The Escape Key Ltd

Interview: Rachel Ashburn

City centre, Newcastle upon Tyne

Escape Room

How has your business/organisation been affected by the Covid-19 lockdown?

Unable to do business during the lockdown because of government restrictions.

What have been the biggest challenges for you during the lockdown whether logistical, financial, etc.?

Financial

What are the biggest challenges coming out of the lockdown?

Financial, customers don’t have the confidence to book

Have you had to start selling in a different way than usual for example a bar or restaurant selling beer or food online?

Developing an outdoor escape room app

If applicable how important has any funding (arts, government, etc.) been to keep going and was it hard to get hold of?

Furlough scheme and business loan easy to get hold of

Was your type of business one of the ones that fell through the cracks in funding opportunities?

Yes

Have you done/are doing any crowdfunding for your business or organisation or selling gift vouchers, special products, etc.?

Gift Vouchers

Have you or are you having to adapt to new ways of working such as moving your business online or doing classes, events or seminars by Zoom or similar?

Rooms all sanitised between games means extra time and money. Developing outdoor game.

What are the digital tools that you have you been using or are intending to use?

Instagram

Have you added new products related to Covid-19 such as masks, etc.?

Masks, visors, additional cleaning