Says Goodwood but vulnerable’
The Duke is clear that a reduction to one metre – being called for by large swathes of the hospitality industry – would make a big difference.
“Like so many other people and businesses we have had effectively zero income since March and when you are employing so many people that’s quite a big hit.
“We’re not just sitting here thinking it’s all fine. It is going to be a slow process taking several years to get us back to where we were.
“Although we are vulnerable, we are also optimists and still excited by what the future holds and the opportunities that will be thrown up.
“It’s going to be challenging but fascinating too.
The Duke and his team are working on a number of new initiatives which he will be sharing in the coming weeks when the details are clearer.
“This lockdown has put everything into perspective – in some good ways.
“People will reflect on their values and how they spend their time. One day everything’s looking pretty calm and the next you are looking over the edge of a precipice – that’s bound to affect one’s thinking.
“But the way everybody has picked themselves up gives me huge confidence in our ability to adapt.”
He is also concerned for the wellbeing of Chichester and other local businesses, as well as employees and suppliers who depend on the estate. In a normal year Goodwood turns over £100m and makes a very considerable contribution to the local economy.
“Goodwood is very much part of the local scene and community and that’s very important to me and the estate as a whole and we are not going to disappear.
“But this is a very serious moment in our history and, just as everybody is, we are all under a lot of pressure.
“We’re going to need the support and understanding of our members and customers – and we’ll be talking to them soon about how they can help us continue to do all the things they enjoy about Goodwood well into the future.
“We very much value and appreciate all they bring to what we do.”