Manchester operators launch #payitforward voucher campaign
Hospitality leaders in Manchester have launched the #PayitForward campaign, to encourage potential guests to buy discounted vouchers at restaurants across the city to be redeemed from May onwards.
The campaign, organised by Greater Manchester night time economy adviser Sacha Lord and PR agency Roland Dransfield, has been launched in response to government advice to stay away from restaurants and bars.
Participating restaurants will determine how much to discount, which will be promoted on the www.pay-it-forward.co.uk website, while for every voucher purchased restaurants will make a £1 donation to Hospitality Action.
Chief executive Roland Dransfield and founder Lisa Morton said: "Manchester is a city that dances on tables, not hides under them. We are also a city that supports one other in the face of adversity.
"This campaign aims to raise consciousness and support for those businesses which are suffering right now, and will help to get cash in their tills."
Sacha Lord added: "I've spoken to the mayor, and while people should heed official government advice and take the necessary precautions, we also want people to continue to enjoy the night time economy.
"#PayitForward will encourage people to consider how badly some of our city's best-loved hospitality institutions are suffering currently, and to support them when they most need it."
The campaign is already being backed by Northern Restaurant and Bar (NRB) chef Aiden Byrne, the Manchester Hoteliers' Association and Manchester Hospitality Network.
NRB chief executive Thom Hetherington said: "We at NRB will fully back any initiative that will help Mancunian bars and restaurants weather this particular storm."
Mark Lewis, chief executive, Hospitality Action, added: "The value of this fantastic initiative is twofold: first, it'll give the public a whole new means of supporting the city's hospitality operators, who are taking such a devastating hit to trading; and second, it'll create much-needed funds for us to help hospitality people in difficulty or crisis."
Venues that would like to participate are encouraged to contact payitforward@rdpr.co.uk
