A new campaign to support businesses that are safely open for
business in the West Midlands launches today (Monday 5 October).
#WMOpen4Biz
is being run by the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) and
is backed by the region’s trade and industry leaders, to
encourage shoppers and residents to safely return to town and
city centres. Since June, businesses and offices have been
opening their doors again, putting in measures to ensure they are
‘Covid-secure’ and that residents can shop and work
safely.
The campaign has been kicked off by Mayor of the West
Midlands, who visited a variety of independent shops in
Wolverhampton and Birmingham to see how they had made themselves
‘Covid-secure’.
The Mayor 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.”
Cllr Ian Brookfield, WMCA portfolio lead for economy and
innovation and leader of City 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.”
As part of the campaign launch, the Mayor visited local
businesses in Wolverhampton city centre that have managed to keep
their doors open thanks to taking measures to make their premises
safe. He visited the offices of the Express and Star; Ron Flowers
Sports; Blooms Menswear; and Michael Kirk the Butcher.
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.”
The Mayor also visited businesses in Birmingham city
centre, who also shared the measures that they had put in place
to ensure the safety and wellbeing of their customers, including
Piccadilly Cobbler and the Smithsonia gift shop.
The campaign has received strong support from business
representative organisations, including the Asian Business
Chamber of Commerce.
Anjum Khan, the director of the Asian Business Chamber of
Commerce (ABCC), said: “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.
“Any business that is looking for support should call our
hotline for advice on 0121 274 3280.”
Further details of advice and support for businesses can be
found at https://beta.wmca.org.uk/what-we-do/covid-19-support/business-support/
