and washing.”

Chefs are being asked to post their clean, spare jackets to: Trailhead Fine Foods, Unit 13 Severn Farm Enterprise Park, Welshpool, Powys, SY21 7DF, where they are collected and distributed to people who convert them into valuable items for front line staff.

Alternatively, chefs who have access to a sewing machine, are being encouraged to make the items themselves for carers in their community after receiving instruction.

Mr Watkins expects more than 200 jackets to be donated to the appeal, which has spread on social media around the globe via the Worldchefs organisation. Several countries, including Brazil, are now copying the appeal.

In addition to the appeal, the CAW is keeping the wider public entertained with social media videos by chefs showing how to produce delicious Welsh Lamb dishes during the lockdown. Dishes using Welsh Beef, pork and other meats will follow.

Follow the series of videos at www.facebook.com/CulinaryAssociationofWales.CymdeithasCoginiolCymru on Facebook.

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CLH Digital

Issue 5

What Can Hospitality Brands Do To Survive The Lockdown?

By Roly Grant, creative director and co-founder, brand design agency Without

So much has changed in the past few weeks, it’s almost impossible to make sense of it all. We’ve seen much-loved and long-established restaurants and bars from all sectors of the industry let staff go, revert to delivery only, or shut down altogether. Many people are asking if there’ll be anywhere left to go out and celebrate once the restrictions are finally lifted.

There’s no doubt the current pandemic is having a devastating effect – hospitality is one of the hardest-hit industries – but lots of business owners are doing everything they can to protect the livelihoods of as many staff as possible, and keep their companies going for as long as they can through diversification.

Restaurants in China are obviously further down the line. April Puffer, a Beijing eatery specialising in puffer fish, established a delivery fleet made up of its own chefs and waiters. Business revenue has dropped by 90% but the restaurant has invested in keeping its brand alive – and resisted handing its direct link to consumers to a third-party delivery service (as well as a substantial chunk of its reduced income).

Back home, efforts by the likes of Leon have garnered a lot of media attention. The healthy fast-food chain, in partnership with Wasabi, Abokado and Franco Manco, is teaming up with food suppliers and distributors to deliver free hot meals to NHS staff. With celebrity endorsement, they’ve managed to raise in excess of £600,000 so far through public donations. It’s a brilliant way of a) being seen to do the right thing, not the easy thing, and b) keeping brand awareness alive and consumer loyalty high. Research and history show that actions like these pay dividends in the long term. (Google ‘brands we’re going to

boycott’ to see how businesses that are deemed not to have the common good at heart might fare when all this is over.)

The good news, as reported recently by data consultancy Kantar, is that of all the activities that people want to pick up as soon as the lockdown is lifted, dining out is top of the list. Shopping, out-of-home entertainment and sport came second, third and fourth. So, what actions can restaurant and bar owners take now to make it easier to re-establish themselves down the line and take full advantage of the predicted spike in business?

KEEP BRAND AWARENESS ALIVE Government intervention, though by no means a panacea for all problems, has taken some of the pressure off. Where initial fears about survival may have eased, what can people do in the downtime to shore themselves up for the future?

Protecting customer relationships is vital. Deliveries and goodwill to critical-care workers alone won’t save a business, but they can keep the dialogue with consumers alive. It’s worth noting, however, that so many third-party delivery services are still taking a hefty commission (as much as 30%), and they can have the added effect of diminishing stand-out for individual outlets. If you’re ordering sushi to come to your door by bike, do you always note which restaurant made it?

If you can, protect your route to market without handing the keys to the empire to a third party (digital platforms, socials, delivery services, et al).

London’s Crosstown Collective has got the right idea. Made up of The Estate Dairy, Crosstown Doughnuts and Millers Bespoke Bakery, it delivers its goods across the capital.

It’s the brands that remain recognisable, and have known values and stories, that will engender loyalty and be first on people’s lists when all this ends.

Birmingham Hotel Stays Open To NHS Staff and Other Key Workers The ibis Styles on Hagley Road, Birmingham is keeping its doors open to key workers who need a place to stay during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Rooms have been made available at the 62 bed-hotel on Hagley Road specifically for those who have been outlined by the Government as key workers in the fight against Coronavirus, together with those visiting the Birmingham region and currently unable to travel home.

The hotel is located in close proximity to

Queen Elizabeth Hospital and just a short distance from the newly opened Birmingham Nightingale Hospital, where patients are being treated for the virus and NHS staff are working around the clock to save lives.

The decision for the ibis styles to remain open was in response the Government’s announcement that hotels may only be used for key workers who are essential to the coronavirus emergency, together with guests who require a place to stay because their primary home is not

TAKE NOTE OF NEW CONSUMER BEHAVIOUR Ask people what they want. Focus less on what you’re used to doing and more on what people need now. Think of the things that would be nice if you were sitting on the sofa craving a pick-me-up. If ever there was a good time to branch out, this would be it.

When we do finally return to something resembling normality, consumer behaviour will have changed forever. So, look at what they’re doing and respond to it. Kantar’s report shows that more and more consumers are embracing digital tools, and will continue to use them in future.

So, what could a ‘welcome back’ package look like, for example, and is there an opportunity for restaurants here? Can booking processes be made more flexible and experiential (order your first round of drinks while you book online so it’s ready on arrival, or arrange surprise birthday extras digitally)? Customers are using digital platforms in greater numbers than ever before, why not harness that and improve hospitality experiences accordingly?

GET READY FOR YOUR COMEBACK When the government finally says that it's safe for everyone to come out and play, those brands that have looked after themselves and maintained strong, positive profiles stand to benefit.

We need to use this enforced hiatus to our advantage. For example, now’s the time for restaurateurs and local authorities to reassess rental arrangements, which are so often hiked when times are bad, but rarely reduced when fortunes take a dive.

If brands have been nurtured, staff treated with respect, and new consumer wants and needs acknowledged, businesses should be well-positioned to take advantage of an upturn. Those who ‘went dark’ or prioritised recouping funds, could end up being bumped off the guest list for what could be the biggest party of the decade. available to them.

Danny Crompton, General Manager of ibis Styles Hagley Road said: “We welcome NHS staff and other key workers to get in touch if they need somewhere to stay during the pandemic.

“We recognise that many key workers who are crucial to the fight against Coronavirus are needing to self-isolate away from their family home for a variety of reasons. By keeping our doors open, we are offering these workers a safe, clean environment to return to.

“What’s more, we have a number of families who had travelled from overseas countries to visit Birmingham but are not able to travel home.

In keeping our doors open, we have and will continue to provide a safe, clean and comfortable environment for these guests for as long as they need.”

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Issue 5

CLH Digital

17

Hospitality Sector Has Furloughed 80% of Staff, ONS Finds Eight in 10 workers in the UK hospitality sector have been furloughed, according to a survey.

Research by the Office for National Statistics found that the sector, which covers hotels, restaurants and pubs, temporarily laid off the largest proportion of workers after the lockdown began.

On Monday April 20, the Treasury officially launched the coronavirus job retention scheme, which reimburses companies for up to 80% of the wages for employees who are furloughed rather than made redundant, up to a maximum of £2,500 (AUD$4841) a month.

By Thursday 435,000 businesses had applied for nearly £3.8bn worth

of support to pay the wages of 3.2 million workers.

The ONS figures are based on a survey of 6,150 businesses, which revealed that together they had furloughed more than a quarter of their workforce.

The chief executive of trade body UKHospitality, Kate Nicholls, called for a plan of phased reopenings of hotels, bars, pubs and restaurants.

She also urged the chancellor, Rishi Sunak, to extend the furlough scheme beyond its current endpoint of June.

With pubs hotels and restaurants unable to operate, it said 81% of businesses in accommodation and food/drink services had closed temporarily or have ceased to trade.

“We need a plan of phased opening for our sector. For those businesses that can trade safely with social distancing measures still in place, they should be able to,” she said.

The hospitality industry yesterday warned that 1m jobs are at risk without further government support if social distancing measures continue beyond the end of the year.

“For the many venues where it is not possible, support, such as the furlough scheme, must be extended to make sure these businesses stay alive and jobs kept open.”

Shaken Not Broken: Campari UK Creates Relief Fund For Hospitality Industry’s Front-Line Workers – And Pledges £100k To The Cause Drinks Trust and TiPJAR, in response to so many hospitality workers facing economic hardship as a result of the outbreak – with half estimated to currently not be in work. This reality is exacerbated by the reliance on tips and service charges in the hospitality industry, which are not currently taken into account within the Government’s furlough scheme.

The Drinks Trust – the drinks industry charity – will administer the funds to those who need them, focusing on three key areas:

Campari UK has announced the creation of the Shaken Not Broken Fund to provide much-needed support to front-line workers in the hospitality industry during and following the COVID-19 pandemic.

The business has started the fund with a £100,000 donation and is now calling on the nation to get involved, to help support those from the industry hit hardest across the country – from bartenders and servers, to bar backs, dishwashers and managers.

The fund was created in collaboration with The

• Financial assistance; monetary grants for those struggling with hardship • Educational grants; for those looking to train and increase their employment opportunities post COVID-19 • Wellbeing grants; including therapy services, sleep and insomnia treatment, and mindful drinking advice People can support the initiative themselves by visiting the Shaken Not Broken Fund page on TiPJAR (www.wearetipjar.com/shakennotbrokenfund/), the virtual tipping platform and technology powering the gesture. Donors can then select the area they wish to support spanning all four corners of the UK, including hospitality hotspots outside of London like Bristol, Liverpool and Glasgow. Their contribution will then go directly to front-line hospitality workers in their chosen area.

People are also encouraged to spread the word on social media by posting the TiPJAR donation link and using #ShakenNotBroken to try and secure as many donations as possible in the coming months to the worthy cause.

Brad Madigan, Managing Director of Campari UK, says, “The total closure of the UK On Trade as a result of COVID-19 is having a very real impact on the livelihoods of many workers across the hospitality industry – and will continue to do so well into the immediate future. Now more than ever, our UK hospitality family needs all of our support.

“The creation of our ‘Shaken Not Broken’ Fund – with the help of our friends at The Drinks Trust and TiPJAR – is designed to support as many hospitality workers as possible, who are unable to work and finding things financially difficult. We want this to be a broad-based community initiative – building a platform that allows anyone to donate to the fund. We encourage suppliers and agencies alike that are involved in the hospitality industry, and consumers too, to show they care about the hospitality industry by contributing a virtual tip to front-line workers who run our amazing venues and make the world’s best drinks here in the UK.” Ross Carter, CEO of The Drinks Trust, added,

“Working with Campari UK on this Shaken Not Broken Fund will enable us to help thousands of struggling hospitality workers nationwide. The generous £100K donation by the company will propel us forward significantly, and we hope many more people come forward to donate too so we can help those hospitality workers hit hardest by the pandemic in their local area.”

James Brown, Founder at TiPJAR, says, “TiPJAR was founded to help tipped workers such as bartenders and waiting staff collect cashless tips; when this crisis started we knew that we had to do what we could to help the industry we loved and workers who needed it so much. We were delighted to be able provide the tech platform to collect tips and donations for the Shaken Not Broken Fund with Campari UK and The Drinks Trust.”

This move follows a personal donation of more than £16,000 to The Drinks Trust from Campari UK employees, which was then matched by the company – bringing the total to more than £32,000. Both this donation and the launch of this fund form part of the Shaken Not Broken global initiative by Campari Group; a series of donations taking place across the world in support of a wide variety of charitable causes to support those hardest hit by COVID-19, in and outside of the hospitality industry.

Issue 5

CLH Digital

19

Has Britain’s Appetite For Hot Food Delivery Peaked? Heineken Launches The Pub Collective Website To Help On-Trade Through Lockdown

Britain’s appetite for hot food delivery may have peaked, according to new research from CGA. While a third of consumers said they had ordered delivered restaurant or takeaway food during lockdown, with another 11% planning to, the results suggest there has been no change in demand since pubs and restaurants were closed down.

“This is a significant sub-group of consumers who are likely to hold the key to future growth in the market. Compared to the figures a month earlier, this represents a significant shift, when just 39% were either first timers or upping their use. Tracking and engaging with these people will become key,” added Mitchell.

The CGA BrandTrack survey of 5,000 consumers was carried out between April 11 and 16, with comparisons being made with similar CGA consumer research undertaken in mid-March, when again 33% said they were using delivery.

These consumers also look like they are willing to take these habits into a “new normal” world post-lockdown. Of those who ordered delivery for the first time, or more often than usual, 60% said they would continue their frequency of ordering delivery from restaurants, and 70% from takeaways. Over a third (37%) also said they were likely to order delivery from pubs and bars in the future, if available.

“What will be disappointing for those setting up new delivery services, is that the latest research shows that the proportion of adults planning to use delivery services, but yet to do so, has actually dropped since last month, down from 19% to 11%, while the number that have used delivery has remained static,” said Charlie Mitchell, CGA’s Research & Insight Director.

Also, the proportion of consumers who now don’t plan to order delivery has risen to 56%, up from 47%.

Although more restaurant and pub operators have set up delivery options since the COVID-19 crisis hit, Mitchell believes that the apparent stalling of delivery demand may in part be down to the fact that a number of high-profile high street brands that had significant delivery businesses pre-lockdown have since closed their delivery operations on safety grounds.

The positive news is that of those committed delivery users, over half (53%) are either first time users or existing customers ordering more often.

“If these larger players start up again, along with the reopening of fast-food chains like KFC, we may see delivery start to grow again.

We will be tracking that with our next survey,” he added.

Ciderologist Gabe Cook Leads A Cider Tasting In CAMRA’s Virtual Pub

Ciderologist Gabe Cook will lead a virtual cider tasting session to uncover the wonderful world of cider styles on Tuesday 28 April at 6pm.

To prepare for the tasting participants will need to purchase cider from each list, which should easily be found in local supermarkets.

Hosted at the Red (On)Lion, a new virtual pub created by the Campaign for Real Ale which allows beer and cider lovers to converge over a pint of their favourite drink, this tasting will form part of a series of virtual events known as ‘Tasty Tuesdays’.

Cider List A – Tannic • • • •

Free and open to the public, the tasting will be limited to the first 50 participants to sign up and will help cider-lovers move beyond the normal descriptors of simply ‘medium’, ‘traditional’ or ‘scrumpy’.

Henny’s Dry Cider Sandford Orchard Devon Red Sheppy’s Vintage/Dabinett Dunkerton’s Black Fox/Premium Cider List B – Sharp

• Sxollie Granny Smith • Aspall’s Premier Cru • Thatcher’s Katy • M&S Kentish Discovery Cider To sign up simply visit https://theredonlion.co.uk/ and click ‘Join’ – up to 50 participants can get involved, and it will be on a first come first serve basis. You will receive a code by email which you can use to enter the presentation on the date.

Ciderologist Gabe Cook says: “Cider has never achieved a level of language or stylisation that has been associated with beer for centuries. Now it is time to learn what cider actually tastes like beyond terms such as ‘traditional’ and ‘scrumpy’!”

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HEINEKEN has launched a new website, www.thepubcollective.co.uk, providing pubs with advice, guidance and inspirational stories to support them through the unprecedented period of the UK lockdown.

The website, which is available to everyone, includes all the latest government advice, support and how to access it. It also guides pubs on how to hibernate their business and how to prepare for reopening, as well as free learning resources and inspirational case studies from pubs who are adapting their offer during these extraordinary times.

Stephen Watt, on-trade sales director at Heineken UK, says: “It’s a worrying time for everyone and we are doing all we can to support our On Trade customers and Star Pubs & Bars licensees. This pop up website makes it easy for them to access all the information they need in one place.”

The website is just one of a number of measures that HEINEKEN UK is doing to ensure the future sustainability of the industry. Last week its pub division, Star Pubs & Bars announced it would provide rent reductions to its pubs on an individual basis and has suspended rent collection until at least June.

Lawson Mountstevens, managing director of Star Pubs & Bars says: “Over the last few weeks we’ve seen some incredible stories from licensees who have quickly adapted their pubs to serve their community. Pubs have turned into village shops providing their communities with food essentials, provided meal deliveries for the most vulnerable and kept spirits up by running virtual events such as pub quizzes or beer tastings. I’m blown away by the innovation and drive from licensees, and as we look to pubs reopening at some point in the future, it is quite clear that their role at heart of communities across the UK is firmly cemented.

“Once the restrictions are lifted, we want to see all pubs open, trading and operating as viable businesses as soon as possible, and thrive in the long-term.”

Issue 5

CLH Digital

21

Hospitality Businesses Urged to Claim Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme Grant The Government’s Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme went live this week, with businesses able to claim up to £2,500 a month towards staff wages.

Employers can apply for direct cash grants through HMRC’s new online portal – with the money expected to land in their bank accounts within six working days.

The job retention scheme, announced by Chancellor Rishi Sunak as part of a package of support to protect jobs and businesses, allows employers to claim for a cash grant of up to 80% of a furloughed employees wages, capped at £2,500 a month.

Millions of people across the UK are expected to benefit from the scheme, with businesses including Pret a Manger, Brewdog and Timpsons using it to ensure staff keep their jobs and are paid whilst many high street businesses are closed.

HMRC’s easy to use portal has a step by step application process and up to 5,000 staff will be manning phone lines and webchat services to ensure any questions can be answered.

Chancellor of the Exchequer Rishi Sunak said: "Our unprecedented job retention scheme will protect millions of jobs across the country and is now up and running.

"It’s vital that our economy gets up and running again as soon as it’s safe – and this scheme will allow that to happen."

Last week the Chancellor announced the scheme will be extended for a further month until the end of June, to reflect continuing Covid-19

lockdown measures.

Commenting on news that applications are now open for the government’s Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme, Adam Marshall, BCC Director General, said: The opening of the Job Retention scheme is an important milestone for businesses, who can now begin to access the cash they need to pay their staff and protect livelihoods.

The government deserves credit for the speed, scale and flexibility of its response to the challenges facing our business communities. The focus should now be on delivering this support to firms on the ground.

Our research indicates that two-thirds of firms have furloughed some portion of their workforce. With April’s payday approaching, it is essential that the application process is smooth and that payments are made as soon as possible. Any delay would exacerbate the cash crisis many companies are facing and could threaten jobs and businesses.

Jonathan Geldart, IoD Director General, said: "These are immensely challenging times for the economy, and the Government is rightly responding with exceptional measures. This scheme is crucial to protecting jobs and ensuring the recovery, when it comes, can take off as quickly as possible.

"We applaud the efforts of the scheme’s staff who will be working with businesses in desperate need of support, and we will continue to work with ministers to ensure that support reaches all who need it."

Rain Newton-Smith, CBI Chief Economist, said: "The Chancellor has

already shown a willingness to do whatever it takes and act at speed during unprecedented times.

"Rolling out the job retention scheme will make a huge difference to tens of thousands of firms and millions of people, protecting jobs and living standards throughout the UK. "Ensuring support gets to where it’s needed most – fast – is of the utmost importance.

"We’ll continue working closely across government departments as thoughts turn to restarting and reviving our economy."

Emma McClarkin, Chief Executive of the British Beer & Pub Association, said: "As a sector employing one million people, we greatly welcome the extension of the Job Retention Scheme into the summer. It will help pubs that are struggling through this crisis who are key employers in regions and communities across the whole of the UK. Rest assured the action taken by Government has prevented job losses.

"To hear that the COVID-19 Job Retention Scheme portal is now live for employers to use is a welcome step too for our sector."

The Job Retention Scheme is part of an package of measures announced by the Chancellor to support the country through the coronavirus pandemic. He has already supported employers with a £30bn injection of cash by deferring VAT payments for the next quarter, has launched a scheme for the self-employed, loans for businesses and a rise in Universal Credit.

Guild of Fine Food Research Reveals COVID-19 Trends for Independent Retail Community Research conducted by the Guild of Fine Food this month has identified some key trends emerging in independent food and drink as a result of the COVID-19 crisis, with producers and retailers reporting contrasting results. Having surveyed over 200 fine food businesses, 53% of retailers witnessed a year-on-year sales increase of at least 10% during March, while nearly half of producers saw a loss of 26% or more during the same period.

While highlighting this striking divide in fortunes between independent retailers and the producers who supply them, the research also provides an indication of morale levels within the industry at large, reporting that 95% believe they can survive the current pandemic. With many adapting fast to nimbly adapt their offerings in response to unrelenting pressure on national delivery services and ongoing product shortages, these delis, farm shops, cheesemongers and producers are displaying great resilience as they continue to provide a vital lifeline to people in their local communities.

As retailers and producers attempt to navigate their businesses through this unprecedented economic and social environment, the Guild of Fine

Food’s research has also indicated limited use of government support across the sector, with many reporting difficultly in accessing this assistance. The £330bn loan pledge was rated as “not at all useful” by 62% of respondents, while only around one in ten (87%) have applied for the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS) via their bank and 80% have not claimed on their business interruption insurance. However, the data did reveal that 35% of producers and 62% of retailers have or intend to furlough employees.

John Farrand, managing director of the Guild of Fine Food, commented: “The key metric for me is that two in three retailers are seeing an increase in new customers. While it’s easy to focus on the more troubling, and perhaps anticipated, statistics to have come through, I’m greatly encouraged by the ongoing optimism and resilience of our industry. As it’s widely reported that independent food shops are seeing healthy levels of trade from new shoppers, this should in turn give our producers a lift as they re-stock. What we all need to work on in the next couple of months is how to keep these new customers coming back, throughout the lockdown and beyond.”

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FORBES OF KINGENNIE COUNTRY RESORT

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I would highly recommend it to other restaurants.”

Lorraine Smith, Food & Beverage Controller “I have been using our cutlery polisher for a few years now. I find the company very friendly, efficient and inexpensive for the service I receive. It’s a more hygienic way of polishing cutlery and it reduces the back of house workload. We had our polisher on trial and it’s virtually silent when running without cutlery in, it’s very efficient and polishes to a very high standard. It sits conveniently next to the dishwasher. It is so simple to use that all our catering assistants are able to operate it with ease, freeing up the food service team to concentrate on customer service. We are very happy with the service we receive and wouldn’t think of not using this company.”

www.thecutlerypolisher.co.uk | 01474 873 892 | info@thecutlerypolisher.co.uk

Top Tips When Making an Application for the Job Retention Scheme

HM Revenue & Customs (‘HMRC’) opened taking Job Retention Scheme (‘JRS’) applications but employers must make sure that their claims are correct and are accurate – those that don’t risk being seen as fraudulent, say London tax and advisory firm Blick Rothenberg

Nimesh Shah said: “The Government and HMRC are very concerned about fraudulent JRS claims, and the rules and system have been designed to safeguard against this as far as possible. “ He added: “The Government has been vocal that it can and will audit employers and can claw back grants from fraudulent claims. Errors with applications are inevitable, given the complexity associated with this untested scheme, and it’s hoped that HMRC will recognise the difference between innocent and deliberate behaviour, but claimants must make sure that their application is as accurate as it can be.

Nimesh said: “To introduce a new scheme of this scale, and have an operational portal ready within a month is impressive and HMRC and the Government should be applauded for their efforts. It is hoped that HMRC’s system is able to cope with the inevitable demand, and that payments can be processed and paid within the 6 working day timeframe.

“Businesses have anxiously been waiting to make their application as they precariously manage their cashflow on a daily basis they can now make the claim and move forward but they do need to make sure it is accurate” He added: “There are lots of practical issues that businesses and HMRC will need to be ready for over the forthcom-

ing weeks as the applications are submitted. HMRC have produced a step-by-step guide for employers to help them understand the rules. Our 5 immediate top tips when making an application are:

1. Businesses need to make sure that they follow correct legal process when furloughing an employee, as it is strictly a change to their employment contact.

2.Careful calculations are required in relation to holiday pay, maternity pay, sick pay, pensions and salary sacrifice as these can give rise to anomalies.

3.The grant can only be paid into the UK bank account of employer making the claim – this is an issue if an agent normally handles a company’s payroll or for an overseas business that does not have a UK bank account.

4.When making the application, all the information must be submitted at once i.e. there is no option to save and return to the form later. In addition, amendments cannot be made to the form after submission, so it’s important that the application is submitted fully and accurately at the first attempt.

5.HMRC will not provide any e-mail confirmation for submission and the employer should print the submission record and make a note of the reference number.

Nimesh Said: “When the scheme was first announced, the original cost estimates were around £10 billion. With the take-up of the scheme being higher than expected, with almost 9 million workers being placed on furlough, that cost estimate was revised upwards to £30 – £40 billion. With the extension to the scheme until the end of June, the total cost will be in excess of £50 billion.”

Issue 5

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BBPA: Government Must Tackle Big Gaps In Support Facing Pubs and Brewers Over COVID-19 Trade association writes to Alok Sharma MP, Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, to raise outstanding issues of concern to the beer and pub sector The British Beer & Pub Association (BBPA) has written to Alok Sharma MP, Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, pressing him to take urgent action in tackling the gaps in support facing pubs and brewers over COVID-19.

The BBPA has led calls for support for its sector since pubs were forced to shut down in March, and welcomes that the Government has listened, delivering decisive support in recent weeks that will go a long way in helping the sector survive.

However, thousands of the UK’s much-loved pubs and hundreds of its breweries producing world class beer have been ineligible for much of the support.

In light of comments from cabinet minister Michael Gove warning that the nations pubs would be ‘among the last’ to see restrictions placed upon them relaxed, the vital support needed for pubs has become even more critical.

In its letter, the BBPA has therefore urged the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy to: 1.Extend the Job Retention Scheme beyond June – helping to protect the almost 1 million staff employed in the sector 2.Improve access to the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme by underwriting 100% of loans 3.Direct insurers to be fair and supportive when assessing insurance claims 4.Put in place a special exemption for the 10,000 UK pubs with a rateable value over £51,000 to allow them to benefit from the Government’s grant scheme 5.Defer April’s beer duty payment, and that for the following quarter, to ease the cash flow crisis facing breweries who saw 50-70% of their market value disappear overnight The BBPA says these steps, if taken by the Government, would be a lifeline to keep those pubs and brewers afloat who have yet to receive support through the crisis, but will be the last to reopen when lockdown restrictions start to get lifted. This, it says, would enable them to reopen and serve their communities across the UK once the COVID-19 crisis has passed.

Emma McClarkin, Chief Executive of the British Beer & Pub Association, commented: “We’re extremely grateful to the Government for listening to the needs of our sector and delivering the support they have given to pubs and brewers so far.

“There are still over 10,000 pubs which currently aren’t eligible for any Government grants.

Even for those pubs that are eligible for grants, they can’t come soon enough. Brewers too need more support in the form of a duty deferral to free up much needed cash during this crisis.

“Pubs may have to remain closed longer than any other business, so it is imperative the Government tackles the gaps in support facing our industry.

“If the Government makes these interventions we are pressing them for, it will help keep pubs and brewers afloat, so they can re-open and serve their communities once more when we are through this.”

Issue 5

Government’s Furlough Portal Is Working Well But There Are Some Serious Issues The Governments furlough portal is now live and working well but there are a few problems – some of which will be a serious issue and others that will cause stress and anxiety, say tax and advisory firm Blick Rothenberg Heather Self, a partner at the firm said: “HMRC are to be congratulated for getting a lot of things right in a very short time. But they need to be sympathetic and continue to provide support to employers who are doing their best to comply with a complex system” She added: “The assumption that amounts have to be apportioned on a calendar basis leads to some bizarre results – for example, the maximum claim per week is £576.92 but the daily rate for March is £80.65 – that’s the monthly rate of £2500 divided by 31. But £576.92 divided by £80.65 is 7.15 – so are there more than 7 days a week in March, according to HMRC? Calculating the daily rate as one-fifth of £576.92, i.e. £115.38, makes much more sense” Heather said: “Employers are likely to be caught out by holiday pay – having to pay employees extra because they take a day’s holiday during furlough will probably be a nasty surprise. But if employees don’t take holiday during furlough, they will have a lot of time rolled up to take when they get back to work – which may not suit employers either” She added: “Many directors of owner-managed companies are already upset that the Job Retention Scheme only covers them for their salary,

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UKH Calls For Ring-Fenced Support For Welsh Hospitality Businesses UKHospitality has called on the Welsh Government to ensure that future business support is ringfenced in a hospitality and tourism hardship fund.

and not the dividends they receive. Many of them take that salary as an annual amount – they will be furious if the fact that they take their salary in March each year means they can’t claim at all” Below Heather lists some of the issues:

The trade body has urged the Welsh Government to ensure the sectors, which have been hit hard by the Covid-19 crisis, are fully supported.

• HMRC’s calculator only deals with simple situations. This doesn’t stop you submitting a claim but means you will have to do the hard work yourself to check your figures • HMRC’s calculator and guidance assumes that any time apportionment needs to be done on a calendar basis. This is inconsistent with most payrolls, which work on the basis of 260 working days per year. Although the differences will usually be small (a few ££ per employee), cumulatively they could be large – and there is also the risk of accidentally overclaiming, which will worry employers a lot.

• Holiday pay is a tricky area. While it doesn’t affect the grant claim, many employers will find they may have to pay out extra amounts to employees – and this may come as a nasty surprise. The issue is that, legally, an employee continues to be entitled to holiday pay at their full salary rate, so even if they are being furloughed on 80% of their pay, they must receive 100% for any days taken on holiday.

• Directors who are paid once a year may find they can’t use the system.

The legislation requires there to have been a PAYE submission during the tax year 2019/20 – a director who receives his or her salary in March each year may well fail this test, so will not be able to claim a grant at all.

UKHospitality Executive Director for Wales, David Chapman said: “We really appreciate the Welsh Government support to date and this week’s addition of £100 million to the Economic Resilience Fund in Wales. It will provide a much-needed lifeline for businesses seriously hit by this crisis.

“We hope that, as we begin to look at renewal, the Welsh Government goes even further and makes sure that sufficient cash is ringfenced for hospitality. Our sector’s future is really precarious- we have been hit very hard by the crisis, probably more than any other industry in Wales, and it will take, in some cases, considerable time- maybe 12 months for our businesses to even start to properly recover.

“We can help Government target sufficient ringfenced funds for our industry and it would underline just how critical our new foundation sector is for the Welsh economy and reflect its importance in the eyes of the Welsh Government

Colliers Launch Helpdesk To Support London’s Independent Businesses During COVID-19 Pandemic Colliers International has launched a free helpdesk to provide London’s independent restaurant, retail, and leisure companies with specialist real estate advice during the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly those who may not have easy access to the high level professional advice available to the bigger firms.

The helpdesk will also offer guidance to landlords and is due to be rolled out nationwide at a later stage.

Josh Leon, Head of Central London Restaurants at Colliers International, commented: “Many of London’s defining and most loved businesses are small independents run by brave, passionate and driven entrepreneurs and many of these are now at great risk. These business-

es do not have big cash reserves and the financial support on offer is proving hard to access. It is a daily struggle for them. Their landlords are facing difficult decisions too. We must do all we can to help this sector or the true cost to London is hard to imagine. We hope that by offering to be on the end of the phone with some free professional guidance on some of these issues it might at least be helpful to some.

The future of London’s global appeal and the speed with which we collectively bounce back as a city will depend on the steps entrepreneurs and landlords take now.”

The Colliers’ panel of property experts will be on hand daily to provide support to occupiers and landlords, helping them to look at their options and offer property-related guidance where possible.

The helpdesk’s experts aim to answer questions in the following areas:

– – – –

Insolvency and restructuring Business rates Deferring or cancelling payments Debt advice and Government assistance schemes Colliers’ Co-Head of Retail, Paul Souber added: “With the enforced (non-essential) shop closures the retail industry is facing an unprecedented challenge, unlike any other in living memory.

“Customers are the oxygen of a store and without them, retailers can’t survive so it’s vital that we protect this industry to prevent the collapse of the sector altogether. Swift and drastic action to support the whole eco system of suppliers, retailers and landlords, is required.”

For further information about Colliers’ helpdesk and to receive advice, go to https://bit.ly/2yrBGBV , fill out the brief form on the website and the team will respond swiftly with a call back or invitation to join a group discussion.

– General property strategy – Lease and rent renegotiations

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Revealed: The Local Authorities Letting Pubs Down Issue 5

BBPA uncovers Local authorities who aren’t paying grants to pubs quick enough, with Birmingham, Manchester and Brighton amongst the worst culprits New research by the British Beer & Pub Association (BBPA) has revealed that there are many parts of the country where pub businesses are yet to receive grant funding from local authorities to help them survive the COVID-19 lockdown.

The research found that Birmingham, which has 418 pubs, but where only 11% of businesses have been paid their grants, Manchester (399 pubs, 17% of grants paidout) and Brighton (251 pubs, 22% of grants paid-out) were among the areas yet to ensure the grant funding reaches those businesses that need it.

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• Liverpool (439 pubs, but where only 35% of grants have been paid out to eligible local businesses) • Sheffield (421 pubs, but only 35% of grants have been paid out to eligible local businesses) • Bradford (340 pubs, but only 33% of grants have been paid out to eligible local businesses) • Central Bedfordshire (207 pubs, but only 25% of grants have been paid out to eligible local businesses) • Nottingham (222 pubs, but only 12% of grants have been paid out to eligible local businesses) The BBPA also found Local Authorities in its research who were exemplary in paying grants to their local businesses including pubs, these were: • Winchester (122 pubs, where 100% of grants have been paid out to eligible local businesses) • Redcar and Cleveland (108 pubs, where 98% of grants have been paid out to eligible local businesses) • Southwark (198 pubs, where 93% of grants have been paid to eligible local businesses) • Hyndburn, near Blackburn (90 pubs, where 92% of grants have been paid to eligible local businesses) • Southampton (136 pubs, where 87% of grants have been paid to eligible local businesses)

The UK Government announced its grant support scheme in March whereby pubs and other businesses with rateable values below £15k and £51k would receive grants of £10k and £25k respectively to help see them through the Coronavirus crisis.

When announced, the BBPA greatly welcomed the grant support offered by the Government, stating it would safeguard thousands of livelihoods and help closed pubs try to get through this difficult period.

However, in some areas the system has been slow and sluggish, with Local Authorities not paying out grants to pubs and other businesses with the urgency needed. Particularly as it has been said pubs will be ‘among the last’ to see restrictions placed upon them relaxed, making vital grant support for pubs even more critical.

In its research, which compared the number of pubs in Local Authorities to the percentage of businesses they had paid grants to, other Local Authorities the BBPA found alongside Birmingham, Manchester and Brighton that were slow to pay grants were:

The BBPA is pressing the Government and those Local Authorities who aren’t paying grants to pubs swiftly to follow the lead of those who are, by ramping up the delivery of their grant payments, or pubs in their communities will be forced to close for good and thousands of jobs could be lost.

Emma McClarkin, Chief Executive of the British Beer & Pub Association, said: “Our research shows that too many Local Authorities are not paying grants to pubs and other hospitality businesses anywhere near quickly enough. For smaller pub businesses in particular this grant funding is urgently needed.

“This needs to be rectified immediately. Otherwise, pubs will close for good and the thousands of people they employ will lose jobs.“Credit must go to those Local Authorities who are doing the right thing and getting their grants to pubs and other businesses quickly. We need the Local Authorities to learn from best practice and get the urgently needed support to pub businesses as a matter of urgency.”

BBPA Leads Plan To Lift Pubs Out Of Lockdown When COVID-19 Crisis Is Over The British Beer & Pub Association is leading the planning process by which the sector can get started again once the immediate COVID-19 crisis has passed.

The trade association has said that pubs will need a minimum of three weeks, but ideally four weeks, notice for the lifting of the lockdown restrictions to allow them sufficient time prepare to re-open.

Brewers will also need this time to scale-up brewing operations to start re-supplying pubs and the on-trade with fresh beer.

This time frame would enable pubs to give sufficient notice to furloughed staff that they are required to return to work. It would also ensure equipment and systems are operating and cleaned to necessary standards, as well as enabling the clearance of pub cellars and the replacement of beer. This would in turn require some relaxation of social distancing measures ahead of a full re-opening in order that

clearance crews can operate effectively.

Beer and pubs can play a vital role in boosting morale in the UK, but the Government need to work with the sector to support the necessary preparations to ensure that a restart can take place as smoothly, safely and sustainably as possible. Such measures will help ensure that pubs survive the early months of re-opening, the trade association has said.

The early weeks and months after lockdown restrictions are lifted will be critical for tens of thousands of pubs, and their supply chains, including access to working capital, particularly for SMEs. The economic value that Britain’s beer and pub sector provides, and the hundreds of thousands of jobs it support, will remain in a precarious position if the lifting of lockdown for pubs isn’t done right, which is why the BBPA has already begun outlining its plans.

Emma McClarkin, Chief Executive of the British Beer & Pub Association, said: “It is extremely important that the beer and pub industry are closely consulted on the lifting of the lockdown restrictions when the COVID19 crisis is over. The reopening process for the pub trade will be enormously hard and it’s imperative the Government work with the trade to get it right, else the situation would see even more pubs close. “We want to work collaboratively with Government to ensure that society and the economy gets back on its feet in a safe and sustainable way once the medical and scientific advice indicates that a reopening is appropriate and with appropriate support in place. We believe the pub has a key role to play in this, but re-opening them must be done in the right way, which is why we are leading on these plans to get pubs ready for when the lockdown is lifted.”

Give your pub and hotel guests a free wireless TV headset • The free AudioZone app lets guests tune into silent TVs with their phone.

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Stonegate Managers On Top-Tier Training Programme Cover 538.3 miles To Support Families Affected By COVID-19 Issue 5

Members of the Stonegate Pub Company team currently enrolled on the company’s eighth cohort of its top tier training programme, Aspirations, set off on an incredible virtual journey to cover the 538.3mile distance between their pubs.

They are joined by the Stonegate Success Coach, Jon Perkins, and Joanne Davies, the programme’s tutor, as they each cover a portion of the distance from Glasgow to Luton, from their own back gardens.

The group will be walking in and around the outdoor spaces available to them to make up the distance, which they hope to complete in just five days. The initiative intends to raise £10,000 for the families of the Stonegate team affected by COVID-19 and has already raised more than

£2,500 before even starting.

All members of the ten-strong group must cover more than 50miles over the five days, the equivalent of more than two marathons each and 21 marathons in total. Many of them will be joined by their families as they walk for between three and four hours a day.

Jon Perkins, Stonegate’s Success Coach, said: “Like many other companies, we have tragically lost members of the Stonegate team to COVID19 and its heart-breaking. As a company, the ‘Stonegate Family’ has always been entrenched in our ethos and how we operate as a business.

Now more than ever, is the time to show that bond and really support each other through this time.

“We’re kicking off our virtual journey in Glasgow, at the Merchant, weaving our way down the country, stopping off in Blackpool and Birmingham, amongst others, before reaching London, and then finishing off at Head Office in Luton.

“I’m actually pretty excited about getting started! The sun is shining, it will be great to be outside and the cause is so worthwhile. Whatever we

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can do to help the wider Stonegate team during this time, is what we will do.”

The Aspirations Eight fundraising effort can be found on the groups GoFundMe page: https://www.gofundme.com/f/aspirations-8-group-supporting-stonegate-families The Route: The Merchant, Glasgow to Walkabout, Blackpool – 184 miles Walkabout, Blackpool to Slug & Lettuce, Huddersfield – 62.1 miles Slug & Lettuce, Huddersfield to Be At One, Birmingham – 95.4 miles Be At One, Birmingham to Old Library, Leamington – 23.4 miles Old Library, Leamington to Sports Bar & Grill, Old Street – 88.8 miles Sports Bar & Grill, Old Street to Minories, Tower Bridge – 1.5 miles Minories, Tower Bridge to Sports Bar & Grill, Canary Wharf – 2.8 miles Sports Bar & Grill, Canary Wharf to Quart Pot, Runwell – 28.6 miles Quart Pot, Runwell to Porter Tun House, Luton (Head Office) – 51.7miles Total – 538.3miles

Chairman’s Reserve Rum Launches the First Edition of its New Challenge remains a genuine institution in Saint Lucia today.

Each family prides itself on having its own recipe (the best!). Served straight, in cocktails, or used in the kitchen, a trip to Saint Lucia is not complete without an authentic Spiced Rum experience!

Open in 10 countries (United Kingdom, France, Italy, Belgium, Germany, Netherlands, Greece, China, United States and Saint Lucia), the Chairman’s Spice Lab will offer an opportunity for 3 bartenders to create together, in Saint Lucia, their own limited edition of Chairman’s Reserve Spiced Rum, which will then be marketed internationally.

Award-winning Chairman’s Reserve of St. Lucia is proud to announce the launch of ‘The Chairman’s Spice Lab’, a unique programme designed to showcase the abilities and understanding of the spice rum category by bartenders around the world. Spice Rum

The selection of 3 winners (1 from Europe/Asia, 1 from the USA, and 1 from Saint Lucia) will be done in three stages: • The First Round Online: register here • The Second Round is a Creation & Activation phase around the Spiced Rum imagined by each nominated bartender

• A final selection made from the best tasting Spiced Rum recipes by an international jury of industry professionals

THE–RULES STEP 1: ONLINE REGISTRATION & SELECTION Bartenders must present their project online (registration at www.chairmanreserverum.com/spicelab).

Their submission should include their vision of Spiced Rum, their inspirations, the blend of spices provided in their recipe, the suggested best serve option, and their motivation to become the next ambassador of Chairman’s Reserve Spiced Rum!

STEP 2: CREATION OF SPICED RUM ACTIVATIONS Bartenders selected for phase 2 will be notified in June and will receive a Chairman’s Reserve spice kit containing 6 spices to be used. Each bartender will

be able to add a maximum of 3 additional spices. This creation phase will end in September, giving bartenders at least 2 months to perfect their Spiced Rum recipe and promote it in their community (bar activations and beyond). At the end of this second round, the best creations and projects from each market will be selected for phase 3.

STEP 3: TASTING & SELECTION OF WINNERS The Spiced Rums selected in each country will be presented to an international jury of professionals at the end of September. Three bartenders (1 from Europe/Asia, 1 from USA, 1 from Saint Lucia) will be chosen and invited to Saint Lucia in November 2020 to create together their limited edition of Chairman’s Reserve Spiced Rum in collaboration with the R&D team from Chairman’s Reserve. The limited edition will be launched internationally in 2021.

Issue 5

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Proper By SCT Proper By SCT is now it its 3rd year supplying the trade/wholesale sectors for shop, camp site, touring sites, bar, hotels, butchers, farm shop and everything else in between.

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Our Proper Pork Crackling has a 6 months BB, Fabulous Fudge 6 Months and our Delectable Nuts 12 months.

Our full range is available to see on our retail website so please call 01202875280 or email trade@sctsct.com for a trade price list. See page 21 for details.

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Free App Gives All Your Guests Their Own Wireless TV Headphones without keeping everyone else up. AudioZone has also been popular with hearing impaired guests.

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Free app gives all your guests their own wireless TV headphones.

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All you have to do is make your guests aware that the service is available. Give AudioZone a call to get promotional posters or TV frame stickers sent out to your site. All your guests have to do is: install the free app, join the WiFi, select the channel they wish to tune in to, and press play.

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Caternet, Powered by Zupa Caternet is hospitality software developed with operators, buyers and chefs, who have all experienced the same operational and financial challenges as you. It is specifically designed to help the catering sector remove manual processes. You will buy more competitively, manage nutrition and allergen risk, enjoy paperless financial administration, and reduce overheads.

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Retain Payment or ID Cards & Be PCI Compliant Whilst Increasing Profits When a vendor retains a credit card or debit card, or • Walkouts are reduced by at least fifty percent (50%) indeed handing over his or her ID card as security • Tab mistakes drop significantly and finally, against running a tab or renting sporting or other • There is a major uptick in sales equipment, there is always some uncertainty about the If you are concerned about how safety of the card whilst out of the cusCardsSafe works within the PCI scheme, tomers’ possession.

Alan Gill from the independent PCI certifying company Orthus Limited states: CardsSafe® eliminates the need to “The PCI DSS standard encompassed worry about any loss or theft as it is the 264 controls. CardsSafe helps to reduce simplest and most efficient way to ensure the need to meet all of these through the card’s safety from potential misuse. ‘compensating controls’ which allow The CardsSafe® system has now businesses to comply to the standard become the “best practice” way of hanwithout having to change the way they dling credit and debit cards in the hospioperate”. In addition to the commercial tality and leisure industries. More than benefits the CardsSafe® solution thereeighty thousand boxes are in use every fore helps merchants become PCI comday and hundreds more are added every pliant, which truly gives peace of mind week. for all!

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For Lovers Of Speciality Coffee – The Jura WE8 Bean To Cup Coffee Machine Wherever customers can enjoy superlative coffee, the atmosphere is warm and relaxed Anyone who appreciates the finer things in life and the wide choice of speciality coffees, will love the WE8.

The WE8 offers 12 different specialities . JURA has perfected the complete brewing process for short, speciality coffees, allowing the WE line to make them to professional barista standard every time.

Cleanliness and hygiene are essential in the workplace, so integrated rinsing and cleaning programmes, combined with specially developed cleaning products for JURA coffee machines, ensure perfect hygiene at the touch of a button.

Because requirements vary

G&I Spirit Group G&I Spirit Group are a group of mixologists and bar owners, all related with family ties.

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This in our view would and was having a negative effect on the sales revenue of venues serving this as a customer lead targeted area.

So after a lot of “tooing and froing” we had a development of lines which were now ready to be produced to our own requirement and idiosyncrasies.

All Super premium 1 x 88 Vodka Masters Award Winning 1 x 88 Gin Gold Medal 1 x Jillions Gin Not entering into a comp yet Mis Amigos Tequila:

from one situation to another, the WE8 comes with many options for programming and customisation. The amount of ground coffee and water can be adapted to suit personal preferences and the cups and glasses used.

WE8 packages are available with JURA I Ltr Cool Control and cup warmer, adding to the professional presentation of your customer coffee offering. The suggested daily capacity is 40 cups a day suiting many cosy pubs, bars, restaurants or staff rest areas.

To view the full range of JURA Professional bean to cup coffee machines and full information on JURA, go to uk.jura.com or sales@uk.jura.com or see the advert on page 2.

Chocolate Gold Medal Winning Chocolate and Lime Silver Medal Winning Coffee Silver Medal Winning Chocolate Cream Tequila and Strawberry Cream Tequila both @ 15% We are looking to educate the bars and venues we work with, so that tequila is moving away from the unpleasant experience that most people associate with tequila.

Forget the Salt and Lime, drink a well-balanced tequila that has been distilled with passion and smoothness with authentic Mexican Flavours like Chocolate, Lime and Coffee to make a spirit drink/liqueur that can be drunk long and or over ice.

We are looking for our tequilas to be respected as is a good cognac or Whisky.

We are adding 3 new variants to our range in the early part of 2020 Café Latte Tequila Mocha Tequila Mocha Cream Tequila Are we concentrating on the tequilas as our go to brand?

No, we are actively working on Cognac,Whisky and a bourbon collection and have plans to increase our current range to 43/45 Sku in the next 3-5 years!

See the advert on the back cover or visit the website at www.gi-spiritgroup.co.uk

Lamb Weston Launches ‘The DUKES, A Proper British Chip That is a Cut Above the Average!

It’s the moment the entire country has been waiting for – discerning citizens rise up and prepare to rejoice in this great British occasion as Lamb Weston launches ‘The DUKES’, elegantly exciting, perfect pub chips – with chips this good, one can see why the British started queuing!

Allow us to introduce to you The Dukes of Chippingdom – Proper British Chips. Distinctively natural, gloriously golden, royally rustic, thick-cut chips – made from 100% British potatoes - The Dukes are more British than a British bulldog in a union jack waistcoat, spiffing!

We all know that everyone loves chips, and none more than pub goers; more than half (56.2%) of pub dinner occasions include chips, fries or wedges as a side, and chunky, thick-cut chips are the most ordered potato product in pubs*.

In a recent consumer test^ almost 40% declared their love of chips as a side, more than 60% said they prefer skin-on in a pub, and a whopping 72% said they are willing to pay a bit more in a pub for a British sourced product.

The most important attributes of a chip were cited as having a crispy outside, being thick cut with a fluffy inside and a having a hand-cut appearance.

Enter, The DUKES! Brought to you by innovative global leader, Lamb Weston, The DUKES are super tasty, irregularly thick

cut to appear homemade and distinctive in character.

With gloriously golden edges, and a richly rewarding taste, Dukes will grace every plate with a guarantee of quality that’s as firm as a gentleman’s handshake.

These little beauties have been irregularly cut, with feathered, golden edges. They are beautifully crispy on the outside – even though they’re non-coated – fluffy on the inside, are available with skin-off and skin-on, and they’re ready to make their grand entrance, gracing pub plates across the land.

So come on, let’s make this chip nation proud! Be upstanding and make some noise for The DUKES! So far, they have already earned their place in the Craft Guild of Chefs highly esteemed Product Endorsement gallery, with an above average rating, they are Red Tractor certified and gluten free.

These are like no ordinary chips; they are the ultimate quintessentially British menu item with a proud and distinguished British heritage. 100% satisfaction guaranteed. Chippingdom’s finest creation are proper pub chips, cut from British potatoes.

Step aside, pretenders to the throne, make way for the Proper British Chip. The DUKES are remarkably reliable, fabulously fry-able, marvellously moreish and British, through and through. Characterful in their cut, they’re fluffy and light, yet as reliable as a gentleman’s character and as crisp as his tailoring.

For innovative ideas, recipes and potato inspiration, head over to www.lambweston.eu/uk , call 0800 963962 or email us at salesUK@lambweston.eu or see the advert on the facing page. * LW research 2019 & MCA Eating Out Panel 2018 ^ Consumer survey, 9th September 2019, London. 42kg of chips sampled with 310 consumers

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Outdoor Leisure

Increasing Revenue Outside

If you have Outside Space, then you have the potential to increase revenue. During the summer everyone knows this, but just think if you could generate an income for the whole 12 months no matter the weather.

Last Summer we installed a retractable terrace cover with LED lighting in a small local freehold pub. The landlord has reported that he has increased revenue every week since it was installed compared to last year with payback expected by Christmas! All in an area of less than 25m2!

Just think how you could achieve the same……

The choice is vast, so come and chat to us about selecting the structure that will suit you best. There is a choice of retractable or fixed roof in a flat or pitched structure which can be free-standing or fixed to the building! There are also Jumbo umbrellas, garden gazebos and marquee-style canopies or a lightweight retractable structure. It is entirely up to you what you choose, however we will help you with advice and options to ensure you make the most of your space.

For more help and information visit our website or give us a call. We are specialists in shade and shelter and we are ready to help.

To get in touch, call 01480 413050 or email sales@outsidestructures.co.uk

High Quality Outdoor Furniture from LeisureBench LeisureBench are an industry-leading supplier of quality indoor and outdoor furniture, offering unrivalled care and service for our customers.

Our furniture is selected for strength, longevity, quality and value. We source worldwide to ensure that both our ethical standards of production and our high environmental demands for sustainability are met.

We are situated in the very heart of the UK and with over 100,000 square feet of warehousing we can ensure a reliable supply and fast delivery wherever and whenever you need us.

We are also participants in LOFA's 'Made Aware' scheme which focusses primarily on sustainable forestry.

QUALITY

We deliver high quality outdoor furniture suitable for any commercial environment. Nearly all of our products are FSC certified and EU compliant too.

VALUE Because we buy direct from manufacturers worldwide and deliver all our stock direct from our own warehouses we can offer the best value available anywhere both online and offline.

SERVICE Our customer service team will do everything they can to make sure your furniture is delivered to you where and when you want it. We go the extra mile to ensure our customers have the best possible service.

Visit www.leisurebench.co.uk

CINDERS Doubles Product Range

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UK manufacturer Cinders Barbecues Ltd announces a doubling of its product range for 2020.

LPgas innovations include an operator-friendly wok burner for kiosks and trailers and two new barbecues which meet the latest UKLPG Code of Practice 24 for tented areas and build-ups.

‘This is our time to coordinate recovery with our distributors at home and abroad’ says Karen Swift, Marketing & Business

Development Director.

The 2020 range also includes an upgraded version of their popular half-size folding barbecue. ‘the new Festival SG80F is ideal for when customers begin to gather again in smaller groups, preferring outdoor areas whenever possible,’ adds Karen.

Call 01524 262900, email info@cindersbarbecues.co.uk, or visit www.cindersbarbecues.co.uk

Design and Refit Woodman Chairs

Woodman Chairs is a long established, dedicated chair manufacturer and wholesaler who make most of their own chairs. We offer a wide and varied choice of solid oak and beech chair and table styles – both modern and contemporary – with many finish and seat options. Included in our range is an exciting choice of sturdy bar stools and bar tables.

The fact that we make gives us greater control and flexibility. It also enables us to offer bespoke chair and chair frame or component production to end customers or other suppliers and manufacturers looking for their own design or

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seeking to create a unique range or theme, again in both oak and beech, raw or finished.

Always keen to innovate, Woodman are constantly introducing new styles and have recently added Carver options to their more popular dining chairs and have further expanded their range of bar stools to include rush seated and fabric pad options. Here is a simple decision that won’t require a Referendum!

If you want your customers to have the best choice, with honest quality, at affordable prices, with decent lead times and no minimum order, then you need only vote Woodman for your chairs.

For further details call 01884 841789, visit www.woodmanchairs.co.uk or email sales@woodmanchairs.co.uk

The Chair Man at YOTFC

We Produce Solid Oak, Beech & Pine Chairs, Tables, Stools, Cabinets and Components YOTFC is a firmly established, highly experienced and respected manufacturer, importer and wholesalers of modern and classic furniture.

Our stylish ranges are as diverse as the materials we use.

We offer on site, comprehensive bespoke polishing and upholstery services.

The paints and fabrics we use reflect the choices made by your customer.YOTFC was founded in 1990 with the aim of supplying chairs and components to the Antique pine market and the contract leisure industry.

Responding to market demands the company continued

to source and supply an increasing number of high quality domestic and contract furniture products for users in demanding and diverse operations allied to the furniture industry.

We specialise in designing, sourcing marketing products from around the world at the most competitive prices and distributing in the most efficient manner to suit the needs of our client.

To this end we now offer one of the most comprehensive ranges of furniture available in the United Kingdom.

We have our own Assembly / Polishing / Upholstery facilities and we are confident that the services we offer are of the highest order and can only be of benefit to our growing client base.

Visit www.yotfc.co.uk for details.

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Telephone: 01604 890956 Email: md@yotfc.co.uk or brd@yotfc.co.uk

Find the perfect fit for your budget from our extensive range of tables and chairs.

Prices on application.

Large selection of sizes and styles of tables and chairs.

• Bespoke fabrics and leathers • Bespoke polishing service • Ranges of pine and oak fixed top tables

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Increase Awareness of Your Business With HFE Signs be a little goldmine!

The simple answer is awareness, I’m sure they do ok or they wouldn’t be there, but it was just by luck that we stopped, and we spent just over £50.

How many others drove past? How many more £50 could they have taken that day?

Awareness is a vital essential for any product or service if its going to a success – You might have the best Chef with the best menu and keen prices but no customers or you might have average pub grub slightly overpriced and be rushed off your feet.

The key to success is identifying you target market; do you have competition and what can you offer that they don’t? Once you’ve established your market how do you let them know.

I recently walked into a pub after my daughter’s gymnastics competition, the carpark was empty, it was 4:30pm on a Sunday. I popped my head in and asked ‘are you doing food’ – the lady on the bar pointed to the carvery, I called in the rest of the family and we had a super meal, absolutely what we needed after a busy day. Obviously, we’ll go back, and we’ve also told a few people.

So why was the carpark empty when the food was so good? The price was £8.95 for large and £6.95 for medium. There are a few pubs nearby but none of them have a carvery. I went away thinking that place should be full it has potential to

A simple Carvery Banner on the fence would make every passing car aware of what’s on offer.

Pubs, Hotels and Restaurants use Banners all the time for promoting offers and raising awareness.

HFE Signs have a wide range of pre-designed food banners just for this purpose. HFE Signs have Carvery Banners, Steak Night, Quiz Night, Grill Night and hundreds more – Even if you’re just looking for ideas you should check out their library!

HFE Signs have been designing and printing pub and food banners since 1996. A typical PVC Banner with eyelets 8ft x 3ft costs just £45+vat and if you order two, you get a 3rd FREE and also FREE UK Delivery! Check out HFE today at www.hfe-signs.co.uk

The Latest in Electric Boiler Innovation – The Fusion Comet 3-Phase Electric Boiler Available in 12kW, 14.4kW, 23kW and 39kW Outputs

The Fusion Comet Electric System Boiler is an intelligent solution and alternative for a wet central heating system in light commercial properties, hotels, guest houses and large properties with 3-phase electricity. Silent in operation with no requirement for any sort of flue, the Fusion Comet Electric Boiler can also be installed with an underfloor heating system. The Fusion Comet 3 Phase Electric Boiler is very easy to install with minimal upheaval.

With emphasis on safety, we have installed multiple fail-safes in the unit. With proven reliability of our products, we offer 2 year warranty

with the option of extended warranty which will extend the cover to up to 5 years from the date of purchase.

This boiler is not only powerful, it’s versatile. The Fusion Comet boiler can be supplied alone or with a choice of Heat Packs and Unvented Cylinders.

For larger output requirements, this Electric Boiler can be combined on a low loss header to increase the overall output which gives endless install solutions.

For further information or a free brochure contact 01698 820533 or visit www.electricheatingcompany.co.uk

Sims - The First Port Of Call For Banquette Seating We are a family run business with 3 generations of commercial furniture manufacturing experience.

Unlike other suppliers we manufacture all our seating inhouse, no importing, no subcontracting. We have full control over every aspect from design to installation to ensure every product leaves our workshops punctually and to our reputable high quality.

Proudly offering 2 versions of Banquette Seating, firstly our “Premium Made to Measure” Banquette Seating which is built to your exact design, shape and size, then installed by our professional installation team. You can have anything from floor to ceiling designs to seating that perfectly follows the walls in a period setting.

Secondly our “Modular Banquette Seating” which is freestanding, set size units for you to mix and match to best fit your space. Made to the same high

standards as our premium range without setup costs, site visits and installation fees.

Also, we offer a range of furnishings – tables, chair and bedroom furniture. To request a brochure or to discuss your requirement further please contact our sales team on 01945 450957 email Sales@simscf.com

Design and Refit Café Culture - Pavement Profit The Contract Furniture Group Issue 5

restaurants and public houses.

We design and manufacturer our own windbreaks and use the best materials available. For anyone looking long term that saves you money as you won’t be replacing cheap internet imports next season. It’s one area where it doesn’t pay to buy budget as the continual bumps and scrapes outdoor goods receive combined with the harsh British climate really needs something tough enough for the job.

We also supply Markilux awning which are some of the best made in the industry and Uhlmann parasols another top rated German brand.

We are an independent supplier serving the outdoor restaurant trade with supplies for outdoor seating areas. We have some large clients including Gondola group along with many smaller cafe bars,

Bespoke goods are also a speciality with custom made menu holders, waiter stations and planters all to you requirement. If we can help you do drop a line to sales@cafeculture.biz

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unique source and supply service; if you send us a picture of an item we will do our up most to supply to you at the best price.

Contract Furniture Group has been set up to offer quality contract dining furniture to the hotel, restaurant, pub trades and leisure industries at realistic prices.

We carry a lot of our range in stock so we can help you to meet your deadlines. We also offer a

All our furniture is manufactured to the highest standards, we only use hardwood frames which are glued screwed and dowelled for strength. crib5 interliner (if required) sprung seat areas or webbing and top quality Italian leathers and fabrics.

For further information, call 0115 965 9030, visit www.contractfurniture.co.uk or email info@contractfurniture.co.uk

ILF Chairs - Seating with Wider Appeal Crib 5 fire regulations.

The majority of our products are available in a choice of frames, colours and we can offer an extensive choice of fabrics including real Leather and Faux Leather. In addition, we also able to offer a full service on bench seating and re-upholstery.

ILF have been supplying top quality indoor and outdoor chairs and tables for over the past 30 years to the hospitality market. We offer a wide selection of products to suit all tastes and as importantly, budgets!

We pride ourselves outstanding personal service with the motto ' No job is ever too big or too small – it’s customer satisfaction that counts'.

In this demanding Health & Safety led market place we guarantee that all our fabrics and fillings meet the exacting BS5852

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Delivery times are generally 4 weeks from order, but we can also offer a "fast track" service for certain products.

Why not contact us at sales@ilfchairs.com or on 01293 783783 and find out how we can help you fulfil your seating and table needs.

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Design and Refit

Trent Furniture’s Italia Bistro Chair Offers Italian Style at a Competitive Price Bring a hint of Italian style and quality to your establishment with the Italia Bistro chair and tall stool from Trent Furniture. The classic ladder-back design and customisable seat makes this range a perfect fit for any commercial environment from bars and pubs to restaurants, bistros and cafes.

The frames are crafted from solid beechwood and are available in a timeless dark oak or walnut finish. Expertly manufactured, they are durable, sturdy and easy to care for – perfect for a busy contract environment.

fashion using materials from sustainable sources. Trent Furniture offers a huge choice of upholstery patterns and colours which are hard wearing, easy to clean and CRIB 5 fire retardant. As the Italia Bistro range is upholstered inhouse you can even send your own fabric to fit with your décor and branding.

The plush and comfortable seat pads are created in an eco-friendly

MST Auctioneers

MST AUCTIONEERS Ltd specialise in handling & auctioning a wide variety of goods.

We act for Insolvency Practitioners, Receivers, Bailiffs and Solicitors as well as large PLCs. We are members of The National Association of Auctioneers and Valuers (NAVA).

For the past 25 years, we've provided a unique disposal service tailored to suit, liquidators,

Square One Interiors Starting out in his garden shed, Jamie never thought that his new range of reclaimed furniture would become as successful as it has over the past 2 years.

Having had a history in design and furniture design, an idea was born and he decided to run with it. He loved the idea of a rustic looking, industrial range which was also eco friendly and sustainable. He soon found that a modern twist was also achievable, by using bright colours on the steel frames, as well as several different wood finishes

The Italia Bistro Chair starts from just £29.90 and the Tall Italia Bistro Stool from £44.90 (plus VAT) See the Italia Bistro range and more great options at www.trentfurniture.co.uk or call us on 0116 2986 286 for more information.

banks, receivers as well as private and corporate vendors. We carry out probate valuations and conduct complete house and commercial clearances.

We have the largest Auction venue in the South of England. Our regular monthly Auctions occupy 45,000 sq.ft. of undercover space, selling over 2500 lots from 3 rostrums over two days.

We have storage and removal facilities. In addition we have forklifts for machinery up to 5 tons.

We also hold regular Auctions ”On Site” and "On Line" See the advert on this page for further details.

which would compliment the overall design.

Making furniture from scratch also had its benefits, as Jamie soon found that businesses would approach him with specific needs and requirements, meaning that he was able to provide a fully bespoke service, as well as offering design and advice.

Since his humble beginnings in the garden shed, Jamie and the company have now work with hospitality operators, pubs, bars and hotels, as well as some large contract furniture companies and high street names.

Our portfolio and workforce are growing and we are very excited to be working on some fantastic projects moving forwards, so watch this space!

Visit www.squareoneinteriors.co.uk

Design and Refit Capricorn Contract Furnishings Capricorn Contract Furnishings are now firmly established as one of the country's largest stockist and supplier of quality contract furnishings to cafes, bars, restaurants, pubs, clubs and hotels.

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For more information or a Capricorn Contract Furnishings catalogue and price list contact Brian Pengelly on 01395 233 320, visit www.ccf-ltd.uk

Capricorn are based in a 40, 000 square feet showroom and distribution warehouse on the outskirts of Exeter in Devon. From within the distribution area we are able to offer a next day delivery service on thousands of products including tables , chairs , stools and lounge furniture.

Customers are encouraged to visit our large showroom to view an extensive range of furniture ideally suited for the leisure market. Here you can relax and let Capricorn help and advise you with your requirements. Opening hours for the showroom are Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.

Drakes Bar Furniture - UK Bar Furniture Supplier We pride ourselves in providing the best quality items at great prices with fantastic customer service and can supply bespoke tailored made furniture such as booths, tables, seating or ‘off the peg’ items.

Drakes Bar Furniture not only sell chairs, stools, tables we also design build and install all types of fixed seating, pews and booth seating for pubs, clubs, bars, restaurants and clubs.

When fitting out a premise the seating is almost paramount for a successful space. Fixed seating, booth seating or banquette seating as its also called can come in variety of colours, finishes, types and styles. Below are just a few examples showing what we have done in the past.

With clever planning, seating gen-

erates a great flow for customers and staff around a pub, restaurant, cafe or club. It can be used to divide areas, create new spaces in a room and offer intimacy allowing for the perfect social meet up.

The beauty of bespoke fixed seating is that we can make the most of and take advantage of your space and features. We can come to your venue and measure up, give you advice and show you examples of our past work, finishes, types and styles.

We have a wide range of Bar Furniture, including tables, stools, chairs, outdoor beer garden, fixed seating and banqueting furniture.

If you require a bespoke quote either call us on 01422 839 690 or you can send us an email.

See the advert below for details.

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