A new study has revealed that more than a third (37.8 per cent) of Brits would be more inclined to visit a hospitality venue specifically because it offered charging facilities as a service.

The study, which was conducted by CHARGit, a provider of pioneering wireless charging technology, questioned 2,000 consumers from all over the UK as part of research into the habits of people who use portable electronic devices.

As part of the study, respondents were asked: 'Would you be more likely to visit/ book a venue (bar, café, shop, restaurant, hotel etc) that offered charging facilities as a standard service?' to which 37.8% said that yes they would, with 31.2% saying maybe. Just 31.1% said it wouldn't influence their decision.

In addition, the study found that 65% of people admitted to suffering from 'battery anxiety' when running out of battery charge if out and about.

Hayley Freedman, co-founder of CHARGit said: "It wasn't so long ago that 'free Wi-Fi here' was a welcoming enticement for potential custom at a hospitality venue. These days free Wi-Fi is seen as a given, but the offer of charging facilities offers untapped potential for hospitality providers. Now that Apple is completely on-board with wireless charging after their big announcement on Tuesday, it should be the catalyst for most of the world to follow suit.

"We're becoming increasingly reliant on our smartphones and other portable electronic devices. This reliance is inextricably linked to battery life. Without battery, our smartphones, tablets and laptops are useless. With two thirds of us admitting to feeling anxious when batteries run low, this is something hospitality venues should be taking advantage of."

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