Business owner Justin Gilchrist can appreciate the irony, albeit through gritted teeth. His company, South Catering, is not eligible for any of the Government s hospitality grants.
Before the pandemic hit, the Manchester-based business was one of the leading caterers for corporate launches, conferences and meetings in the North West. Now business is at a standstill. We re not retail or hospitality enough, says Justin. If we were a bar or a restaurant we d get more help, but we fall through the gaps. A lot of similar businesses to ourselves have already closed.
Running dry: Chancellor Rishi Sunak s handouts have not helped many hospitality firms