Derby tech firm App4, which creates bespoke food and drink ordering apps, has said its technology is playing a key role in helping businesses in the sector survive through lockdown.

According to the company, which supplies its technology to pubs, restaurants and takeaways across the country, more than a million orders of food and drink have been made through its purpose-built apps since the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic.

They have been used by more than 375,000 people and generated orders worth £22 million.

The company, which is based at Connect Derby’s Sadler Bridge Studios, in Bold Lane, has released the figures after the Government recently announced new restrictions on the hospitality industry to combat the second wave of Covid-19.

Founder Ian Chambers said: “We create apps which help businesses reduce their costs, maximise profits and provide a direct personal service to our customers.

“We know from some of our clients that our bespoke app has helped save jobs because they have been able to maintain much of their pre-Covid business.

“Ordering by app from tables or in advance of visiting takeaways gives customers confidence of staying safe.

“The figures speak for themselves and we are pleased that they have quickly learned how to use the bespoke apps to order the food and drink from their favourite establishments.

“This upturn in our orders has also enabled us to play our part in helping the local economy by taking on more staff to cope with demand.”