The Coronavirus pandemic has caused disruption to all sectors in the UK, but now as lockdown restrictions are scaled back and businesses look to get back to normal, many will be looking to make the most of potential opportunities. This is especially true of the hospitality industry, where new guidelines being considered could allow some pubs and restaurants to begin trading in outdoor areas from the 22nd of June. There could be many investment opportunities in this sector as firms look to bounce back and return to normal business and trading once lockdown restrictions are fully lifted.
IW Capital have several portfolio companies in this space and are helping a number of firms to get back to normality in the coming weeks. One example of this is Rockwater – a Hove-based redevelopment set to have an internal capacity of 400 over three floors, in a beachside setting. It is currently being fully refurbished and rebranded both inside and out with improved facilities, landscaping and function areas with the emphasis on creating a great atmosphere to welcome visitors all year round. With an emphasis on quality food and drink utilising local suppliers it aims to be the venue of choice for the local community.
The development is being backed by Brighton and Hove stalwart Finn Whelan (Who has previously worked on The Lion and Lobster and Studio Society) who has been heavily involved as lead consultant. Having received hundreds of letters of support from local residents, the council, and support from Baron Bassam of Brighton (member of Regenerating Seaside Towns and Communities Committee), Rockwater aims to be the centre of the local community, and a venue for all members of the local area.
Projects such as this are vital now more than ever as the economy starts to make steps to recover after the COVID-19 pandemic. Businesses are beginning to reopen across the nation, and investment in those smaller firms in regions outside of London will help to resume the Government’s efforts to “level-up” the UK. Private investors will play a key role in these areas, and supporting local communities is not only integral to this effort, but is also rewarding.
The EIS is one of the UK Government’s most successful initiatives in terms of driving investment into high-growth early-stage companies. It has helped produce some incredible business successes that otherwise may not have got off the ground due to the reluctance of banks to lend to these firms. The SMEs that the scheme helps to grow and scale are of paramount importance to the success and overall health of the UK economy, making up over 99% of private sectors businesses and cumulatively employing around 16 million people.
To find out more about IW Capital, or for more information on investment and non-executive opportunities, please speak to a member of the IW Capital team today on 020 7015 2250, or email info@iwcapital.co.uk
