The Covid pandemic has been disruptive for all of us and heart breaking for thousands of people but we are now seeing the light at the end of the tunnel. With tight restrictions during the first and second lock down’s, we saw many leisure sector outlets offering take away services which clearly demonstrated just how innovative this industry is. When these finished, every establishment with even the smallest outdoor area made use of the space in order to accommodate customers outside in the fresh air which was deemed to be safer in order to help stop the disease spreading.
This move highlighted the fact that previously unused areas could in increase footfall and thus profits and the vast majority of outlets seized this opportunity. However, with six months of lockdown, cash flow was the biggest issue and one that had been predicted by Indigo awnings Ltd who introduced a no deposit lease option. This meant that the very best quality products such as awnings, giant heated parasol and even retractable roof fixed structures could be installed with monthly payment starting one month after completion. Payments can be spread over 12 – 60 months and in fact, the daily takings and thus profits far exceeds the monthly payments and this helped many outlets to get back on their feet.
Outdoor areas were turned into attractive spaces which provided weather protection, some with heaters, lighting and planters, all were a huge success which drew friends and families to them. This is turn has created a new trend in terms of business expansion which does attract new customers all year round and not just for the Summer months.
Indigo has installed products at pubs, restaurants, hotels and the casual dining sector throughout the country for over 20 years and it is this which made them the number one choice for post lock down outdoor cover. Trevor Ruddle, Indigo’s Managing Director is rightly proud of the number of outlets they have helped, in fact he reports that one restaurant on the East coast seafront increased trade by 40% during the holiday season due to the installation of two very large storm proof parasol which created an appealing outdoor space that didn’t previously exist. The owner told indigo that these actually drew people to his establishment versus others that didn’t offer covered seating.
Another example is a high profile hotel sited on London’s Hyde Park Corner. The chain wanted to create a highly visible outdoor covered space that not only looked stunning but was also practical for all year round use. Indigo was chosen to supply four giant heated parasols which were surrounded by high glass screen with planters. Fixed seating and tables were installed with touches such as sheepskin rugs placed over the backrest for added comfort. The whole area was dressed with an autumnal theme which will be changed for each season and Number One Park Lane was born from what was previously just bear pavement. Ruddle right says that he is particularly proud of this installation but moreover that it demonstrated what can be achieved with a bit of lateral thinking. With an extensive range of high quality products, he states that Indigo has helped hundreds of outlets increase trade with purchasing made easier with the use of their no deposit lease option, it’s a win win he says and we all like that concept.
Visit Website: www.indigoawnings.co.uk
