Offering takeaways has never been easier for hospitality businesses
The hospitality industry has faced unprecedented challenges over the last few years, forcing many businesses to adapt quickly and find new ways to serve customers. One of the most successful changes has been the growth of takeaway and collection services, allowing restaurants, pubs and cafés to continue trading even when traditional dine-in operations were restricted.
Now, there is more good news for hospitality operators considering expanding into takeaway services.
The UK Government has announced that restaurants, pubs and other hospitality venues in England will continue to benefit from automatic planning permission to provide takeaway services until March 2022. The move is designed to support businesses as they recover and grow, while giving operators greater flexibility to meet changing customer expectations.
What has changed?
Before the pandemic, hospitality businesses that wanted to offer takeaway services often had to go through a formal planning process to obtain a change of use. This could involve additional paperwork, delays and uncertainty, making it more difficult for businesses to quickly introduce new revenue streams.
As part of its response to COVID-19, the Government temporarily relaxed these rules. Instead of applying for planning permission, businesses simply needed to notify their local authority if they intended to begin offering takeaway services.
The arrangement proved popular with both operators and customers. It enabled thousands of venues across the country to continue trading during difficult periods while giving consumers convenient access to food and drink.
Recognising the benefits, the Government has now extended these temporary measures until March 2022. There have also been discussions about making the changes permanent, reflecting the growing importance of takeaway and online ordering services within the hospitality sector.
Meeting changing customer expectations
Consumer behaviour has evolved significantly in recent years. Customers increasingly expect the convenience of ordering food online and collecting it at a time that suits them. Many people now view takeaway and click-and-collect services as a standard offering rather than an added extra.
For hospitality businesses, this presents a valuable opportunity.
Adding takeaway services can help generate additional revenue, increase customer reach and make better use of existing kitchen capacity. It can also provide greater resilience during quieter periods or in response to changing market conditions.
Whether you operate a pub, restaurant, café, coffee shop or hospitality venue, offering takeaway ordering can open your business to a wider audience and create a new stream of income without significant operational disruption.
Technology makes takeaway easy
While the planning changes remove administrative barriers, having the right technology in place is essential for delivering a smooth customer experience.
Customers want a fast, simple and reliable ordering process. They expect to browse menus online, place orders quickly and receive clear collection instructions. If the process is complicated or time-consuming, there is a risk that customers will look elsewhere.
This is where digital ordering solutions can make a real difference.
An effective online ordering platform allows customers to place orders from their smartphone, tablet or desktop computer, reducing pressure on staff while improving order accuracy and customer satisfaction. Orders can flow directly into your existing operations, helping your team manage demand efficiently and maintain high service standards.
How MCR Systems can help
At MCR Systems, we understand the challenges faced by hospitality operators and the importance of adapting to changing customer expectations.
Our SOLO Pre-Order solution has been designed to help businesses quickly launch online ordering and takeaway services with minimal disruption. Customers can browse menus and place orders from their mobile device, tablet or PC, while operators benefit from a straightforward setup process and seamless order management.
Whether you are introducing takeaway services for the first time or looking to improve an existing operation, SOLO Pre-Order provides a simple and effective way to create an additional revenue stream and enhance customer convenience.
With Government support making takeaway services easier than ever to introduce, now could be the perfect time to explore the opportunities available for your business.
To learn more about SOLO Pre-Order and how MCR Systems can support your hospitality operation, call 0116 299 7000 or email sales@mcr-systems.co.uk.
