Coronavirus and food: new Business in Focus guidance

The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and the resulting lockdown has changed our lives drastically in a short time. Everyone has had to change the way they live, work and conduct their business. The closure of all pubs and restaurants has hit a UK industry worth over £40 billion, and many fear long-term damage.

Many businesses are exploring, and others have already begun diversifying their business model to adapt to 'the new normal'. To aid this, the Chartered Trading Standards Institute (CTSI), and the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) have launched a free expert guide on business diversification during the pandemic. It can be found in Business Companion's Business in Focus area.

Pubs and restaurants that have typically never offered takeaway options before are embracing it as a surefire means of generating income during the pandemic. The internet is now full of easy to use third-party platforms for businesses to set up their takeaway options. Changing the model may mean that businesses will have to engage with rules and regulations that they haven't before.

CTSI Chief Executive, Leon Livermore, said: "CTSI is committed to encouraging good practice and helping responsible businesses improve their services. The COVID-19 emergency is an unprecedented challenge for business, and many, especially in the food and drink sector, are looking to diversify during the lockdown.

"Business Companion is free, and an absolute must-have for UK business. Its new Business in Focus section on coronavirus and food provides a comprehensive and clear guide for the industry. Importantly, it covers parts of industry regulations that businesses may have never considered before and puts business on the fast-track to diversification."