Stepping out of lockdown: Businesses across the UK have their say

The Prime Minister Boris Johnson has today announced that from July 4, pubs, restaurants and cafes will be able to reopen.

In addition, close contact-services such as hairdressers will be able to reopen subject to social distancing, however nail bars will remain closed.

The move has also been taken to reduce the distance from 2m to 1m ‘plus’ (meaning taking precautions such as wearing face coverings and using hand sanitiser.

Two households at a time will be able to meet indoors or outdoors from July 4, and places of worship will also reopen.

Businesses and organisations across the country have reacted to the news.

BCC Director General Adam Marshall

“These steps will enable more companies to reopen and will be cautiously welcomed in our business communities.

“While the relaxation of the two-metre rule will help more firms increase capacity, we are still a long way from business as usual. Broader efforts to boost business and consumer confidence will still be needed to help firms trade their way out of this crisis.

“A comprehensive test and trace system, including a mass testing regime, must be in place to realise the benefits that the easing of restrictions could bring to firms across the UK, many of whom are relying on the swift return of consumer confidence.

“Businesses also need a clear roadmap to recovery, including fresh support for the worst-affected sectors and geographic areas, and broader fiscal measures to get the economy moving again.”

Will Broome, CEO of Ubamarket

“With the Prime Minister’s announcement today, the hospitality sector is now set to make its long awaited comeback after the disruption of the Coronavirus pandemic on 4th July.

“Whilst millions of people across the country will celebrate the return of the hospitality sector, it is undeniable that Covid-19 has left a lasting impression that will be felt for many weeks and months to come, with the hospitality experience set to change forever.

“With all of Britain’s hospitality venues remaining closed for three months, it is of paramount importance that these hospitality businesses are able to successfully return to trading, whilst still maintaining hygiene and safety standards and offering a quality customer experience.”

Ged Mason OBE, CEO of the Morson Group

“While millions of people that are employed in the hospitality sector will breathe a sigh of relief as the 2m social distancing rule is relaxed, it will have a wider impact than in this industry alone.

“Construction, manufacturing and engineering sectors will also begin to see normality creep back into their working lives, with any loosening of the current legislation providing the opportunity to bring more people back to site and work environments.

“As social distancing is eased, then projects that are currently relying on just 50 per cent of their usual capacity and resource, for example, will be able to scale up their operations, meaning they are more likely to deliver to original timeframes and budgets.

“That said, it is imperative that health and safety remains paramount; this process cannot be rushed. The virus is still at large, and any complacency will be a huge risk. It is important to protect jobs, but it is more important to protect lives.”

Jonathan Lamb, chief executive of the Entrepreneurs’ Forum

“The two-metre social distancing reduction is an absolutely vital measure for those in the hospitality industry, including pubs, cafes and restaurants, and has much wider implications for the economy at large.

“The reduction could represent a huge step towards normality for those businesses where staff cannot work from home or who are unable to fully or partially reopen because of the two-metre restriction.

“Of even greater significance is the effect it will have on the ability of schools to fully reopen in September, allowing millions of parents to return to work or resume working at full capacity.

“This is crucial because, if the workforce is not available just as the economy begins to restart, business will be negatively impacted.

“However, it is important that the government continues to be driven by data and public safety and that the two-metre rule can be relaxed without risking a potential second wave of COVID-19.

“Ultimately, we have to ensure that if workplaces are planning to reopen, that the health and safety of employees, customers and suppliers is the highest priority.”

Darren Taylor, business solutions director at CitySprint

“Pubs and other venues are understandably keen to start serving again as soon as it is safe to do so, and many of us will undoubtedly welcome today’s announcement by the Prime Minister.

“But with so many pubs and venues across the country looking to restock drinks and beverage supplies at once, we’re advising customers against waiting to the last minute to place orders.

“While wholesale drinks deliveries are typically some of the fastest around, it’s important to check stock levels now and work out a sensible restocking plan with suppliers. This will help avoid any supply chain bottlenecks or availability issues, and make sure pubs and bars are ready to start serving in July.

“In addition, social distancing measures will mean that many venues will be looking to offer refreshments outside and in different kinds of locations this summer, where it’s easier to maintain distances between customers while enjoying the sunshine.

“These sites are not always easy locations for traditional large-scale drinks deliveries to reach. Instead, smaller volumes of wines, spirits, beers and other beverages that can be delivered to more specific locations will help these venues can be more easily utilised.”

More to follow.

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