Oldham-based entrepreneur helping the local hospitality industry after lockdown

A business co-founded by an Oldham-based entrepreneur is supporting bars, restaurants and cafes in how they operate under Covid-19 guidelines.

Stephen Powell, co-founder of seatd (beseatd.com), has been helping independent hospitality businesses up and down the country to relaunch over the last few weeks, but most recently he has turned his focus closer to home.

He is helping to set up in-venue digital menus which are being offered with no set-up costs or monthly subscriptions to venues across the UK and offers table service and test and trace technology.

With the number of venues in the local and surrounding areas, he is keen to extend support to help those in need.

Alongside Craig Davies, from Wrexham, and former Google employees, Matt Gibbs and Jack Woodward, the collective launched Seatd on July 4, and have now helped over 100 venues, allowing customers to buy food and drink from their table, as well as registering 10,000 pub-goers for test and trace with the click of a button.

To ensure the best possible experience for guests, no app download or registration is required, just the scanning of a simple QR code at the venue.

Key to the hospitality industry’s success going forward is ensuring guests are kept safe, but at the same time being provided with a choice as to how they spend their time in a venue.

The web-app will also allow guests to choose what their experience looks like.

Mr Powell said: “Since launching, we’ve already been able to help so many venues operate in a safe and responsible way, but also lending them a hand to get back on their feet.

“I now live in Oldham and it means so much to me that I want to work closely with the local hospitality industry and ensure much-loved venues are back up and thriving again.

“For venues big or small, this technology can really help.

"There’s absolutely no set-up costs or ongoing contracts, and it’s really easy to use.

"Businesses can literally be up-and-running in a matter of minutes.

"Each of the venues working with us have seen many benefits but the main one is they’re gaining increased revenue – something we’re really proud of.”

Alongside seatd, Craig Davies and Stephen Powell are also co-founders of the award-winning Viper app, with over three years experience in creating and operating hospitality technology.

For more information on seatd, or to sign up, please visit: www.beseatd.com

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