Nantwich businesses call on communities for vital Christmas support

Residents across Nantwich are being urged to support the businesses on their doorstep during the current national lockdown.

From booking Christmas food deliveries with local suppliers to buying gifts online from independent traders, residents can play a key role in ensuring more Nantwich businesses survive.

Leaders across the region are calling on communities to rally around and shop local to help traders emerge from lockdown in the best possible position.

The Cheshire and Warrington Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP), Marketing Cheshire and the local authorities of Cheshire East, Cheshire West and Chester and Warrington are putting their weight behind plans to make sure the Christmas spirit will leave a positive legacy for local firms.

This latest drive is part of the wider Let’s Turn This Around initiative, which was set up by local councils and the LEP to urge residents and businesses to work together to keep the region open and ready for business.

In Nantwich, independent traders are encouraged to join inNantwich, a Facebook group that promotes Nantwich retailers and small businesses based in the CW5 postcode.

Liz Parkin, who set up inNantwich, said: “The support from our local community here in Nantwich has been overwhelming – people have really got behind independent businesses and championed those traders that are right on their doorstep.

“We’re seeing some fantastic success stories coming through, including businesses like Chic Interiors and Arabella, both expanding into larger and more prominent premises, the Cheese Shop is a brand new Artisan food retailer, while the restaurant and bar Residence which closed in March has just reopened as The Townhouse.

“We’re also hearing from lots of independents that they’re doing really well from services like click-and-collect and Facebook Live sales.

“We need our community to maintain this level of support and keep backing our local high street in any way they can.”

Clare Hayward, chair of the Cheshire and Warrington LEP, said: “Now is the time when our local businesses need us most – our independent entrepreneurs are the people who help give our high streets real character and keep our towns thriving.

“We all know that the current lockdown – and the restrictions that preceded it – has created an extremely uncertain time for everyone, so it’s essential that we all work together to make sure that we come out of this phase in the best possible position.

“Christmas is, of course, going to be very different this year, but we need to back our local businesses and champion their offerings as much as we can.

“This could be either getting your Christmas food, tree or wreath delivery booked in with a local supplier; having a virtual browse at the Christmas Market; or even sharing a Google or Facebook review of your favourite restaurant takeaway service.

“For businesses in our region, it’s vital that we all do our bit to stick to the current restrictions, including adhering to social distancing when visiting those businesses that are currently open, so that we can emerge from lockdown in the lowest tier possible and have our high streets open in time for the festive period.”

To find out more about how to support local during lockdown, visit: www.visitcheshire.com

If you would like to get involved with Let’s Turn This Around and share your business’ best practice for keeping COVID-secure, or share which businesses stand out for you, visit: http://www.871candwep.co.uk/helping-business/lets-turn-this-around/