Towngas supports catering industry in overcoming hurdles and reviving economy
The COVID-19 pandemic has severely impacted Hong Kong’s economy, and the catering industry was not spared from the resulting drastic drop in business and cash flow difficulties. In addition to launching two measures in support of the catering industry in the past six months, the Hong Kong and China Gas Co Ltd (Towngas) has also introduced an online loyalty program as well as food-and-beverage e-coupons to encourage the public to dine out, and a kitchen equipment rental and purchase scheme for qualifying eateries. Such multifaceted initiatives aim to have a positive impact on the public, the catering industry, and socioeconomic recovery. Following the government’s earlier announcement to ease social-distancing measures commencing May 8, Towngas introduced its new round of relief measures, titled “Supporting F&B and the Economy”, launched earlier this week. Alfred Chan Wing-kin, Towngas managing director, and Tommy Cheung Yuyan, a member of the Executive Council and Legislative Council, attended the launch ceremony. The catering industry also welcomed the initiatives. Chan commented at the ceremony, “In the face of the pandemic’s impact on Hong Kong, we feel that different sectors of the society should put their strengths together. Towngas places heavy emphasis on corporate social responsibility, and has taken it upon itself to lend a helping hand to our industry partners. We hope that the ‘Supporting F&B and the Economy’ campaign can bring about a positive impact on the public, the catering industry and socioeconomic recovery by injecting momentum in spending and investment as well as fuelling Hong Kong’s economy.”
Food-and-beverage e-coupons among initiatives to fuel spending
The “Supporting F&B and the Economy” campaign features measures tailored for the ailing catering industry and aims to boost the local economic recovery. Towngas customers will receive an e-coupon applicable at nearly 1,000 participating eateries upon registering on the brand-new loyalty program and online shopping platform, Towngas Fun.
Kitchen equipment rental and purchase to lower start-up cost
Setting up an F&B business requires a significant sum for renovation and kitchen equipment, presenting pressure on cash flow. Combined with the recent lull in the economy, this has deterred interested parties from joining the catering industry. To address these challenges, Towngas has launched the kitchen equipment rental and purchase scheme for qualifying new small- and medium-sized eateries. Upon application and approval, such eateries are eligible for an 18-month interest-free loan of up to HK$500,000 to be used toward the purchase of kitchen equipment and facilities, including stoves, ventilation systems, steelware and refrigerators, so that more people can invest in the catering industry and help it prosper. Application to the scheme begins on June 1 and is expected to remain open until next May. An estimated tens of millions of Hong Kong dollars is budgeted for the scheme.