![State of the events industry](//images.ctfassets.net/91pq7vxbip7x/4PwYI5AGI4L4YBJOht9Bs3/30cc2d5d74fbf8c13ad2c8a8afa509bb/Twitter_1.jpg)

At Feast It, we've seen firsthand the effect the pandemic has had on the small businesses we work with. We recently surveyed 500+ of the UK’s best event suppliers to find out how restrictions have impacted them. The response we received was incredible. 

We’ve picked out our top takeaways and findings from the results to give you a glimpse of the state of the events industry in 2020.

![Twitter 2](//images.ctfassets.net/91pq7vxbip7x/XTH6gRuIt0d0bZBZ4OTWM/b2bc74dc4e4ad7ac68294da127a9ad4b/Twitter_2.jpg)

## Impact by supplier type

With large scale events like festivals and conferences cancelled as well as wedding party sizes limited, it’s unsurprisingly marquee and tent suppliers who’ve been hit hardest, with 56% of respondents stating losses of £100k+.

![Losses by Vertical](//images.ctfassets.net/91pq7vxbip7x/3QZ4JgrzjddwofeI4qdG0x/0146de2e3cd5c60b398121468f22989f/Losses_by_Vertical.jpg)

## Impact by region

Feast It suppliers in the South East reported the highest loss of turnover with 34% of respondents stating £100k+, followed by 30% in the South West. The numbers paint a clear picture of why __61% of businesses don’t believe they’ll survive until March next year__.

![2021 survival by region](//images.ctfassets.net/91pq7vxbip7x/1PP0v3o1IPbs82WqAHR9hX/89cc651a108bc241f6f398e7a58e8040/2021_survival_by_region.jpg)

![survey image 3](//images.ctfassets.net/91pq7vxbip7x/1tdKLJs0CNokzo05nvLHRm/5e94afcade3116827d4798f30b2827c8/Twitter_3.jpg)

With growing uncertainty on how long restrictions will last, many events businesses are struggling to operate or can’t operate at all, with __85% stating they don’t believe they’ve received adequate government support throughout the crisis__. 

## Impact by supplier type

Without much-needed support, job losses have been inevitable. 40% of catering, marquees and tent and multiple-offerings suppliers stated they’ll lay off between 1-5 employees by the end of the year. Another 30% of marquee and tent suppliers expect to lose between 6-10 employees.

![Government support](//images.ctfassets.net/91pq7vxbip7x/2kpsG5T5G1Llrop68pZIOS/bc7eaaac8a9cc365f3d746078d668224/Government_support.jpg)

![survey image 4](//images.ctfassets.net/91pq7vxbip7x/70v7HKUfNbhZZvy8wIaxFO/104c519356dfb3b3ed6801ab0d50279e/Twitter_6.jpg)

While we understand the situation is changing rapidly, a clear roadmap of how events will return would give our industry a light at the end of the tunnel. 35% of our survey respondents indicated this would help them most with their business. Having clarity, along with extended financial support, will help steer business owners into making decisions about their workforce and their livelihoods.

Adrian Luckie, founder of Mama’s Jerk, a Feast It supplier providing Jamaican-style catering, put this into perspective: “Our incredible industry has effectively been banned. We’ve been given no clear direction on how we can make it through this crisis and all that we’re looking for at this stage is clarity on how we can survive.”

While we appreciate the immediate need for our industry to play a part in saving lives, the findings of the survey are clear. There’s a genuine danger that there won’t be suppliers available to create future events and new memories for customers when the world goes back to normal. Feast It will continue to shine a light on this situation and campaign to the government to provide support for this incredible industry.


wemakeevents

We surveyed 500+ of the UK’s best event suppliers to find out how COVID-19 restrictions have impacted them.

COVID-19 impact survey

The events industry is built upon the passion and determination of independent business owners. One of the most direct ways to support Black-owned businesses in your community is to buy from them. Below we’ve highlighted 12 of the incredible Black-owned businesses we’re lucky enough to work with at Feast It and how you can support them right now.

If you’re reading this and would like to be featured, please get in touch at partners@feast-it.com. 

## [Cally Munchy](https://feast-it.com/suppliers/cally-munchy)
Follow Cally Munchy on [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/callymunchy/). 

![Cally Munchy ](//images.ctfassets.net/91pq7vxbip7x/1cDNVeqYKTwPjpliTO9Tio/ecbd46d34d3b83a3b8cccd301a90a72f/24993265_1978822575669145_441343369370311860_n.jpg) 

Founded in 2015, Cally Munchy fuses together flavours from all over Africa with the rest of the world to create mouthwatering and unique street food dishes. Firm favourites include their Cally Chicken and award-winning jollof rice, a marriage of recipes from Senegal, Ghana and Nigeria. Based in South East London, their stall has quickly become popular across the Capital and has been recognised as one of the leading Afro-fusion street food businesses in the UK. This has led the team to cater for the likes of Peabody, Vans, Beavertown and Cisco, to name a few. 

[Check out](https://feast-it.com/suppliers/cally-munchy) Cally Munchy if you'd like them to cater for your next event.

## [Royal Media Weddings](https://feast-it.com/suppliers/royal-media-weddings-photography)
Follow Royal Media Weddings on [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/rmnowuk/).

![Royal Media Weddings](//images.ctfassets.net/91pq7vxbip7x/2V5A63yjXzVckAQDqYmVmF/faf3c2717795ff62712afdfce0febf37/Royal_Media_Weddings_Resized.jpg)

Royal Media Weddings turn moments into memories as they creatively capture the moments you want to cherish. They aim to document their clients special day in a beautiful cinematic style, in a way that creates everlasting memories. With a portfolio full to the brim with events, from corporate parties to graduations and music events, Royal Media's experienced team always deliver on the brief.

Check out more of Royal Media's portfolio and book them to capture special moments at your next event, [here](https://feast-it.com/suppliers/royal-media-weddings-photography)

## [Choco Fruit](https://feast-it.com/suppliers/chocofruit)
Follow Choco Fruit on [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/chocofruituk/). 

![Choco Fruit ](//images.ctfassets.net/91pq7vxbip7x/3bneyEiQuyNYvhuWGU7Umd/b6d00b3c8724ebf340839fde924c24df/Feast-It-Chocofruit-Street-Food-Chocolate-Fruit-Skewers-Event-Catering-Party-Food-Dessert-London-Book-Now-seven.jpeg)

Choco Fruit have mastered the art of covering just about anything in chocolate. They’ve been perfecting their range of chocolate treats at events, South Bank and Brick Lane markets since 2015. Think fresh fruit, marshmallows and popcorn smothered in melted white, milk and dark chocolate. The team do this all from a nifty portable cart that can be decorated to your brand or theme. 

Right now, you can get their sweet treats or fresh fruit platters delivered to your home or office. This includes chocolate covered strawberries, Belgian waffles, banana boats, fruit skewers, tiffin bites, and much more, as well as deliveries of huge boxes full of fresh fruit and vegetables. Send them a DM on [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/chocofruituk/) to find out more and place an order.

If you're looking for a delicious dessert option for your next event and want to book Choco Fruit, [click here](https://feast-it.com/suppliers/chocofruit).

## [Liquid Mobile Bar](https://feast-it.com/suppliers/liquid-mobile-bar) 
Follow Liquid Mobile Bar on [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/liquidmobilebar/). 

![Liquid ](//images.ctfassets.net/91pq7vxbip7x/2DyKv5lUCWoYDPHm3XVR41/046964f83882095f049c9f7bcaf12aaf/75603893_1273840542798489_7203728704600539136_o.jpg)

Liquid Mobile Bar was founded in 2017 by Keshell with the simple aim of serving the best quality drinks across the UK, wherever an event may take them. The team serve from a choice of two lovely horseboxes, a gazebo or an indoor bar that all look amazing at any venue. Their extensive and eclectic range of drinks includes cocktails, milkshakes, juices and smoothies. 

If you're looking for something fun to do virtually with friends or family, Liquid's at home cocktail kits are the perfect solution. You can even add a live masterclass, pre-recorded video or virtual games to enhance your experience!

Check out Liquid's virtual experiences, or look to book their gorgeous mobile bar for your next event, [here](https://feast-it.com/suppliers/liquid-mobile-bar)

## [Livity Plant Based Cuisine](https://feast-it.com/suppliers/livity-plant-based-cuisine) 
Follow Livity on [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/livityplantbasedcuisine/). 

![Livity ](//images.ctfassets.net/91pq7vxbip7x/3ngHiQDjvcmDTbCfgBJc49/d1d06bb1ace79173a359aed432aab5dd/Feast-It-Livity-Plating.jpg)

Twins and professional chefs, Kareema and Kaleema, launched Livity Plant-Based Cuisine together to showcase Ital food - completely vegan, whole-food Caribbean favourites. You can expect slow-cooked, rich curries, hot scotch bonnets and sweet plantains. Normally they’re feeding their deliciously healthy food to the public and event guests but they’ve certainly kept busy during lockdown with weekly home deliveries, an online product shop, and an e-book full of recipes! 

To find out more and order a weekly home delivery head to Livity’s [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/livityplantbasedcuisine/) and to book them to cater for your next event click [here](https://feast-it.com/suppliers/livity-plant-based-cuisine). 

## [Artel's](https://feast-it.com/suppliers/artels) 
Follow Artel's on [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/artelsfood/). 

![Artel's](//images.ctfassets.net/91pq7vxbip7x/2MqRWfs12YV9KRLnKNm2HZ/fedf076ff0df6e6ec489cac8782f1483/Feast-It-Artels-Full-Menu-Plain.png)

Artel’s is an event catering company putting a British spin on classic Jamaican street food using family recipes handed down through generations. Their founder Joel wants to celebrate these age-old Jamaican recipes with a modern approach, presenting Caribbean food in a different light. In Joel’s words, their ‘approach to Caribbean cuisine is simple. Everyone is invited’. Their menu consists of Jerk chicken, pork and halloumi, as well as curries, awesome sides, Jerk burgers and fries. 

Artel’s have seen widespread success since their launch and are developing the company further to spread knowledge, education and wealth not only via food but also through music and events. Design brand, A-COLD-WALL*, recently selected Artel’s as a recipient of their [Black business grant](https://www.vogue.co.uk/fashion/article/samuel-ross-a-cold-wall-grants) alongside 11 other exceptional Black-owned businesses to receive funding to help their businesses continue to grow. In addition, Artel’s are planning to collaborate with a design studio to create a t-shirt to raise money and awareness for [Black Minds Matter](https://www.blackmindsmatteruk.com/). 

They’ve been one of the top suppliers on Feast It since we began and both Artel’s food and service has always been a hit at all events. You can check out their profile, get a quote and chat to them about your next event [here](https://feast-it.com/suppliers/artels). 

## [Little Baobab](https://feast-it.com/suppliers/little-baobab)
Follow Little Baobab on [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/littlebaobabuk/). 

![Little Baobab](//images.ctfassets.net/91pq7vxbip7x/5TgOWGGWwGbGeXsEOcaOPQ/a32db68528f8336016baab5d9eb7d1de/Feast-It-Little-Baobab-African-Street-Food-Event-Catering-Market-Stall-Book-Now.jpg)

Bringing Senagalese cuisine and culture to London in an explosion of flavour and fun, Little Baobab was created by Khadim after the triumph of his Senagalese pop-up food events with live music. Little Baobab is now famous for their monthly, three-course Sengalese dining pop-ups at various venues across the city with some of London’s finest African musicians. The team also have extensive experience as a trader at large festivals and are available to hire for weddings and private events. Not only that, but Little Baobab has a booking agency for their roster of some of the best UK-based African music acts and they also sell their fresh, hot chilli sauce online, made using Chef Khadim’s mum’s recipe! 

You can buy Little Baobab’s Chilli Sauce and Chef Khadim's new cookbook on their [online store](https://little-baobab.myshopify.com/). And you can book Little Baobab’s to cater at your event [here](https://feast-it.com/suppliers/little-baobab).

## [Sunflowers Florist](https://feast-it.com/suppliers/sunflowers-florist)
Follow Sunflowers Florist on [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/sunflowersflorist/). 

![Sunflowers Florist](//images.ctfassets.net/91pq7vxbip7x/6TgYIpDSfQpXoBUmgpvanP/01fc6fafaf03da0c414a2d5144cef826/Sunflower_florist.jpg)

London-based Sunflowers Florist is run by the talented and passionate Raymond, star of Netflix series The Big Flower Fight. With 13 years experience under his belt in weddings, corporate and hotel floral designs, it’s no wonder Raymond won the ‘Best in Bloom’ title on episode 2 of the show! There’s nothing Raymond can’t create, including unique show-stopping topiary designs from plants and moss in the shape of animals.

If you'd like Sunflowers Florist to create something special for you, [click here](https://feast-it.com/suppliers/sunflowers-florist).

## [Lime Hut](https://feast-it.com/suppliers/lime-hut)
Follow Lime Hut on [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/lime_hut_london/). 

![Lime Hut ](//images.ctfassets.net/91pq7vxbip7x/6CKaKNUechUcU6U21Y2RvT/cfa185f15d0dd7761ff31615621ccccb/chicken_mango_salad.PNG)

Founder Fi quit her finance job in the City to create Lime Hut. The most significant part of Fi’s family life was the Sunday Caribbean dinners but as an adult, she became aware of the dietary health issues facing the Afro-Caribbean community. As Fi became more and more health-conscious, she wanted to develop a way to really enjoy healthy food and that’s where Lime Hut comes in. Lime Hut is a modern take on Caribbean food that uses traditional flavours cooked in a healthier, lighter way. Lime Hut began as a supper club and then broke into the Soho street food scene before expanding to also cater weddings and events. There’s also their incredible mentorship program that’s in its fourth year, ‘Lime Hut Helps’. 

[Click here](https://feast-it.com/suppliers/lime-hut) to learn more about Lime Hut and book them for your next event.

## [Big Apple Hot Dogs](https://feast-it.com/suppliers/big-apple-hot-dogs)
Follow Big Apple Hot Dogs on [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/bigapplehotdogs/). 

![Big Apple Hot Dogs ](//images.ctfassets.net/91pq7vxbip7x/6PXjGaeEeOjoh4UOelBUa2/b74c6d0dc4d0792fe810e09a792270ab/018_BigAppleHotDogs_GeorginaCope.jpg)

Now in their tenth year, Big Apple Hot Dogs’ mission is still to bring you the best hot dog experience of your entire life. Beginning as a New York-style hot dog cart on Old Street, BAHD has since won British Street Food Awards, traded at festivals and major sporting events, catered for Tom Cruise and even supplied Heston Blumenthal.

Big Apple Hot Dogs have an [online shop](https://shop.bigapplehotdogs.com/) where you can order their unbeatable sausages! Bringing BAHD sausages to your garden BBQ this summer is sure to cement you as the best BBQ host amongst your friends! 

You can also book them for your next event, [here](https://feast-it.com/suppliers/big-apple-hot-dogs).

## [Spinach & Agushi](https://feast-it.com/suppliers/spinach-and-agushi)
Follow Spinach & Agushi on [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/spinachandagushi/). 

![Spinach & Agushi ](//images.ctfassets.net/91pq7vxbip7x/21WW4gnwDhYC6GoNxHNCLk/7105fb6916350b805502fd481367c775/Feast-It-Spinach-and-Agushi-street-food-event-catering-Ghanaian-cuisine-book-now-three.jpg)

Spinach & Agushi have been a famous fixture at Broadway Market since 2004! The team are all about bringing the exciting flavours of Ghanaian and African food to the masses and have spread the word through their supper club. Their first being 10 years ago, Spinach & Agushi are now well known on the London supper club scene for their innovative dishes. You can also book the team for a private or corporate event with their delicious stews, sides, salads and canapés. 

You can order Spinach & Agushi’s fridge filler menu direct to your door! Their menu comprises a choice of delicious sauces and stews that can be accompanied by Jollof Rice, Black-Eyed Beans, Suya Chicken Wings and their Hot Pepper Sauce. Bestsellers include Chicken and Groundnut, Beef Stew and Coconut Chicken. Place your order [here](https://www.spinachandagushi.com/collections/delivery-menu). 

And, you can book Spinach & Agushi to cater at your next event, [here](https://feast-it.com/suppliers/spinach-and-agushi).

## [Mama's Jerk](https://feast-it.com/suppliers/mamas-jerk)
Follow Mama's Jerk on [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/mamasjerk/). 

![Mama's Jerk](//images.ctfassets.net/91pq7vxbip7x/5phxBxVMcZm9GJSUgfotkZ/4c26558e5baee18576404181523212ee/Jerk_Wings.jpg)

Independent street food business, Mama’s Jerk, took Mama Charlotte’s original Jerk recipe and love of good quality ingredients to create exciting Caribbean flavours in a new and modern way. Mama Charlotte’s secret recipe was developed by experimenting with the fresh ingredients grown on her own farm to put her twist on the Jamaican classic. Her Jerk Marinade recipe was so tasty it was used on just about anything and very fortunately passed down generations. 

Due to major popularity, Mama’s Jerk now has three permanent sites in Deptford, Brixton and Canary Wharf, as well as continuing their street food service at pop-ups and festivals. Not only that but the team also have a huge amount of experience in catering for offices, private events and weddings!

To sample Mama’s Jerk for yourself, you can order on Deliveroo, Uber Eats and Just Eat or buy their incredible homemade sauces via their [website](https://mamasjerk.com/products/). Imagine using Mama’s Jerk’s very own Jerk Spice Rub, Jerk BBQ Sauce or Mama’s Pepper Pickle in your very own kitchen! 

Check out Mama's Jerk for your next event, [here](https://feast-it.com/suppliers/mamas-jerk).

## [Juici Jerk](https://feast-it.com/suppliers/juici-jerk)
Follow Juici Jerk on [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/juici_jerk/). 

![Juici Jerk ](//images.ctfassets.net/91pq7vxbip7x/YgL8CkwdFrZGf8BvGAWDe/ab533d66e3748bcf9d39fa1fe1ee0690/Feast_It_Juici_JerkAM0A5821.jpg)

Combining their British and West-Indian heritage with a love for food, Juici Jerk is spreading a new age taste of the Caribbean by offering a fresh take on this cuisine. From the taste to the experience, Juici Jerk is not your typical Caribbean food spot with their array of dishes to suit the modern diner, but without forgetting their roots. 

It all began in 2017 as a small family business operating from their home kitchen in South West London. Founded by brothers, Jarrell and Troy, they’ve chased their passion for cooking and unique dining experiences. Their phenomenal menu has an extensive range from jerk wraps, burritos, bagels, burgers and salads to so many vegetarian options, seafood dishes and sides.  Juici Jerk was named in TechRound’s Top 10 Food Start-ups to Watch in 2018 and they’re often normally serving the public at Boxpark and Mercato Metropolitano. 

Luckily, for now, you can still enjoy Juici Jerk’s food by ordering on Uber Eats, Deliveroo and Just Eat, and [book them](https://feast-it.com/suppliers/juici-jerk) for your next event with Feast It. To find out more and start salivating, click [here](https://www.juicijerk.com/). 

## [Dookies Grill](https://feast-it.com/suppliers/dookies-grill)
Follow Dookies Grill on [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/dookiesgrill/). 

![Dookies Grill ](//images.ctfassets.net/91pq7vxbip7x/6Zt269ppv6oHdvBBrURBrJ/154cbbc37d13fbb82f251700c09bb22b/Stall_-_the_owners.JPG)

Dookies Grill began in 2014 from Sean’s ambition to start a family-owned catering business serving unique dishes using flavours from his Caribbean roots combined with ingredients from different cultures, all accessible in London. Sean loved Caribbean food growing up and before long he was in the kitchen too. Being in London means that a lot of Dookies Grill’s food is influenced by the style of street food but they can also adapt their menu to a more formal wedding service. 

The team is currently selling Jerk BBQ [meal box kits](https://www.dookiesgrill.co.uk/jerkmealkits) to your door every week made of delicious chicken or rib combos. As if that wasn’t enough, you can also purchase Dookies Grill’s signature premium Jerk BBQ sauce from their [website](https://www.dookiesgrill.co.uk/shop). A sweet but spicy BBQ based sauce made with scotch bonnet chillies and other authentic Caribbean ingredients, this sauce can be used as a condiment or jerk glaze to chicken, fish, lamb or pork. 

[Check out](https://feast-it.com/suppliers/dookies-grill) Dookies Grill if you want delicious Caribbean food at your next event.

## [Treats Club](https://feast-it.com/suppliers/treats-club)
Follow Treats Club on [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/thetreatsclub/)

![Treats Club](//images.ctfassets.net/91pq7vxbip7x/7N0qbazl0WxALoG9MW4wvw/b61b661701fa4447a55960e55170b2e9/Treats_Club.jpg)

Treats Club dessert bar offer fully customisable donut with all the extras you could need! They've featured in Forbes, stylist.com, Hot Dinners, The Handbook and Londonist0, and Chef and owner Lungi was crowned star baker on Channel 4's Great British Bake Off: An Extra Slice!

Right now, you can order their DIY donut and cookie kits from their [website](https://thetreatsclub.com/collections/shop) and have their delicious treats delivered straight to your door.

Livity 

The events industry is built upon the passion and determination of independent business owners. One of the most direct ways to support black-owned businesses in your community is to buy from them.

Black-owned businesses you can support right now

## A message from our Co-founders, Digby & Hugo

The brutal killing of George Floyd, the latest of many Black victims of police violence internationally, has rightly sparked global outrage and protest whilst highlighting the injustice and racism ingrained in our society today. 

This is the first statement Feast It has made in response because we collectively decided to take the time to make sure what we said was meaningful and actionable, rather than just words. As a team, we felt it was vital for us to listen before we spoke and that there were more important voices to hear than ours over the last two weeks.

We have all read countless declarations from companies and celebrities over the last couple of weeks, many of which have been powerful, but plenty which have been criticised for being stronger on content than they were on commitments to actual change. It was very important for us to invest time in educating ourselves and thinking carefully about the steps we wanted to take over the coming weeks and years before we released a statement. Over the last couple of weeks we've had internal conversations to make plans for meaningful actions we can take to make a difference. We've also been in contact with our supplier community to gather their thoughts on how we can do better. 

At Feast It, we have never and would never tolerate racism in any form. However, this period of protest and mobilisation for the Black Lives Matter movement has taught us that this is simply not enough. It's no longer enough to not be racist - we must all work to be actively anti-racist. 

To our Black community members - we stand with you. The disproportionate economic and social barriers facing Black business owners when it comes to starting and maintaining their businesses is nothing new. We want to make sure that your contribution to this brilliant industry is always celebrated and supported. Having taken this time to reflect, we feel as though we have to be better; be better at championing the Black-owned businesses in our community; be better at providing support; be better at educating our team so that we can effectively promote your business to all prospective customers. Your businesses are at the heart and soul of what we do. 

With this in mind, we are sharing the commitments we have been discussing internally as a team and the ways we believe we can begin to make changes in both the short and longer-term.  

Digby & Hugo 
*Co-founders*

## Our actions within our supplier community: 

__Support the Black-owned businesses we work with__: actively support and champion the Black-owned businesses in our community through our public content and social media channels. If you are a Black-owned business and would like to be featured, please let us know. 

__Be conscious of bias__: Ensure we never allow any unconscious bias by conducting a full audit of our sales process and technology, including our supplier-matching algorithm. 

__Fundraising__: Feast It has been fortunate enough to successfully raise funds from investors across hospitality, retail and tech and we want to help leverage this network for positive change. We will run annual fundraising workshops to try and connect Black-owned businesses with potential investors and give feedback on pitching skills.

 
## Our actions within Feast It 
We have made a start and will continue to:

__Educate ourselves__: our management team will set the precedent for self-education, ensuring we regularly seek advice and input from those more knowledgeable within our community.

__Educate our team__: we are sharing all the resources we have found educational with each other and will continue to do so. This will be shared externally in the form of a blog post and we'll also pay for copies of relevant educational material for anyone in the team. 

__Create an Anti-Racist and Inclusivity Committee__: their role will be to hold management to account. This will be a group of people within our team who will ensure we follow through on the actions we are committing to now, as well as creating a permanent culture of change within Feast It. To start, this will come in the form of regular meetings, discussion and initiatives to ensure the engagement of the whole company at every level. 

__Charity partnerships__: our office is in the London Borough of Tower Hamlets, so we will partner with local charities and organisations as well as national ones. We have pinpointed a couple of charities in the borough that supports underrepresented groups and are looking to establish partnerships with them.

__Be representative__: across our social media, website, and printed materials by celebrating all genders, races and ages.

 
## Our longer-term plans:

__Re-evaluate our employment process__: this includes our job advertisements - using recruitment methods to ensure a diverse range of applicants - and how we conduct the entire process post-application. While we are not currently recruiting, this is something we will do before we next hire.

__An audit of all of our internal tools__: ensure that all the businesses we use for our processes also commit to anti-racism and diversity. This could be our sales, email, marketing or data tools/programmes, to name a few. We will contact every business we work with who hasn’t already released a statement. 

__Volunteer schemes__: provide 2 days off work each year for our team to volunteer with charitable organisations. 

__Internship schemes__: the technology industry is known to be one of the least diverse industries in the UK, with Black people forming the smallest representation. A way we can change this is through access and opportunity with an internship scheme at Feast It for young Black people who want to gain experience in technology or at a start-up. 


If you have any feedback on our response or ideas for other ways we could be better, we'd love to hear them. Please email us at contact@feast-it.com.

BLM response 

A message from our Co-founders, Digby & Hugo

Black Lives Matter: our commitment to action

It's no surprise that the COVID-19 pandemic has hit the hospitality industry hard - most of our suppliers are currently unable to work and every day we're helping out customers who have been forced to postpone or cancel their events.

Behind the scenes, our team is working as hard as ever - albeit from our homes - to make this difficult time as smooth as possible for all parties. We're here to help however we can - matching you with incredible suppliers for events later this year and into 2021, finding new dates for postponed events and helping to make any cancellations as simple as possible.

![Feast-It-Pizza-Peddlers-Event-Catering-Pizza-Street-Food-Wood-Fired-Oven-Food-Truck-Unique-Catering-Book-Now-two](//images.ctfassets.net/91pq7vxbip7x/7AduG0xffUE22IuMU6Qw6e/ad6b7ab42184507f611a8836c80e5dae/Feast-It-Pizza-Peddlers-Event-Catering-Pizza-Street-Food-Wood-Fired-Oven-Food-Truck-Unique-Catering-Book-Now-two.jpg)

## Your money is safe
We hold your money safely in a dedicated account with suppliers only getting paid after your event has taken place. This means that in the rare case a supplier is forced to pull out of your event, at the very least you will get your money back. Even better, we're perfectly placed to be able to find you a perfect replacement so your event can still go ahead without a hitch.


## It's easy to postpone
Our flexible terms and conditions enable you to move the date of your event with no penalty and our team are on hand to move everything over to your new date. If your original supplier isn't available, we'll even find you a perfect replacement. 


## Flexible payments
We offer unrivalled flexible payment options such as Feast It Pay, allowing you to split the payment for your event into monthly bitesize chunks. 


## We only work with the best
We handpick every single supplier we work with, guaranteeing only quality suppliers who take any government enforced measures around event safety incredibly seriously. When events are permitted again, we'll be checking in with each supplier to ensure they have all the equipment needed to keep you and your guests safe. 

If you have an enquiry with Feast It and would like a free event consultation with one of our team to talk through your options and the current developments in the event industry, you can [book one here](https://calendly.com/victoria-93/feast-it-event-consultation). If you haven’t enquired yet, [tell us about your event](https://feast-it.com/enquiry) and one of the team will be in touch soon!

Feast-It-Pizza-Peddlers-Event-Catering-Pizza-Street-Food-Wood-Fired-Oven-Food-Truck-Unique-Catering-Book-Now-two

Behind the scenes, our team is working as hard as ever - albeit from our homes - to make this difficult time as smooth as possible for all parties.

Why booking through Feast It gives you security

With many events being cancelled in light of the current COVID-19 pandemic, our suppliers have pivoted away from their typical service and have come up with innovative new offerings and ideas to support themselves and also those who are in need at this time.

We are so proud to see many of our suppliers starting crowdfunding pages to raise money to cater for those in need, and getting involved with brilliant initiatives for which the sole focus is to help those who are vulnerable at the moment. See what they are up to below and please do donate if you can!

We can also all agree that home deliveries of food, drinks and fresh goods are more welcome now than ever, so take a look at what some of these suppliers have got on offer and click to find out how to get involved. Please do all you can to buy from local, small businesses - it really does make a world of difference!  

[__Meals for the NHS__](https://www.mealsforthenhs.com/) - A new initiative, providing much-needed meals for NHS workers in hospitals across the UK. Suppliers are paid by public donations and just £30 can buy 6+ meals for our wonderful NHS workers. 

[__The Good Slice__](https://www.instagram.com/thegoodslice/) - Delicious pizza delivery that does some good! All profits donated to the Imperial Health Charity’s COVID-19 Fund

[__Crosstown Doughnuts__](https://www.instagram.com/crosstowndoughnuts/) - Buy a box of doughnuts (at discounted price) to be delivered as a very well deserved boost to the frontline worker at an NHS hospital

[__The Camberwell Arms__](https://camberwell-arms.myshopify.com/collections/essentials-hampers) - Offering Hampers for Heroes, for which you can buy an essentials food hamper for yourself, and give one to the NHS too

[__Dinner Ladies__](https://dinnerladiesltd.com/deliveries) - Fresh and delicious seasonal dishes delivered to yout home, and they are also crowdfunding to produce meals for the NHS, homeless charities, and carehomes. They are also doing live cook-alongs and a 'Film Your Fridge' series, whereby you can get their help with what to cook at home 

[__The Bear Kitchen__](https://www.gofundme.com/f/food-for-the-fight) - Raising funds to be able to provide free, nutritious meals to NHS workers in London 

[__Honest Burgers__](https://www.honestburgers.co.uk/news/honest-at-home/) - Offering 'Honest at Home' burger kits, for which all the profits go to [The Trussell Trust](https://www.instagram.com/trusselltrust/), [Landworkers' Alliance](https://www.instagram.com/landworkersalliance/) and [Hospitality Action](https://www.instagram.com/hospitalityaction/) 

[__n5 Kitchen__ ](https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/n5kitchen)- This team are crowdfunding in order to provide meals to the NHS and are also in partnership with the brilliant initiative, [Hospitality For Heroes](https://www.instagram.com/hospitalityforheroes/)

[__Spier's Salads__](https://www.instagram.com/spierssalads/) - Home-delivery of fruit and veg boxes and donating groceries to Lewisham Hospital, which customers can contribute to when ordering their own

[__Karma Cans__](https://www.gofundme.com/f/hospitality-for-heroes) - Contributing meals to feed the NHS, in partnership with [Hospitality for Heroes](https://www.instagram.com/hospitalityforheroes/)

[__Pasta Evangelists__](https://www.instagram.com/pastaevangelists/) - Pasta care kits delivered to you or a family member - money from each kit is donated to support the work of [AgeUK](https://www.instagram.com/age_uk/)

[__Sweet Nothing Bakehouse__](https://www.instagram.com/sweetnothingbakehouse/) - Mail order sweet treats right to your front door, across the UK. Also selling their excess brownies, for which all the profits go to the NHS

[__Paddy's__](https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/paddysfeedsthenhs?utm_term=Nk4VAJGZK) - Crowdfunding to raise money to feed the NHS and carehomes 

[__Hector and Harriet__](https://www.instagram.com/hectorandharriet/) - Keeping our Scottish NHS workers fed with free delicious meals

[__Routes Coffee__](https://www.instagram.com/routescoffee/) - Coffee delivery of the best beans around

[__Elysia Catering__](https://elysia-home-deliveries.myshopify.com/) - Delivering all types of sustainable essentials, and also doing live cook-alongs

[__Lovely Buns__](https://www.instagram.com/heylovelybuns/) - Quarantine cake deliveries for you or a friend from this plant-based bakery

[__Shandy Shack__](https://www.instagram.com/shandy.shack/) - Bottles and cans of refreshing shandy direct to you! 

[__Le Swine__](https://www.instagram.com/le_swine/) - The best bacon butties around, delivered to your front door 

[__The Cheese Truck__](https://www.instagram.com/thecheesetruck/) - Treats to keep us going: cheese, wine and charcuterie delivery across the UK!

[__En Root__](https://www.instagram.com/enrootldn/) - Fresh fruit & delivery (South London postcodes only)

[__Farmer's Mistress__](https://www.instagram.com/farmersmistress/) - No excuse to miss out on a roast this weekend - get one delivered!

[__Patty & Bun__](https://www.instagram.com/pattyandbun/) - Lockdown DIY patty kit to bring Patty & Bun to your own kitchen!

[__Greenbox Food Co__](https://www.instagram.com/greenboxfoodco/) - 'Roast in the Post': vegan roast dinner delivery

[__Nice Drinks__](https://www.instagram.com/drink_nice/) - Wine in a can delivered to your door

[__Punchy Drinks__](https://www.punchydrinks.com/shop) - Stock up on your punch supply, and pop in the code STOCKPILE at the checkout for 20% off!

[__Utter Waffle__](https://www.instagram.com/utterwaffle/) - Fresh waffles delivered to your front door, via Deliveroo - NHS workers eat for free!

[__Original Small Beer__](https://www.instagram.com/originalsmallbeer/) - Home delivery of sustainably brewed beers

[__Cheeky Burger__](http://cheekyburgercompany.com/) - Offering home burger kits so you can still get your fix

[__Wholesome Junkies__](https://www.instagram.com/wholesomejunkies/) - Delivery of wholesome vegan food packed with flavour

*__If you're a supplier who'd like to be featured, please email partners@feast-it.com and we'd be delighted to add you to the list.__*

Cheeky Burger-5 (2)

With many events being cancelled in light of the current COVID-19 pandemic, many of our suppliers have pivoted away from their typical service and have come up with innovative new offerings to support themselves and those in need.

Lockdown Initiatives From Our Suppliers

## The events industry.

The events industry is undoubtedly one of the hardest hit sectors as a result of the [COVID-19 outbreak](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1HaUsTFrF0oPZl3lngXDsPABpx6f4auUKZD1vaSsZRzU/edit#). Right now, we all face unprecedented times and for at least the near future, a high degree of uncertainty and worry. 


![government coronavirus](//images.ctfassets.net/91pq7vxbip7x/3xQpExViAmzYJToguLyQA5/e653a95cd02c05d3aeaa8f8235d77c40/governmentcorona.jpeg)


Since the government has stepped up protocols and introduced new measures to try and contain the spread of the virus, we in the events industry have seen the cancellation of sporting events, festivals and concerts as well as the stagnation of private events all over the UK. As such, worries over finances, our health, and where to get support are prevelant. 

With no end in sight, and with the worst case scenario seeing 20% of the UK’s workplace being absent from work, this led to the government announcing a level of support equivalent to 1/6th of the UK economy - £330b. Since this announcement on the 17/03/2020, we have seen much of our Feast It supplier community and the wider events industry left confused as to what grants and loans they are entitled to and how they can obtain them. Questions surrounding help that can be received outside of government aid have also been posed frequently.


## [Find out what support you're eligible for.](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1HaUsTFrF0oPZl3lngXDsPABpx6f4auUKZD1vaSsZRzU/edit)

[![covid-19 doc](//images.ctfassets.net/91pq7vxbip7x/1rVAqNrn8wfrcwngg1v4VM/a4ae445c40f5dff942b3792f0ebd6676/feast-it-covid-19-document.png)](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1HaUsTFrF0oPZl3lngXDsPABpx6f4auUKZD1vaSsZRzU/)


As a result we felt it was necessary to provide as much clarity as possible to help all of us make sense of this budget and to provide guidance to see us through the coming months. The information attached is recorded as of the 20/03/2020 and references information from government sources as well as bodies such as the FSB and NCASS. It will be updated as and when any relevant information is made available, however, given the abundance of updates and multiple sources, if you find any information to be false, out of date or if you are aware of something we have not mentioned, please email partners@feast-it.com so we can ensure the information we are sharing amongst our community is as accurate as it can be.

Worthy of note are also a number of petitions we have linked to in there to point people in the direction of movements specifically concerned with the self employed and mobile caterers. 

[View and download our latest guidance](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1HaUsTFrF0oPZl3lngXDsPABpx6f4auUKZD1vaSsZRzU/edit#)

## If you find this useful, [share it](https://www.facebook.com/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Ffeast-it.com%2Fmagazine%2Fcovid-19-guidance).
In making this document, we found it difficult to come across a singular source of truth and we had varying degrees of information provided to us by the local councils we spoke to. This is truly an unprecedented time, causing huge amounts of stress and uncertainty to businesses and individuals involved. If you feel others will benefit from this information [please share](https://www.facebook.com/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Ffeast-it.com%2Fmagazine%2Fcovid-19-guidance) this post. 


Kindest,
The Feast It team.

Feast It Team

The most up to date COVID-19 information in relation to the events industry

COVID-19 guidance for the events industry

## From the moment you submit an enquiry with Feast It, you're assigned a personal Event Pro. This team member will be with you every step of the way through your event organisation until after your event. Our Event Pros are experienced experts in events - there's no request to big and no question too silly for them. 

## Meet our fish and chip aficionado Event Pro, Miles.

![Feast-It-Headshots-B-BG--11-retouch](//images.ctfassets.net/91pq7vxbip7x/4FgS3wGi2nhkUN0B0tUCjO/b2191dfa0731e18cd6eb3fe7eddc04c3/Feast-It-Headshots-B-BG--11-retouch.jpg)



## The best thing about working in events is... 
The people you work with, everyone is excited to create the most memorable events for all parties involved (pardon the pun!). 

## My top tip for organising your event is...
Fail to plan plan to fail, ie preparation is key! Your event might seem like a lifetime away, but suppliers get booked up months if not years in advance, so if you want the perfect event, start planning and booking early!
 
## My party trick is...
 I have been known to crack out the worm, it never fails to impress! 
 
## My favourite cuisine is... 
I like to think of myself as a bit of a Fish & Chips connoisseur, I’ve tried most establishments in London, Kent and Bristol, and am yet to find the perfect chip, but Fish Lounge in Brixton came awfully close to that sacred 10/10.
 
## The coolest client I've booked an event for is... 
 I booked an office party for Facebook last summer and both the suppliers and clients were super happy with the outcome, success!
 
## My greatest culinary achievement is...
When I cooked a Thai Green Curry for a 30 guest dinner party. I’ve never taken such care and consideration when cooking Basmati rice, I am now a master at it.

 
## I embarass myself at parties by... 
I’ll be the first on the microphone if there’s a chance to do some karaoke. I think I’m the only one who enjoys it but I can’t half belt out FourFiveSeconds by Rihanna.
 
## My favourite Feast It suppliers are...
 [Knowing Meat Knowing You](https://feast-it.com/vendors/knowing-meat-knowing-you), [Hop Stuff Brewery](https://feast-it.com/vendors/hop-stuff-brewery) & [Papi Churro](https://feast-it.com/vendors/papi-churro) - I’d have them all at my party in a shot. And I'd have [Steven Morris](https://feast-it.com/vendors/steven-morris-photography) to capture it all! 



Feast-It-Headshots-B-BG--11-retouch

Feast-It-Team-Office--25

Feast-It-Team-Office--30

Meet Miles, one of our fabulous Event Pros! 

Meet your Event Pro: Miles

## From the moment you submit an enquiry with Feast It, you're assigned a personal Event Pro. This team member will be with you every step of the way through your event organisation until after your event. Our Event Pros are experienced experts in events - there's no request to big and no question too silly for them. 

## Meet our lovely Event Pro, Imogen, who's a sucker for Mexican food!  

![Feast-It-Headshots-B-BG--12](//images.ctfassets.net/91pq7vxbip7x/3bByJqNxkh3c12H1ouJxTO/4bdd6fdecfab4b171927c71f7c1ea16f/Feast-It-Headshots-B-BG--12.jpg)


## The best thing about working in events is... 
There’s always something happening, and each day throws something new at you. You’re literally never bored!

## My top tip for organising your event is...
Have a clear vision of what you're looking for and be flexible with the budget if possible. It just makes it a whole lot easier to organise your dream party! 
 
## My party trick is...
I’m pretty proud of this one: I can break an apple in half with my bare hands. Don’t ask, just google ‘Bob Mortimer would I lie to you apple’. 
 
## My favourite cuisine is... 
It has got to be Mexican! Tacos and tequila, need I say more...Best food in the world - so quick, delicious and fresh. 
 
## The coolest client I've booked an event for is... 
It was probably a Lord of the Rings themed wedding in a field - that was a really fun one to chat through! They wanted some very rustic style food to suit the general Middle Earth vibe and I'm happy to say that we were able to offer it! 

## My greatest culinary achievement is...
Surviving a month cheffing in the Mexican street food restaurant, Cargo Cantina in Bristol. This was an absolute whirlwind and full of weird and wonderful people. But I think I lost a few marbles along the way with those 16 hour shifts!

## My favourite Feast It suppliers are...
Foodwise, [Taco Truck](https://feast-it.com/vendors/taco-truck) - Henning’s taco and tequila parties are legendary! - and [Chubby Dumpling](https://feast-it.com/vendors/chubby-dumpling), whose father-daughter run business is just adorable. I’ve got to have [Hannah Anderson](https://feast-it.com/vendors/hannah-anderson) in there as my top photographer: she is so talented, and can do such a range of different styles, from elegant wedding pics to incredible drone footage. 

Feast-It-Headshots-B-BG--12 (1)

Feast-It-Team-Office--21

Meet Imogen, one of our fabulous Event Pros! 

Meet your Event Pro: Imogen

## From the moment you submit an enquiry with Feast It, you're assigned a personal Event Pro. This team member will be with you every step of the way through your event organisation until after your event. Our Event Pros are experienced experts in events - there's no request to big and no question too silly for them. 

## Meet our lovely Event Pro, Mia, who has cooked alongside Masterchef finalists!

![Feast-It-Headshots-B-BG--21](//images.ctfassets.net/91pq7vxbip7x/3mcVMt75Dl9DV66jSa17tP/ad1d3520ef452150790d88feff88720d/Feast-It-Headshots-B-BG--21.jpg)


## The best thing about working in events is... 
Working with the suppliers we work with on a daily basis. Their passion, hard work and ‘up-for-anything’ attitude never goes unnoticed or unappreciated. What we see at events is only the half of it - there is an insane amount of love and creativity that goes into creating the food, drink and services that these guys offer, so it’s a pleasure chatting with them, knowing how much each event means to them and their businesses.

## My top tip for organising your event is...
Go with your gut. Literally and metaphorically. 
 
## My party trick is...
 I can sing the first few verses of ‘Despacito’ in Spanish, very impressive for when it comes on twice a year...
 
## My favourite cuisine is... 
Middle Eastern, without a doubt. The incredible flavours, simple ingredients and passion that goes into making the food is what makes it for me, that and the culture that surrounds it - sitting with friends and family with a mountain of hot, fresh pittas, velvet-smooth hummus and freshly fried falafel, is my happy place. 
 
## My greatest culinary achievement is...
Cooking for a Burns Night themed lunch at Conde Nast with two Masterchef finalists. Major imposter syndrome.
 
## I embarass myself at parties by... 
Picking up small bits of cardboard off the floor without using my hands...in a game fondly known as The Cereal Box game. It’s a thing, I promise. Best not to ask too many questions.
 
## My favourite Feast It suppliers are...
[Cue Point](https://feast-it.com/vendors/cue-point) - for Middle Eastern food like you’ve never had it before, [Laura Maclean](https://feast-it.com/vendors/laura-maclean-photography) - for the most stunning photos, Mix & Muddle (for some serious cocktails) and [Humble Crumble](https://feast-it.com/vendors/humble-crumble-london) (for the best darn crumble you’ll ever have). 



Feast-It-Headshots-B-BG--21

Meet Mia, one of our fabulous Event Pros! 