Hospitality giant pledges to re- open “stronger than ever”
A major hospitality chain chief insists his firm will be primed to emerge from the coronavirus crisis “stronger and better than ever”.
Kenny Blair, managing director of Buzzworks, said the company was putting in place plans to re- open “when the time is right and it is safe to do so”.
It comes as the business giant donated £ 10,000 to the charity Hospitality Action.
The money will help support services for people working within the industry, including a 24 hour hotline for advice, counselling sessions on stress, addiction and abuse, alongside grants for help with debt or short term money concerns.
The donation comes amid the backdrop of uncertainty across the hospitality industry as the coronavirus lockdown continues.
Buzzworks, which manages 12 venues across Ayrshire and beyond, temporarily closed the doors to all of its outlets on March 20.
“Along with many others in the hospitality industry, Buzzworks is feeling the impact of Covid- 19, having to temporarily close our doors as instructed by the UK Government,” said Kenny.
“We have been in the fortunate position, however, to retain the vast majority of our existing team – over 500 members of staff – through government grants across our portfolio.
“Everyone is in this crisis together and feeling its effect, so we are doing what we can to ensure all of our stakeholders are taken care of.
“Both our suppliers will be paid and our staff will continue to receive their wages weekly and where we haven’t been able to keep on five of our team members due to their short time with Buzzworks, we have made sure that they receive payment in lieu of their notice and assistance to find other temporary work.
“We’re fortunate in that the business is in a good position to look after our stakeholders and we hope our small donation to Hospitality Action, which does fantastic work for those within the industry, alongside will offset some of the hardship facing many across the UK.”
With over 500 members of the Buzzworks team currently furloughed, many have gone on to offer their services to those in need.
Buzzworks chefs have been cooking meals for vulnerable people through Ayrshire charity Centrestage, student NHS staff working part time within the business have stepped up to assist GPs and hospitals, whilst many more have volunteered to help their local communities.
Kenny added: “Having built our family business for over 40 years, we would not be in the position we are in without our dedicated Buzzworks team.
“With so many putting themselves forward to take on temporary work to support those most at need within the community, that commitment has shone through once again and this makes us feel incredibly proud.
“Where we can, Buzzworks are helping those volunteers find the appropriate job roles, whilst we continue to monitor developments regarding the virus and put plans in place to re- open stronger and better than ever – when the time is right and it is safe to do so.”