Buzzworks staff step forward to help community Covid-19 efforts
Bar and restaurant owners Buzzworks have donated £10,000 to UK Hospitality Action. The funding is intended to support those working in the hospitality industry. There is a 24 hour advice hotline, and counselling sessions, grants and money advice available.
The company owns Scotts at South Queensferry as well as other outlets in West Lothian and on the west coast, and all remain closed at present in accordance with government guidelines.
Kenny Blair, Managing Director at Buzzworks Holdings, said: “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. 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, who does fantastic work for those within the industry, will offset some of the hardship facing many across the UK.”
With over 500 members of the Buzzworks team currently furloughed until further notice, many have gone on to offer their services to those in need. Some Buzzworks chefs in Ayrshire have been using their time to cook meals for vulnerable people through local 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 in any way they can.
Blair continued: “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."