Liverpool City Council led the way with its Without Walls initiative to help the hospitality sector redesign outdoor spaces. As part of the £450,000 plan, Bold St and parts of Castle St were pedestrianised and grants were made available.
ALL Empty Chairs at Empty Tables – a musical great but also reality for many businesses throughout lockdown. How could they pay staff and bills, retain customers – and plan for the future? Jo Henwood spoke to entrepreneurs who are making a habit of taking a deep breath, preparing for the unknown and adapting.
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CHANGE In a business which relies on close contact between customers and staff, he was delighted to watch his online business go ‘through the roof’ with people ordering roastery coffee for their homes.
JACK BREWITT Managing director of 92 Degrees Coffee Managing director Jack Brewitt doesn’t have ‘millions in the bank’, but he’d promised to keep paying staff from his four coffee stores and roaster, so he was overjoyed at the furlough scheme.
“I was asked to deliver some beans to a customer’s house. They opened the window and shouted ‘we love you and can’t wait for you to be back open! I’m so grateful for the support we’ve had.” Jack admits that the going has been tough. “We’re minimising spending; our priority is to ensure our team is happy.” 92degrees.coffee
