Hospitality Business Recovery
At Campbell Crossly & Davis, we know how important the hospitality industry is to local communities and the UK economy. The COVID-19 pandemic caused lasting disruption across the sector, and while many hospitality businesses are now open again, recovery is not automatic. It takes careful planning, financial stability and the ability to adapt to ongoing challenges.
We work with pubs, restaurants, hotels, leisure venues and more to help them recover, grow and prepare for the future. Whether your business needs financial advice, support with cost control or help adapting to new customer expectations, our team is here to help.
The Ongoing Impact of the Pandemic
Before the pandemic, the hospitality sector employed over 1.8 million people and contributed more than £40 billion to the UK economy. However, due to lockdowns and restrictions, many venues had to close their doors or limit their services. Some areas, especially city centres and business districts, were hit harder than others.
Even now, hospitality businesses continue to face challenges. These include rising energy bills, higher staffing costs, supply chain delays and lower profits. Many operators are also still dealing with debt built up during the COVID-19 pandemic. It’s clear that strong recovery plans are essential.
How Recovery Looks Today
Some parts of the sector are showing strong signs of recovery. Domestic leisure travel, for example, has returned to near pre-pandemic levels in many places. Hotels in coastal or countryside areas have benefited from this trend, while some city centre venues continue to struggle.
Despite these differences, most hospitality businesses now face the same key challenges. These include:
- Managing higher costs, especially energy and wages
- Finding and keeping skilled staff
- Dealing with rent arrears and repayment deadlines
- Adapting to changes in customer behaviour
At Campbell Crossly & Davis, we help clients understand their current position and plan for the future with confidence.
Financial Planning and Business Resilience
The first step in recovery is knowing where your business stands. We help owners and operators assess their finances, identify risks and make smart decisions. Many businesses are operating on tight margins, so every pound saved or invested wisely can make a difference.
For example, energy efficiency is a key focus. Small changes like switching to LED lighting, reviewing your operating hours or upgrading equipment can help reduce long-term costs. We also help with restructuring debt, improving cash flow and exploring finance options for refurbishments or growth.
Access to finance has been a problem for many in the hospitality industry. Traditional lenders are often cautious, but there are other options. We work with businesses to prepare strong funding proposals and connect them with lenders who understand the sector.
Adapting to a Changing Market
One of the biggest lessons from the pandemic was the importance of flexibility. Businesses that found ways to serve customers differently, such as offering takeaway, using outdoor space or hosting virtual events, were more likely to survive. Now, many of these changes have become part of normal operations.
We help clients decide which new ideas are worth keeping and which areas to improve. This might mean using space in different ways, changing opening hours, adding new revenue streams or investing in technology. The goal is to build a business model that works for today’s market and can adjust when needed.
Customer expectations have also changed. Cleanliness, safety, value and convenience are more important than ever. Staff shortages are also putting pressure on service quality. We advise on practical steps to maintain a strong customer experience without unnecessarily raising costs.
Building for Long-Term Success
Recovery should not just mean returning to how things were. It should lead to a stronger, more resilient business. That includes preparing for future challenges and building systems that can cope with uncertainty.
One area that is growing in importance is environmental sustainability. Hospitality businesses are under more pressure to reduce waste, cut emissions, and show that they care about the environment. Making changes like using local suppliers, reducing plastic or measuring food waste can save money and attract more customers.
We help businesses include sustainability in their plans in ways that are realistic and cost-effective. This can also make them more attractive to investors, lenders and customers who are looking for responsible businesses.
Staffing is another key part of long term success. Finding the right people, training them and keeping them motivated can be difficult in the current climate. We work with businesses to improve staff retention, review pay structures and explore training options.
Local Solutions with National Experience
Each hospitality business is unique. A small family-owned cafe will not have the same needs as a city centre hotel or a group of pubs. At Campbell Crossly & Davis, we tailor our advice to your specific goals and challenges.
At the same time, we have a wide view of the hospitality industry and the trends shaping it. From government support and tax changes to shifts in customer behaviour, we stay up to date so we can provide guidance that is both practical and informed.
We also help with lease negotiations, supplier reviews, cost cutting plans and funding applications. For businesses in more serious financial difficulty, we offer insolvency advice and recovery options to help avoid closure wherever possible.
Your Recovery Starts with a Plan
At Campbell Crossly & Davis, we believe that recovery is possible for every hospitality business with the right support. Whether you’re dealing with debt, rising costs, or just trying to move forward with confidence, our team is ready to help.
We’ve supported businesses across the hospitality sector through the most difficult times. Now, we’re helping them plan for a future that is more stable, more resilient and better prepared for whatever comes next.
If you’re ready to take the next step in your hospitality business recovery, get in touch with us today.
You can also contact 01253 349331 or info@crossleyd.co.uk for help.