I recently visited a number of shops in Saffron Walden to find out how they have been impacted by the crisis due to lockdown restrictions and how they are coping now they are able to re-open whilst adhering to health and safety guidelines from the Government.
Each business raised its specific concerns in relation to their supply chains, social distancing in small areas, changes to their customers experience, among other things. I was pleased they were all able to access the Government’s Small Business Grant and some took the option to furlough their staff through the Job Retention Scheme, this support was fundamental to them staying afloat.
I was very pleased to hear the Saffron Walden Business Improvement District team praised by each of the businesses without my asking. The BID team have done a remarkable job to create a COVID-19 ready high street.
It is vital we continue to support them; I did my bit by doing some shopping and picking up my lunch from Café Cou Cou. I will tag the businesses I visited below if you would like to find out their opening times.
Thank you Fanny & Frank, Café Cou Cou, Colour Craft and The Corner Cupboard Saffron Walden for taking the time to speak with me.
