Supported by Worcester MP Robin Walker and Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce, the Worcester News’ Love Local Business campaign encourages readers to back traders by spending their money with them.
Many of these businesses re-opened on Monday June 15, after more than two months of being closed, while others such as hairdressers and pubs won’t be able to trade again until July. For those businesses that have been able to remain open during the lockdown, many have seen a significant loss in income.
Worcester News editor Michael Purton said: “This is a crucial time for local businesses as they try to recover from the impact of the lockdown which, for many, has seen them without any income for more than two months. In this area, we are fortunate to have so many great local, independent businesses and we need our community to support them now to make sure we don’t lose them.
“In the coming months we will be promoting these businesses in our newspaper, on our website and our social media channels, to help spread the message that they are open and highlight why they are so valuable to this community. I urge all of our readers to show that they love local business by supporting them.”
CEO of Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce Sharon Smith said: “We are thrilled to be able to partner with this incredible campaign. We have been tirelessly supporting businesses across the region to restart, recover and rebuild, whilst enabling them to be able to access all the support they need. This campaign aims to further this support recovery by sharing the incredible businesses, services and products our region has to offer, and we couldn’t be prouder to help to promote them. More than ever, shopping local whether B2B of B2C is imperative and we must all play a part in supporting the local and national economy.”
MP Mr Walker said: “Worcester’s independent businesses are a crucial part of what makes our city special and I know that the Covid-19 crisis has been a huge strain on so many of them. Just before this crisis hit I was celebrating local shops through my own Independent Business Awards and I was pleased to celebrate the work of a variety of special people and places from chip-shops to jewellers to traditional toy shops.
“As life begins to return to some degree of normality it is more important than ever that we back local businesses and get out there and support them. Whether we are talking about local pubs which can play such a role at the heart of communities and do so much to raise money for good causes or independent shops and restaurants, they all make Worcester a better place to be.
“Government has provided some vital support through the furlough scheme and business rates grants which have kept many businesses on life support through the period of lockdown. Now as we begin to focus on the recovery, local businesses will be re-opening and will need the support and custom of people in Worcester all the more.
“I am looking forward to playing my part through working on Worcester’s Town Deal and supporting our future high streets fund bid as well as continuing to support businesses in Parliament.
“One of the great joys of representing Worcester over the last 10 years has been to see the variety of exciting businesses in our city and to see so many of them grow and thrive, creating more opportunities for young people and a stronger offer for local residents.
“The whole economy has taken a hit from the coronavirus but now is a great time to really back those businesses so that they can play a role in the future of our city.”
Crowngate Shopping Centre is also supporting the campaign, and is among those local businesses impacted by the lockdown.
Speaking about many of the centre’s shops re-opening on Monday, centre manager Michael Lloyd said customers can help by abiding by any queuing systems, being positive and polite to staff and other customers. They can also help by using social media to spread good messages of support and thanks to anyone in shops that have helped them, buy from independents and be prepared for the fact that most retailers will only use contactless payments.
He said of the impact of the virus: “It has changed the way that we live in almost every aspect but has given us an insight into what we need to do in retail bricks and mortar – I believe that the online shopping has been great during lockdown, but ultimately people have had a taste of what it would be like to have no physical presence and not everyone has enjoyed it. This is where we now need to capitalise on that.”
He added: “It is all about the customers returning and feeling confident and safe to do so. The team at Crowngate have worked with the retailers and businesses to ensure all risk assessments and paperwork is completed and that they have safe systems of work in place so that customers who walk into the business are 100 per cent confident about their safety.
“The health and wellbeing of our employees, customers and visitors remains our first priority and we’re working closely with all those on site to ensure they can operate safely, and in line with public health advice. This includes introducing additional signage, cleaning and hygiene measures on site and asking visitors to comply with social distancing rule at all times.”
Shoppers are encouraged to use cars (ample parking) and bike stands. Managers are also keen to point out some of the unique features Worcester offers.
Mr Lloyd said: “Worcester offers retail and leisure, the countryside, the River Severn, and Worcester is proudly made up of 65 per cent independent businesses.
“Our food shops and restaurants remain closed, with the exception of Anatolian Palace who are offering a takeaway services only. It is not yet known when they will be able to fully re-open to guests and offer eat-in dining, but this will be in line with the latest government advice. At present toilets will remain closed with the exception of the toilet in the bus station and the car park at Crowngate is open.”