Rallying cry to support West Midland businesses through Covid pandemic
People across the West Midlands have been urged to support Covid-secure businesses to help them survive the impact of the virus.
Leaders have said the region is "open for business" – with vital safety checks met – but stressed the need for shoppers to return to high streets.
It comes amid fears over an economic crisis in the West Midlands with venues needing support to stay open amid the pandemic.
And it has led to the launch of the Open for Business Safely campaign – #WMOpen4Biz – today, with the aim of encouraging people to return to town and city centres.
West Midlands Mayor Andy Street visited sites across Wolverhampton and Birmingham – including the Express & Star – last month, ahead of the campaign's launch.
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Mr Street said: "Coronavirus continues to have a big impact on our way of life and shows no sign of stopping, meaning we must learn to live safely with it. This is critical because whilst we face a public health crisis, we also face an economic one too.
"It is brilliant that so many local businesses, shops, restaurants, and a whole host of other venues have re-opened their doors despite the difficult times, but they need support to stay open.
"As well as Government support which we are lobbying for, small acts such as buying a morning coffee from a coffee shop, picking up lunch from a sandwich bar, and shopping on your local high street for essentials instead of online, can make such a difference to these businesses, their employees, and ultimately the West Midlands economy.
"So I want to encourage everyone who can to safely get out to our brilliant local shops and restaurants once again.
"West Midlands businesses are open, and they have gone to great lengths to ensure the safety of workers and customers, so please remember to socially distance and wear a mask."
Councillor Ian Brookfield, leader of Wolverhampton Council, said: "During the summer, shopping areas have safely reopened across the region including in our city thanks to our Wolverhampton Open for Business Campaign.
"Despite ongoing challenges with Covid-19, the message is that the West Midlands as a region is open for business and it’s important to continue to support your local high streets and boost the economy."
The campaign has been launched by the West Midlands Combined Authority, which is made up of councils from across the region and is chaired by Mr Street.
Sam Carter, sales assistant at Ron Flowers Sports, said: "It’s definitely a good campaign. Getting people back in the shop is brilliant but keeping people safe is ultimately the most important part; I’m all for getting people back on the high street."
Anjum Khan, director of the Asian Business Chamber of Commerce, added: "The Open for Business safely campaign, in conjunction with the ABCC’s Business Support campaign, will be critical in engaging more members of the Asian business community with guidance and advice that is crucial to their survival.
"Working collaboratively, we can help businesses throughout the region, by ensuring they have the knowledge and resources they need to remain open while doing all that they can to contain the spread of this virus."
For more information visit https://beta.wmca.org.uk/what-we-do/covid-19-support/business-support/
