On Monday 3rd August we saw the roll out of the Chancellor’s ‘Eat Out To Help Out’ incentive, a business support scheme aimed at offering food and drink discounts to the general public on Monday to Wednesdays throughout August.
The scheme enables diners to get a discount of 50 percent (up to £10 off per head) at registered pubs, cafes and restaurants in order to entice them back after a period of temporary closures due to lockdown.
With such an uncommon opportunity presenting itself, how can you and your business make the most of this rare meal deal? We’ve listed a few just for starters…
1). An incentive for customers
Over 53,000 UK food and drink venues have already applied for the scheme, so if you’re an eligible business make sure you don’t miss out!
The initiative offers a sure-fire way to encourage customers back into your business with discounted prices, while claiming these additional costs back from the government.
However, don’t bite off more than you can chew…if you’re unsure on how to register and apply the scheme to your business, you can get business support through one of the Government’s weekly training webinars.
2). Save money on networking and staff lunches
Not only is it good for restaurateurs, but with lockdown easing, your business can use this opportunity to start networking in person while reducing the burden on your sales budget.
Use this as a great chance to try to reconnect with your clientele while saving money on your dining bill. Good for business and good for your pocket!
Also, if you’re slowly bringing your staff back to the office and can afford it, why not use this time period to re-engage with them through lunch or an evening meal out?
It may help people to familiarise themselves with each other after lockdown, especially if you’ve hired new recruits throughout this time period.
3). Give back to local businesses
Although over 90 national-chain restaurants in the Birmingham area have registered for the ‘Eat Out to Help Out‘ scheme, this is a real opportunity to give back to local food and drink businesses without even really trying.
With many well-known restaurants already announcing closures, eating out at local establishments is an easy way you can help prop up the local economy and keep the life force of our high streets going.
4). Time to better understand other business support schemes
Whilst you’re looking at the benefits of ‘Eat Out to Help Out’, have you made sure you’ve checked out the other business support schemes available to you?
You may be missing out on new funding opportunities that have been released over the last couple of months. We’ve helped compile a series of financial support schemes in one place so it’s easier for your business to access and find the help it needs.
Find out more about accessing the Business Support Schemes available.
