Barings Law, a north-west based legal firm, has successfully recovered approximately £1.2 million in compensation for 58 businesses impacted by COVID-19 restrictions. The claims, settled between December 2024 and February 2025, relate to pandemic-era losses suffered primarily by close-contact and hospitality sectors—including hairdressers, cafés, clinics, pubs, and retail shops—dating back to 2020 and 2021.
In addition to the £1.2 million figure, a number of other offers have also been received from insurers which may lead to future settlements.
Senior Associate at Barings’ Business Interruption Department Greg Cave said: “For many of these businesses, this isn’t just compensation. It’s recognition of the hardship they endured when the world shut down during the pandemic.
“Behind every claim is a story of perseverance: a small café, a local salon, a family-run pub, all fighting to stay afloat through unimaginable times.
He continued: “These settlements are more than just numbers; they are a cathartic step toward healing for those who were the hardest hit and overlooked for too long.
“The team at Barings are proud to stand beside our clients as they reclaim what was lost, and we continue the fight for what’s still owed.”
During March this year alone, the firm has already settled nine Business Interruption Claims (BIC) totalling just over £232k and is expecting to receive a number of other payments as well as offers which are currently being discussed with clients.
Barings’ success comes as the deadline for bringing a BIC is set to expire in early 2026. As the date edges closer, policy holders are encouraged to re-examine their policies to assess whether previously rejected claims will now be responded to.
The firm has maintained a foremost position in the fight for BIC’s over the last few years and has played a pivotal role in test cases at the Courts.
Five years from the height of restrictions – which saw up to a quarter of UK businesses shuttered altogether – the impact of Covid continues to be felt, particularly in the hospitality and leisure sectors..
Elsewhere, last month Barings Law won a pivotal High Court appeal that would enable around 5,000 motor finance claimants to pursue justice as part of eight omnibus actions, rather than on an individual basis.
The firm has also been recognised for its pioneering work in data breach and technology claims by Legal Insider magazine, who awarded them ‘Data Protection & Privacy Law Firm of the Year – Manchester 2025.’
Greg added: “Our work doesn’t stop with one settlement or one client; it continues until every voice that was silenced by the pandemic and bore the brunt of a national crisis is heard and every rightful claim is answered.
“From small business owners to motor finance claimants, our mission remains the same. Justice should be accessible, collective, and enduring.
“As the window for claims narrows, our message is clear: it’s not too late to seek what you’re rightfully owed, and we’re here to help you fight for it.”