Published: Thursday, 12th November 2020
Many of our local retail businesses in West Norfolk have had to change the way they operate during lock-down.
Non-essential retail outlets can offer pre-ordered click-and-collect, phone order and delivery services.
The council is supporting these businesses with covid-marshalls throughout the borough, who are out and about offering support and advice to businesses. Covid-marshalls supplied by Excalibur Security Services have received training and are following the latest guidance to help shops and other businesses with how to trade and stay safe.
A poster has been designed to go in premises windows to give details of how customers can still order goods via a phone number or website. Marshalls are handing these posters out or they can also be downloaded from the covid-19 business toolkits on the council's website here.
A good example of a local business adapting to the new guidance is Debs Florist in Gaywood owned by Ellie and Loretta Cooper. They are currently operating a contactless delivery service as well as a contactless collection service, customers are being given a time slot on their selected date for collection and their order is then placed on a stand outside ready for the collection.
As well as adapting their own business they are also working alongside and supporting other local businesses through a networking group. They have been sharing ideas and cross promoting each other on social media and Debs Florist has begun stocking hand made chocolates from another local business, Harrison Chocolatiers and are also working closely with Balloon World Online.
Ellie Cooper, Debs Florist owner said "The run up to Christmas is a really important and special time for us. As someone who absolutely loves Christmas I am keen to make this year special, albeit in different ways. We are adapting all the time and have launched our first DIY wreath making kits for people to enjoy in the comfort or their own home as it looks like we may not be able to hold our usual workshops.
We are forever grateful to our customers for continuing to support us throughout this difficult year and also thankful for our wonderful team we have working here - they have remained flexible and patient while we come to terms with all the changes".
Ask Lily is providing a directory of businesses open and operating, all be it in a different way. If you would like to add your business, email asklily@west-norfolk.gov.uk. To look up the directory and see which local businesses are operating visit the asklily.org.uk website.
Cllr Stuart Dark MBE, Cabinet Member for Environmental Services and Public Protection said “I am delighted to see the council is working closely with the business community during this important time. It is of course a challenging time for many independent retailers and we want to offer our support and ensure everyone is safe and following Government guidance. I would urge everyone to support local businesses and use the click and collect and delivery services on offer. By supporting local businesses now we can help to ensure these businesses survive to flourish once restrictions are lifted".
West Norfolk, let’s stop the spread of coronavirus together:
Stay at home as much as you can;
Don’t meet people indoors;
Only meet one person outside,
Only make essential journeys;
Remember: hands, face, space;
Self-isolate if you have Covid-19 symptoms or have received a positive test result, or live with someone who has coronavirus.