Innovation often occurs when there is a need for change, and there has been no bigger need for adaptation then during the Covid-19 pandemic. Most businesses have had to re-evaluate their ways of working and how they serve customers. We take a look at some of the innovations and changes businesses have made in the last few months.
Drive Throughs
Drive throughs were previously only thought of as a way to get hold of your favourite fast food without needing to leave the comfort of your vehicle. The ability to keep people within a vehicle and therefore not interacting with one another has enabled some businesses to sell their products whilst remaining safe during the pandemic. Many farm shops have adapted to this way of supplying locals with key essential products such as eggs and milk, which were in high demand during the early days of the pandemic. The National Forest Adventure Farm in Tatenhill had great success offering this service and was able to provide a safe shopping experience where customers could remain in their cars. Drive through Covid-19 test centres were also set up by the government to allow safe and quick testing with minimal person to person contact.
Payment Solutions
Contactless payments have become important in minimising the transition of Covid-19 when purchasing goods and services, by reducing the handling of money the contact between staff and customer is reduced. Businesses that were slow to adopt cashless payments were left at a disadvantage during the start of lockdown, many of these businesses have now adopted contactless payments and are advising customers to use them where possible. Not only have contactless payments increased but the limit was also increased during the pandemic from £30 to £45 from the 1st April to help aid customers who are using these payment methods.
Pop-ups
Previously businesses that relied on markets or a gathering of people in order to operate have had to think of new and innovative ways of selling their products. Many companies including bakers, butchers and food vendors started running pop-ups and utilising locations that were closed and available during lockdown such as pub car parks. Through social media advertising business were able to let their customers know the location they were going to be at and what products were available. Innovative thinking such as this enabled companies to keep their business going despite lockdown restrictions. Some businesses are still continuing to offer this service as it has proved to be profitable.
Ordering Apps
The reopening of businesses in England brought with it many changes in the way that things operated. Service businesses such as pubs, restaurants and more have started adopting ordering apps to allow them to minimise the contact between customers and staff and keep customers in their seats during their visit. App development companies have started offering digital ordering apps as a new product with digital menus and payment services included within the app. This is a great example of an innovative product that has seen an increase in demand due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
