Hospitality

Hospitality firms raise a glass to the return of in-person events

A year ago, the country was preparing to enter yet another lockdown as coronavirus cases soared. A COVID vaccine had not yet been found and many businesses were closed, with no certainty on when they’d be allowed to open again.

Now, however,

the picture has changed. Despite rising numbers of cases, COVID vaccines have proved effective in reducing hospitalisations and deaths. Lockdowns, hopefully, are a thing of the past, businesses are open once more and people can meet others faceto-face again. That has been a real boost to the events and hospitality industries, which were hit harder than most during the pandemic.

As society starts to reopen again, events that were held online last year are now being hosted inperson. It has been encouraging recently to see so many business leaders – many of whom are making a huge positive difference to the borough of Southwark’s economy – gather at local events to network with each other, explore new trading opportunities and celebrate each other’s achievements. Music concerts, weddings and informal greets in bars and restaurants have all been held in recent weeks as society begins to return to some sort of normality again. This is particularly encouraging for the hospitality industry, which has faced a unique set of challenges in the pandemic – notably, a chronic shortage of staff. This shortage is highlighted more starkly at this time of year, with the festive season traditionally the busiest time for bars and restaurants. Southwark Chamber of Commerce has forged strong links with the local hospitality industry and has previously hosted several events to showcase the benefits of working in this sector, which makes a significant contribution to the local economy. Sarah Moore-Williams, chair of the Chamber and dean of London South Bank University (LSBU) Business School, says: “It’s fantastic to see businesses come together to meet faceto-face after so long. For the best part of two years, we’ve all had to adapt to a new way of working – with many events and meetings held online via Zoom or Teams. While this has enabled many businesses to maintain staff morale and keep in touch with customers, most people would acknowledge that in-person events can bring additional benefits. A shake of the hand and a welcoming smile can go such a long way to building and maintaining strong, productive relationships. “As our Southwark Business Resilience Awards showed, the local business community has adapted incredibly well to the pandemic to survive and, in some cases, thrive. Many businesses have recorded notable achievements in the last couple of years despite all of the challenges that COVID-19 has brought to their door. This resilience and agility, and ability to respond to unexpected events, are fantastic qualities that you need in business but hopefully the worst is behind us and we can look forward to a much healthier 2022.” Face-to-face events will be a common feature of corporate life in 2022 as organisations come together to discuss key issues and challenges. LSBU Business School’s Professional Lecture Series, which offers engaging

“As our Southwark Business Resilience Awards showed, the local business community has adapted incredibly well to the pandemic to survive and, in some cases, thrive. Many businesses have recorded notable achievements in the last couple of years despite all of the challenges that COVID-19 has brought to their door.”

and insightful lectures on a range of interesting topics, is now being delivered in-person again. Meanwhile, Southwark’s Climate Change Citizens’ Jury recently met for the first time to begin discussions on how the borough can work together to tackle climate change and help protect the future of the environment – one of the most pressing challenges of today. Funded by the council, and supported by an independent organisation, the jury is made up of 25 local people, representative of the borough, who applied to learn about, discuss and make recommendations on issues that will help the borough become greener and healthier for everyone. Their areas of focus will be announced in early 2022. Cllr Helen Dennis, cabinet member for the climate emergency and sustainable development, said: “Locally and globally, we know that we need to take urgent action to tackle climate change and protect the future of the planet. “In Southwark, we are working closely with our residents, community groups and businesses to each play our part in reducing our carbon emissions, cutting toxic air pollution and making the borough more sustainable. “The Citizens’ Jury is critical to our work as it will bring different perspectives, experiences and ideas to the table to inform and strengthen our climate plans. Its recommendations will give us local insight into the areas that matter most to local people and our environment, and I want to thank the jurors who are giving up their time to participate. “Working together will help make the difference we need for a sustainable future.” In February 2022, the jury will shape a series of climate change recommendations and submit them to the council for action. More information about the Citizens’ Jury can be found at:

www.southwark.gov.uk/ climate

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