Northwich’s businesses are once again showing their versatility after the second nationwide lockdown came into force on Thursday 5th November.
With many premises having to close due to government restrictions, traders, organisations and retailers have responded swiftly to introduce new services and initiatives to allow them to still reach their customers.
Replying to a survey sent out by the Northwich Business Improvement District (BID), who are striving to support members in as many ways as they can, over 70% of those who responded said they are still operating their business in some way, whether that’s doing takeaway, delivery or click and collect services, while others confirmed that they will be going virtual to meet the needs of clients.
It is the second time this year that businesses and their employees have had to show adaptability and creativity after having to initially change procedures and ways of working in March when the first lockdown was announced.
All of these services offered by businesses will feed into a Facebook group set up by the Northwich BID called Visit Northwich Town Centre Online, which will act as a one-stop shop for people from the town and surrounding areas to access the latest information from shops, pubs, cafes and professional services.
This will give them more opportunities to shop local and support the businesses on their doorstep which are so important to the community.
The group already has hundreds of members and this number is expected to keep growing as more and more businesses use the page to publish their lockdown updates.
In the future it will also act as a springboard for businesses that have had to close as a result of the lockdown who will be able to take advantage of the group when they’re able to re-open and will need immediate support.
Northwich BID Project Manager Adam Gerrard has praised the town’s businesses for the speed at which they have provided updates and the flexibility they have shown to establish different methods to serve customers.
“It was incredible to see how quickly our members reacted to the government’s announcement at the end of October to update their websites and social media accounts with their November plans.
“It’s also been amazing to see the versatility of businesses who are now seamlessly meeting the needs of customers in different ways such as by doing deliveries, holding face-to-face meetings online or launching click and collect services.
“My message to the people of Northwich and surrounding areas is to please shop local and support local businesses where you can as they need your support more than ever this year and your custom will mean so much to them. Please also join our new Facebook group where you can find out the latest news, offers and updates from a wide range of town centre businesses.”
