The Eat Out to Help Out scheme during August was a welcome relief for the sector, with a number of businesses extending or adapting the scheme through September and even beyond, at their own cost. But, the future remains uncertain.

The first thing to do is NOT to panic. Whilst recent events may be deeply worrying, things will, eventually, return to some sort of normality. It’s now very much a case of stepping back, taking a deep breath, calmly assessing your situation and deciding what help to seek. It’s understandable to feel distressed and panicked by the current situation your business finds itself in. You’ve probably made many sacrifices, you may have invested your own hard-earned money and you’ve probably worked long and hard to make your hospitality business as successful as possible. It’s probably been a ‘way of life’ for you and you are likely to have become emotionally attached to the business. And now it looks as though it’s all slipping away from you through absolutely no fault of your own. But there comes a point when you must try, as hard as it may be, to put the emotional attachments you have to the business aside and let your head dictate your decisions moving forward. You MUST be pragmatic and practical and, to the best of your ability, ensure the financial situation doesn’t worsen, by making decisions and taking action responsibly and quickly.

So, let’s start with a well used turnaround phrase, “You are where you are”. There is no time for blame or recrimination, all actions and energy must be geared towards SAVING YOUR BUSINESS and hopefully WE CAN HELP!