The Rockfish Group of sustainable South West seafood restaurants has secured a seven-figure finance facility from HSBC UK to safeguard the future of the business in the coronavirus crisis.
The funding will be used as working capital, enabling the restaurants to adhere to government guidelines, employ additional members of staff for dedicated Covid-19 roles and support the business during a time of lower revenue. Part of the sum will be used to introduce a new social distancing system which is being trialled in its Plymouth restaurant. The system will include separate doors for entry and exit, a dedicated Covid monitor who will look after all customer questions and ensure the restaurant is regularly sanitised and keeping tables up to two metres apart.
Mitch Tonks, Owner of The Rockfish Group, said: “The last three months have been a challenging time for the food and drinks sector but HSBC UK has done a fantastic job of understanding and accommodating our finance requirements and putting a package in place that has helped safeguard the future of our business. Our relationship director, Steven Crouch, acted with speed and professionalism and I couldn’t have asked for any more from him and his team. We look forward to opening again very soon.”
The Rockfish Group is planning to stagger the re-opening of its restaurants, with its Plymouth site due to open on 4th July and its Seahorse restaurant in Dartmouth on 10th July. Other restaurants, including those in Exeter, Exmouth and Poole, will open soon “once all feedback and processes are considered”. Its flagship site in Brixham will open after the refurbishment project has completed.
HSBC UK say they are “working closely with the Government and UK Finance to identify emerging issues and make sure customers and businesses have the advice and support they need.” For their tips and advice for businesses planning for any possible disruption, visit www.business.hsbc.com/novel-coronavirus.
