Hong Kong’s economy has been facing serious challenges as a result of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. With the recent drop in the number of new cases, Towngas was quick to launch the
“Supporting F&B and the Economy” campaign, for which a kick-off ceremony was held on 18 May 2020. Three measures are offered as part of this campaign to help the catering industry overcome the present hurdles.
The campaign includes a kitchen equipment rental and purchase scheme especially tailored for small- and medium-sized eateries. The scheme serves to facilitate individuals and organisations looking to join the catering industry by lowering the start-up investment cost and addressing potential cash flow difficulties.
New eateries with a size of 2,000 square feet or below can apply to Towngas for an 18-month interest-free loan of up to HK$500,000 to be used towards purchasing kitchen equipment and facilities.
Applications for the rental and purchase scheme are accepted from 1 June onwards and is expected to be open until 31 May 2021, with an estimated tens of millions of Hong Kong dollars budgeted.
At the same time, Towngas also launched its brand-new loyalty programme and online shopping platform entitled Towngas Fun. Towngas customers will instantly receive a food and beverage e-coupon valued at HK$50 upon registration to the programme, to be used at any of the close to 1,000 participating eateries with the aim of stimulating dining out and fuelling economic recovery.
The Towngas Fun membership programme and online shopping platform is now available in the form of a mobile app on Google Play and App Store for download. Please refer to the relevant details on
www.towngasfun.com.
The third measure provides a safety net for participating eateries: Eatery owners who open an account at ZA Bank will be covered by the ZA F&B Relief Fund, and will enjoy protection (1) of up to HK$50,000 in the unfortunate event that the eatery is subject to temporary closure as a result of the novel coronavirus.
(1) Protection provided by ZA International. Please refer to ZA F&B Relief Fund for details: https://care.za.group/en/TG-Corp-Fund
Mr Alfred Chan Wing-kin (4
th from right), Towngas Managing Director, Mr Peter Wong Wai-yee (right), Towngas Executive Director and Chief Operating Officer – Utilities Business, Mr Tommy Cheung Yu-yan (5
th from right), member of the Executive Council and Legislative Council, hosting the “Supporting F&B and the Economy” campaign kick-off ceremony with representatives of major catering associations.