Better communication needed for hospitality sector: says independent Bucks business

One Buckinghamshire businesses says support and communication is needed as COVID cases rise.

The Pantry at 51, in Great Missenden, opened at the end of February and five weeks later was forced to shut its doors like many others as the covid lockdown came in.

Now they have reopened, adjusting the seating area to comply with regulations, they say it's worrying thinking about what will happen if cases continue to increase.

Natalie is co-owner of the cafe and refill shop:

"It's had it's ups and downs. It was very difficult to suddenly change our whole business plan and within a week we had to get online which we weren't going to do as quickly.

"We had to adjust how we work and essentially lost two thirds of our business overnight.

"We are both really anxious about it, even though it is only pubs and bars that are in the higher tier of closing, I do think with the household and not being able to mix will have a massive impact on our business."

The Pantry is a hybrid business, with a section for hospitality and then the retail refill stations.

Christmas is traditionally a bumper time for those in the hospitality trade but now 27% fear their business may not survive past the festive period.

A further 27% revealed that financial pressures and general uncertainty have made them fearful or anxious with 25% saying they feel less in control.

This is according to research for Smart Energy GB, who have set up a guide of advice and tips for businesses worried about the future.

Natalie says the communication and support from local authorities and government needs to increase, especially as cases of coronavirus rise ahead of the Christmas period:

"We haven't had any communication from the local authority, government or our council. Its all come from what we have had to research ourselves and go through these 40 page documents.

"I think the support from the local council and government has been really poor for hospitality.

"I think that the messaging needs to be clearer as to what consumers can do in the lead up to Christmas, especially in local areas."

Being a retail and hospitality space have confused customers according to Natalie:

"We found that the customers have struggled when there has been new information every week, they didn't know if they should be wearing a mask if they're walking around or sitting down.

"Then, what we should be doing. Like following the customers down and wiping down the dispensers.

"I do think the mix of the two is difficult for the customers and us to get on board with. But I think now that the messaging in the last few weeks has been a lot clearer it's been a lot easier for us as a business to get the message across to the customer."

In order to help meet the challenges they faced, Natalie said they had to looking at cost savings measures.