- Huw Hughes
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Save The High Street, an organisation that aims to support local retailers
with tools, skills, and digital capabilities, is launching a 12-week
Covid-19 support programme to help those struggling with the impact of
Covid-19.
The pandemic has caused unprecedented disruption to the already
struggling UK high street, with the government last week ordering the closure of all ‘non-essential’ stores across the country in an effort to slow its spread.
Throughout March, Save The High Street has spearheaded a research project
with input from dozens of high street business owners and industry experts
to find out what they can do to succeed during these difficult times. Now,
the organisation is launching an end-to-end Covid-19 support programme
to help local businesses do just that.
The organisation will work closely with select companies for 12 weeks to
develop and implement personalised plans, and will offer help in areas such
as negotiating with landlords and suppliers; setting up and optimising
e-commerce sites; applying for grants and loans; offering local delivery
and hosting virtual events; and helping develop new forms of community
engagement and digital marketing.
Save The High Street said it will be using its digital assistant app
called Jo to ensure the support can be delivered remotely and affordably
across the UK. Local businesses based in the UK can register for the
programme at JoinJo.com.
Additionally, the organisation will be launching an email newsletter to
keep recipients up-to-date with all the latest tips and strategies
concerning the ever-evolving Covid-19 situation.
According to Save The High Street, approximately 500,000 high street
outlets across 7,500 high streets should now be implementing plans to
survive during the pandemic, though 50 percent of them are currently
unprepared to achieve the transition plan on their own.
Alex Schlagman, a founding partner of Save The High Street, said in a
statement: “The high street will never be the same again, but it is not
dead. Diverse, successful high streets benefit us all and to ensure that
future, we will need an army of successful local independents. The
SaveTheHighStreet.org Covid-19 support programme exists to ensure every
local business in the UK has the best chance of success through these
unprecedented times.”
Photo credit: FashionUnited
