Chef Network & Musgrave MarketPlace will host a FREE  live webinar and panel discussion on Tuesday, 3rd November 2020 from 12PM - 1PM where they will explore how our panelists have adapted their business models in response to the current environment and what this looks like for the upcoming festive season. 

The International Air Transport Association is working to set up a testing system that will replace compulsory quarantine to help revive the airline industry that's been decimated by the coronavirus outbreak.  IATA, which represents about 290 airlines globally, is working with the International Civil Aviation Organization and the World Health Organisation to put in place scalable, affordable and fast testing systems, said Conrad Clifford, IATA's regional vice president for Asia Pacific.

As Brexit implementation approaches, businesses are now focused on final preparations and systems adjustments which will be required from January 1st 2021.  A wide range of state supports are available to assist businesses in these preparations.

​Details of the proposed Covid Restrictions Support Scheme (“CRSS”) were published in the Finance Bill 2020. The CRSS is a targeted support for businesses significantly impacted by restrictions introduced by the Government under public health regulations to combat the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic.

The key features of the proposed scheme are:

Minister for Foreign Affairs Simon Coveney has said a post-Brexit trade deal is “likely” but it will not be easy.
Mr Coveney described talks between the EU and the UK as currently being in a “very serious zone” and said he is “under no illusion of the challenges” as they try to come to an agreement.

He said the next 10 to 14 days is the “realistic” timeline now “to complete this.  “We’re likely to get a deal but it won’t be easy,” Mr Coveney said.

Severe travel restrictions and social distancing are threatening the survival of many parts of the tourism industry, the Oireachtas tourism committee has heard.  Industry representatives said the outbreak of Covid-19 created the “perfect storm”, leaving a major gap in Ireland’s economy.

Over 20 Sodexo employees slept out in various locations in Dublin and nationwide on Friday 16th October, raising €14,000 for Focus Ireland and its ‘Shine a Light Night’ national fundraiser.  Senior management, chefs, account managers, head office employees and family members all bedded down in sleeping bags and tents in homes, gardens and other socially distanced spaces to support the charity. 

In his Budget speech on 13 October 2020, the Minister for Finance announced his intention to introduce the Covid Restrictions Support Scheme (“CRSS”) as an additional support for businesses subject to significant Covid-19 restrictions. The scheme is intended to be in addition to the supports provided to employers under the Employer Wage Support Scheme (“EWSS”). Set out below is information on how the scheme is intended to operate as well as some worked examples demonstrating this.

Chef Ireland has today announced the All Ireland Chef of the year Culinary Championships, which will be held on a date to be announced in 2021 and subject to COVID – 19 restrictions.

As a result of COVID -19 restrictions this competition will be organised and held in closed identified kitchens that meet the requirements of the competition rules.