The government has ruled out further financial support for companies under the latest restrictions, which are set to impact hospitality and retail businesses. The new rules, which include guidance to work from home where possible and vaccine passports for entry to large venues, have caused concern among business lobby groups, who have called for support. Pubs and restaurants have reported an increase in cancellations due to public concern about the Omicron variant. Companies can access business rates relief at 66 per cent (up to £2million) until next March, and commercial tenants are still protected from eviction. However, many say this will not be enough to cover predicted losses and disruptions to business.
Timber and building supplies retailer Travis Perkins is to open 50 branches over the next five years. Larger branches will offer a wider range and greater delivery capabilities across the UK. New branches will all include the brand’s Toolhire service, and click and collect hubs and showrooms are also planned as part of the expansion. Travis Perkins also launched their mobile app this year, as part of wider plans to improve customer experience digitally and physically. Managing director Kieran Griffin said: “This investment sits alongside our digital expansion so whether our customers want hands-on colleague experience or a totally digital interaction, and our site modernisation and digital expansion plans mean we will continue to be best placed to serve them.”
Fashion retailer TOAST has opened its first standalone menswear store within the Shaftesbury retail portfolio. The store in Carnaby’s Newburgh Quarter is spread over two floors, with a small selection of the brand’s womenswear and homeware offering. Neil Hobson, head of retail at TOAST, said: “We are looking forward to sharing the collection and bringing our customers a series of in-store events, workshops and partnerships.”
Dear Grace, the second bricks and mortar venue from Incipio Group, is to open in January in London’s White City; New patisserie Cedric Grolet at The Berkeley will open at the Knightsbridge hotel; The team behind Lobos Tapas has launched a new Soho wine bar and restaurant, Negroni’s.