Coronavirus (COVID-19) Business Impact Survey for the Self Catering Sector 2020

The Association of Scotland’s Self-Caterers (ASSC) and the Professional Association of Scotland’s Self-Caterers (PASC UK) commissioned a report into the impact of Covid-19 on the self-catering sector throughout the UK. It was undertaken by The South West Research Company Ltd. during August and September 2020.

The total impact on the economy during the January to July 2020 period as a result of self-catering related tourism business turnover lost and subsequent supply chain spend associated with this lost turnover was approximately £2.3 billion. Approximately £645 million of this turnover was lost in the self catering accommodation sector, approximately £1 billion visitor spend in other sectors from those that would have been staying in self catering accommodation and approximately £589 supply chain spend on the purchase of local goods and services which would have been associated with this amount of turnover.

Key findings:

39% of businesses had received cancellations from their customers as a result of the new Rule of 6. A further 43% of businesses had received cancellations and deferrals.
The approximate average value per business of bookings cancelled as a result of the new Rule of 6 was £15,000 and £10,000 per business for deferred bookings.
47% of businesses said they had not accessed any of the UK business support schemes. 19% had accessed the VAT reduction of 5%, 18% had taken out a Bounce Back Loan and 14% had accessed the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS) – Furlough scheme. 12% of businesses in each case had taken a loan holiday and/or accessed Self Employed Income Support. 14% of businesses had accessed other business support including a Small Business Rates grant.
73% of businesses had accessed the Visit England ‘We’re Good to Go‘ scheme in preparation for Covid-secure reopening, 18% had accessed the AA ‘Covid Confidence‘ and 6% the Quality in Tourism ‘Safe, Clean and Legal‘ schemes.
Businesses were asked how they managed their guests’ bookings during lockdown. 45% of guests were refunded whilst 42% had deferred their bookings.
The total estimated cost of re-opening in order to comply with the government endorsed cleaning protocols amounted to £1,809 on average per business.
50% of businesses said they were blocking days between bookings for additional cleaning.
Businesses estimated that the average number of additional hours per week that Covid-19 cleaning takes is 8.79 hours.
26% of businesses responding to the survey had taken on additional staff (FTE or part-time) to assist with the government endorsed cleaning protocols and reopening guidelines.
82% of businesses have re-opened and were operating at 76-100% capacity.

Download the report: PASC ASSC COVID-19 Business Impact Survey for the UK Self Catering Sector FINAL REPORT CLIENT 051020