The Comfort Inn
A safe space for key workers as a result of the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS). With views stretching out to France, situated on the picturesque East Cliffs of Ramsgate, lies The Comfort Inn, a quaint hotel that has been welcoming its guests for over a century.
The Comfort Inn was able to remain in action during the pandemic, offering a secure environment for key workers and NHS staff as a result of a loan scheme delivered by Let’s Do Business Finance (LDBF).
Mr. Kanani has owned The Comfort Inn since 1988. Fast forward to 2020, the long-standing hotel rivals competitors as a much-loved part of the local community, promoting ‘something for everyone’ and welcoming tourists, workers and residents alike through its doors.
The uncertainty of the Covid-19 pandemic however, left many like Mr. Kanani in a position where expansion plans, and daily work life came to a halt.
Since lockdown began in March 2020, the hotel remained closed to the public, but was able to provide rooms to key workers, including engineers working on the offshore wind farm.
Due to the hotel bar and conference facilities having to remain closed, Mr. Kanani sought assistance from our expert team at LDBF to cover ongoing working capital so when the pandemic was over, he could continue with the businesses’ expansion plans.
As accredited delivery partners of the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS), Mr. Kanani was able to access financial support through the government-backed scheme. This funding enabled the hotel owner to cover wages for staff not on furlough, utilities and supplies so they could continue to deliver a high level of service and offer a safe space to key workers staying in the hotel during the height of the pandemic.
“The support I received was invaluable. Lock down brought us a great deal of uncertainty, so accessing funding through this scheme was the lifeline we needed. I’m hugely grateful for the support of Lisa and the team as we move ahead with expansion plans.”
Mr. Kanani, like many other CBILS customers, will benefit from the scheme which provides much needed finance to small and medium sized enterprises with favorable rates: 12-months interest free, no set-up or early repayment fees and with Let’s Do Business Finance, businesses can further benefit from impartial, professional and fully-funded business support.
“It was a pleasure to work with Mr. Kanani on his loan application during the height of the Coronavirus pandemic and to provide funds at a crucial time for the business, even though the hotel remained open they were reliant on income from key workers staying at the hotel and missed out on lucrative income over the bank holiday periods. I found Mr. Kanani very open and honest and it is clear how engaged he is with the hotel and staff.”
“The coronavirus situation has had a huge impact on many businesses’ cash flow, especially those in the hospitality industry. It has created massive uncertainty over the future, had an impact on staff morale, and many companies have had to pivot to keep going. As a business ourselves, we had to adapt quickly to meet the challenging introduction timescales of CBILS, but the team has done a fantastic job. I’m pleased that our team have been able to assist growing businesses like The Comfort Inn and in doing so, contribute to the economic recovery of the Kent”
Now, Mr. Kanani is looking forward to moving ahead with plans to continue with the refurbishment of the hotel bathrooms and the bar area.
Strikingly inviting, warm and friendly, this hotel not only has a lot to offer in its facilities but with close attractions to Ramsgate Tunnels, Escape Rooms and the beautiful seaside, a weekend away at The Comfort Inn could be the breath of fresh air many families strive for after a long lock down period.