Current Support for Business Partners

Since the start of the COVID-19 lockdown, we took quick and decisive action to effectively support our Business Partners in sustaining their businesses during the period of temporary closure, which was coupled with the Government’s financial support package for businesses.

We agreed to continue the cancellation of all rent and service charges whilst pubs have to remain shut, and all loan repayments for fixtures and fittings, plus associated interest, have been suspended until pubs can re-open.

 

Image right: Chris Chapman, Head of Business Partnerships

Our Future Financial Support Package

Following Government approval and clear operating guidelines, our Business Partners will once again be able to welcome guests to their pubs. However, it is clear we will need to continue our support to help our Business Partners through the challenging ‘re-opening’ phase ahead. We recognise that it will take time for business to return to normal levels, that social distancing will impact capacity during peak trading periods, and that guest confidence may take time to build.

Our financial support package beyond the forced closure period is designed to help Business Partners who are committed to a long-term partnership with Hall & Woodhouse. The aim is to support our Business Partners in re-capitalising their businesses, providing the time needed for their trade to re-build.

 

Our key financial support measures are as follows:

  • All rent will be further cancelled for a period of 8 weeks from the date that pubs are allowed to re-open.
  • After the initial 8 week rent cancellation period, the subsequent 5 weeks rent will be charged at 50% of normal levels, allowing trade to continue to build.
  • Business Partners can spread the cost of their initial drinks order over a period of 10 weeks.
  • Loan repayments for Fixtures and Fittings will remain suspended until 1st October 2020.
  • Repayment of any existing trade or rent balances remaining from prior to lockdown will be suspended until 1st March 2021.

We are doing all we can to support our Business Partners throughout this unprecedented period of uncertainty, and are completely committed to helping our Business Partners get their businesses going again. By taking these measures together, we believe we are giving our Business Partners the best chance of coming through this challenging time in the strongest position possible.

Guidance on Re-opening

Prior to the release of the detailed Government guidance document on ‘Keeping Workers and Customers Safe During COVID-19’, we issued our Business Partners with a comprehensive Re-opening Guide, specific to our Hall & Woodhouse tenanted pubs.

 

As with all pubs making plans for re-opening, the key considerations for our Business Partners can be summarised as follows:

  • Safe Socialising – social distancing throughout the pub, both for guests and team members, with appropriate spacing of tables and seating.
  • Cleaning Practices – regular and visible cleaning of pubs, all day, every day.
  • Hand Sanitisers – on entry and throughout the pub.
  • Guest Numbers – controlling and monitoring of guest numbers at all times, and controlled guest entry to the pub.
  • Clear Communication – regarding safety measures both inside and outside the pub.
  • Looking After Team Members – completing a Risk Assessment is essential, which will be tailored to each business.
  • Reducing Contact – where people cannot be 2m apart, doing everything practical to manage the transmission risk.
  • Ordering and Payment – providing contactless booking, ordering and payment options where possible.

 

We know our guests have missed visiting our pubs, so it’s never been more important for our Business Partners to reassure their communities that a visit to their pub will remain an enjoyable and safe experience.

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