The leisure, hospitality, retail and automotive industries have been the most affected, meaning that as the roadmap to recovery moves ever closer to completion, with the correct government support, these are the industries with the biggest growth potential. Pinch points have been identified, though, with recruitment a concern. There has been an existing shortage of skilled workers within these industries caused by Brexit, and it is felt the pandemic has only amplified that.
Consumers have started to utilise non-essential retail now that it has reopened, hospitality is seeing success even though it is operating at reduced capacity and, despite some trepidation, stage-two openings for venues without outside space have seen a spike in indoor bookings post-17 May.
The vaccination roadmap has been a game-changer, but further clarification on the vaccine passport for international travel and large events will be needed to reduce uncertainty.
