As businesses look ahead to a new way of opening and customers look forward to a whole new way of enjoying leisure activities, technology can play a very big role.

Leicestershire entrepreneur, Lee Quinn, has created an app called Capacity, which works to tell people how full a venue is before they arrive. It means you’ll be able to check ahead of arriving at a restaurant or leisure venue to make sure that there’s plenty of room for social distancing to enjoy a safe experience.

We caught up with him to find out more about it.

Can you tell us a little more about how Capacity works?

Capacity is a socially driven app that will help the public to find out if supermarkets, bars, restaurants etc are busy or not and if there are queues to get in. This is live data which is controlled fully by the public.

What type of businesses is it best suited to?

This app is suitable for all business which the public can enter, particularly the hospitality and retail sector.

capacity app leicester

How did the idea for the app come about?

The idea came about a number of years ago when I was on a night out in an unfamiliar city and wanted to know where would be busy. In the current climate, we have redesigned the app to assist the economy in getting back to its former self.

You’re based in Leicestershire yourself, where are some of your favourite places to visit?

My favourite place has to be, of course, the King Power Stadium! However, I love the small market towns of the surrounding areas and finding a gem of a country pub.

Do you think it will be vital for businesses to adopt new technology to survive?

I believe businesses have to think of new and innovative ways in which to drive customers into their venues and new ways of connecting with the public, for example, by enticing them with offers.

What advice would you give to businesses who are looking to re-open soon?

It is vital that businesses ensure customers that their establishments are safe for them to enter and that all guidelines will be adhered to. If customers know how full venues are beforehand, it could reassure them that they are going to a safe place.

How much does the app cost for businesses and customers?

The app is 100% free for customers and businesses alike, all venues are currently on the app. In the future, we hope that businesses will work with us to find new and exciting ways to promote their business. If they can let their customers know that they are on Capacity, we can help to drive custom to them.

You can find our more and get updates via Facehook and Instagram.

The app is now available on iOS and will be available within the next couple of weeks on Android.