Pub group raises a glass to revival thanks to help from managed IT specialist
A Derbyshire managed IT services specialist says it has played a vital role in helping an East Midlands independent pub operator recover from the “devastating” effects of the Covid-19 pandemic on the hospitality sector.
IDT, which is based on Mercian Park in Ilkeston, provided its services free of charge during the 18 months that four Distinctive Inns were forced to close, enabling the sites to continue to function.
The four pubs – The Riverside in Farndon, The Nuthall in Nuthall, The Dorset in West Bridgford and The Priory in Nanpantan have now all reopened and welcomed customers back.
“The pandemic has been and continues to be horrific and damaging for businesses, said Luke Draper, managing director of IDT.
He added: “While every business has been affected in some way, we have been lucky where many haven’t. Contracts, red tape, and profits go out the window in times like these and humanity comes through in my eyes. Doing the right thing for me takes precedent and I’m proud we have been able to do this for our customers.”
The Distinctive Inns pubs have survived the pandemic and are now open again and thriving, according to bosses. IDT is currently carrying out and implementing a new cloud based Wi-Fi solution that will cover all sites. With all the pubs now offering a much more extended dining and seating area outside the new Wi-Fi will enable its customers to take advantage of better free wi-fi and utilise the Distinctive Inn’s mobile apps through their own devices, safely and COVID-securely across the entire group chain.
Ross Tunaley, director at Distinctive Inns, said: I cannot speak highly enough of IDT. Being in the hospitality industry over the last 18 months has been incredibly difficult for us and one we didn’t know if we would survive. Luke reached out to us right at the start and not only offered any extra support and assistance we needed, he suspended our support costs throughout the duration of the pandemic – a gesture that will never go unforgotten.
“Having worked with IDT for a number of years now, you know they are not interested in making a quick buck out of their customers; they are interested in us, our business, our progression and, especially in the last 18 months, our survival.
“Being recommended to IDT at the very start, I know first hand this sort of customer service is not a one off – it’s across the board for their client base and a standard for them.”
