The announcement this evening from Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, to close all restaurants, cafes and pubs from tonight is going to be a devastating blow to so many businesses in Bristol.
Rishi Sunak asked us to all think about how we respond in this crisis and, as a busy Chamber of Commerce, we’ve already been speaking to members in the hospitality industry who have taken steps to adapt to major change, coming up with inventive new ideas on how to keep their businesses afloat. Others are sharing their expertise or services to help others.
Chamber member, Gopal’s Curry Shack, a favourite Bristol Indian restaurant on Whapping Wharf have told us how they are being supported by customers who are buying meal vouchers now to redeem at some point in the future to help them with cash flow. They plan to offer collection of cooked food from their Easton site and are following strict precautions and protocol.
Bristol based food app, Wriggle, is supporting catering businesses to help them to take the pressure off at this time. This app allows people to buy vouchers for use in future to help sustain local restaurants, bars and cafes.
Crowdfunder are helping small businesses with a 100% free crowdfunding campaign to help small businesses raise cash and also receive support from Enterprise Nation.
My local pub, The Bird in Hand outside Bristol is making home meals for delivery in the community. They are also selling vegetable boxes to local villagers. This weekend I Scream Taco is coming to my village, to allow people to buy takeaway on the street.
The Watershed Cinema have closed their doors, but are generously offering cinema lovers 3 free months of film on web, tablet, mobile, TV and gaming consoles. The National Trust may be closing their historic houses and cafes but are opening their gardens to all for free. Customers will not forget these acts of kindness.
Other examples include East Bristol Bakery, who have introduced an online store allowing for click and collect or delivery to reduce contact. Arbor Ales and Moor Beer are offering free delivery of beer to Bristol postcodes. The Pony & Trap can even prepare Michelin-starred meals and deliver them to your doorstep!
While it is clear that it’s far from business as usual and some won’t survive, it seems like many cafes and restaurants will need to turn to takeaway and delivery options to keep their businesses going.
As the Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rishi Sunak said tonight, it’s our capacity for compassion and individual acts of kindness that will make the difference right now. Small businesses will do everything they can to keep staff employed. He described this time as a ‘generation-defining moment’, a time to stand together and each individually carry out acts of decency.
Phil Bridgeman, Head of Membership for the Chambers of Commerce in Bristol, Bath, Gloucestershire & Wiltshire said ‘We have been in daily contact with many south west businesses who are coming to us for advice and finding innovative ways to adapt to keep their business going. The hospitality industry faces big challenges but finding ways to adapt is key’.
Please get in touch if the Business West Chambers of Commerce can help – can we offer advice, share your stories or help you to connect with other businesses who can help you? You can also access critical information and raise a question through our dedicated hub: www.tradingthroughcoronavirus.co.uk
- Log in to post comments