'Support Leamington town centre during second lockdown': BID and Chamber of Trade make plea for local businesses

Stephanie is also encouraging those shoppers who may be forced to stay away from the town centre over the next four weeks from tomorrow to see if they can find ways to support businesses in and around the Parade in other ways.

She has said: "Business owners naturally feel disappointed, and stressed and upset in some cases, particularly as they had worked so incredibly hard to come back from the initial lockdown.

“The magnitude of the situation cannot be underestimated as it is also the most important time of year for the retail and leisure sector, but Christmas is still happening and we will be continuing with our festive plans to support the town centre.

“Shopping local and supporting local businesses is more important than ever and we are really encouraging people to access our Love Leamington website so they can search out those that will be open as well as those continuing to trade online or offering click and collect.

“Whilst the extension of the furlough scheme and any business grants available is positive, businesses will likely need further support which we will be lobbying for whilst offering general support and signposting.”

www.loveleamington.comHayley Key, chairwoman of the Leamington Chamber of Trade, added: Leamington is very lucky to have so many unique independent shops, I myself even run one! It is this that makes us such a thriving town.

"However, it is because of this that we will struggle the hardest over lockdown. As a small independent it is hard to battle the big guys online. We rely on people coming into our shops to make purchases! Yes, we have an online presence but it is just not the same.

"Especially when the internet is so price driven driving down our profit.

"We have all spent substantial money to make our shops covid secure so be told to shut them is heartbreaking."

"Our town also has a large number of cafes and restaurants. All of these are trying to find a way to sell takeaway only and this should help a bit but again it is not the same as a sit-down meal.

"We will all do our best over lockdown - but we will need help after.

"We need local government and organisations to champion the great business we have during the Christmas period so that we can make back as much of our losses as possible."

*The Leamington Courier and its associated titles owned by JPI Media are urging readers to support their town centres during these challenging times for businesses.*

LET’S help high street tills jingle all the way this Christmas.

That is our call today as we step up our #supportlocal campaign by urging shoppers to spend on their doorstep before and during the festive period, visiting neighborhood stores or buying from independent outlets online.

This clarion call follows JPIMedia's recent Big Conversation survey, which revealed that 71% of our audience across the UK agrees that “the Christmas period will be a good opportunity to support local businesses”.

Together we can back business by all making an extra effort to boost traders' takings, ensuring local economies enjoy a prosperous festive fillip.

Throughout the pandemic local shopkeepers stepped up to the plate to provide plentiful supplies of essential goods, extending opening hours, launching food banks and free delivery services, as well as supporting generous community and charity projects.

Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) and British Independent Retailers Association (BIRA) back our initiative. FSB National Chairman Mike Cherry said: “Small businesses are well and truly at the heart of our communities. Over much of the past year, the valuable contribution these firms make to local areas has been proven time and time again.

“For many though, these past few months have been the most difficult small firms will ever face, and the winter ahead looks set to be a very difficult one, which is why it’s never been more important to support your local firms and, by extension, the community in which you live.”

He added:: “Small businesses give back in so many ways. This is why it’s critical we go out and shop local, support small businesses online and consider those alternative independent stores that often sell produce and services you simply can’t get from larger stores, especially during this pandemic, and especially if you’re looking for a unique Christmas gift this year.

“The contribution small businesses make to a street, neighbourhood and community is invaluable. And, for savvy Christmas shoppers, they’re the perfect place to go to find some great value festive treats.”

BIRA Chief Executive Andrew Goodacre agrees. “This year has been unique, different and, ultimately, very challenging for independent retail. Covid has changed many things in our lives, not least the way we shop,’ he said.

“With more people working from home, there has been a greater interest in shopping locally. We have seen many retailers adjust their business models to meet the needs of the community. This must continue and consumers must resist the lure of online if these local shops are to continue to service the communities.

“Money spent locally is recycled locally, often paying for local suppliers, local people for their work and preserving local livelihoods. Every thriving community needs this local economy to prosper.”

Mr Goodacre stressed shopping has never been safer as retailers continue to protect customers and staff with perspex screens, social distancing measures and hand sanitiser stations.

“Retail is based on fine margins of success and failure and money spent in a local shop goes a long way to preserving the local community spirit.

“My message to shoppers is straightforward – think local when it comes to shopping".

Support in store:

80% of FSB members have contributed to their local economy or charity in the past three years

89% offer some form of flexible working

95% have employed someone from a disadvantaged background

78% have taken on someone aged over 50

41% provide some form of work experience

38% donate time to their local area

32% offer local skills such as building and delivery

Shops combat Covid:

30% prioritised vulnerable and elderly for delivery during virus crisis

19% offered free deliveries during the pandemic

24% donated to local food banks during coronavirus

57% carried our community roles during COVID crisis

23% offered PPE, volunteered and offered accommodation for key workers

16% expanded their online presence since lockdown