How was the re-opening of your business and how was it carried out in line with safety procedures put in place to allow social distancing?
Our business didn’t actually close completely. We had a few contracts remain open throughout, providing services for their teams, that could only work from their offices. The actual transition and reopening of those sites that did close, was quite seamless, however. The biggest concern was ensuring we were Covid safe throughout and this was also an immense concern for clients, bringing back their staff. In fact, this was really where we had a lot of help, as clients were making their entire buildings Covid safe and were proactively enforcing the relevant guidelines elsewhere. This just made the opening of the catering areas easier, with staff already knowing and understanding the rules. There was of course, also the necessity to downsize operations in accordance with numbers etc,
How is the general feeling and feedback from your team members and your customers now the lockdown is over?
I have to say, our teams have been fantastic throughout. They have all been eager to get back to work as soon as possible and have all been as flexible as we could have hoped, with regards to furlough days and understanding why this is how we are currently having to work. We have ensured we have kept in touch with all staff members since the lockdowns began, which has also helped with the togetherness and keeping them up to date with all legislation, but most importantly, supporting them and their wellbeing.
Customers have also been completely understanding and supportive, but most importantly have been desperate to see the catering services reinstated. The catering is something they all look forward to and to quote one of our newer clients “I never realised the difference a good caterer can make and the impact they have on the staff”
What role has technology played in supporting your re-opening plan?
This has really seen a significant leap forward. they do say, evolution happens through necessity, and tech really has been thrust into the limelight. Luckily, we were ready, and this was something we had already invested significantly invested into differing tech and we have just seen clients embrace it a lot quicker, which has been fantastic. The tech has enabled us to cut queuing, prevent contact points (which has been essential), create a greater tailored service and share information far easier, all creating a quicker and more seamless service.
What market trends are you seeing since re-opening?
It hasn’t really been a trend with regards to types of food as such, but more to do with how it has been served. Speed, efficiency and flexibility have been the main areas. With teams being so restricted, we had to ensure multi skilling and adaptability.
What techniques have you used to build sales and re-engage customers?
As above, tech has played a huge part in this. It has enabled us to communicate with our customers even if they are at home. In fact, we have even been able to use it to sway people to come back to the office to the day for their favourite foods and meals. We have also brought back take-home meal kits, delivery and as many options to make the transition back to the office as easy as possible for staff.
What positive lessons do we need to learn from what the industry has been through?
I think we have seen the need for evolution and hopefully this situation has given people the confidence to make changes and be different. It has shown how much of a necessity the hospitality industry truly is. The amount of people it employs, the way it supports the economy, but mostly how much people rely on it. The demand for it as soon as the restrictions are lifted, is so uplifting to see. There was a concern hospitality was over, but we can clearly see it has been an essential part of the way we live, work and enjoy ourselves. The industry still has life in it, although potentially in a slightly different format, which isn’t a bad thing. Evolution is essential. If you don’t evolve, you get left behind…
Vacherin website:https://www.vacherin.com/
Date Published: 8th December 2020