Bira

The shop shutters have finally been raised. After a long, bleak winter in nationwide lockdown, we are back in business – hopefully, this time for good.

As part of preparations for the reopening of so-called ‘nonessential’ retail, I accompanied Small Business Minister Paul Scully on a visit to indies in Stoke Newington, north London.

It took place a week before 12 April – or ‘the glorious Twelfth’ – and it was to talk to retailers about the measures and efforts they were making to welcome back shoppers.

First stop was Bira member and giftware retailer Heidi Early, who was preparing to reopen her shop Early Bird Designs. She explained how they had been closed for eight of the last 12 months and it had been ‘incredibly hard’.

Her business had accepted the Government support including a Bounce Back Loan, a Local Restriction Grant, and the furlough scheme, but couldn’t wait to reopen, see customers and start earning again.

Heidi also showed us how she’s cleverly adapted her small store to help customers and staff feel safe complete with

Perspex screens, restricted capacity, signage to promote social distancing, and, of course, plenty of hand sanitiser.

Minister Scully also visited jeweller and Bira member Roger Taylor of Metal Crumble, a nearby hairdresser, and then a pub in Mile End.

It was an essential visit that helped to highlight how challenging the last 12 months have been for the independent retailer. It also demonstrated the efforts they are all making so customers feel safe as they shop. What I hope Minister Scully took from day is that, while the Government support, has been greatly appreciated, it simply can’t stop there now shops are open again.

Indie retailers need consistent support, financial and otherwise, for the foreseeable future. Footfall will take time to return to normal and there will be people who shopped online who won’t return to ‘bricks and mortar’ retail. Schemes such as shopping vouchers, reduced or free town centre parking, and further reduced business rates are all ways in which we’d like the Government to go further.

And so Bira will continue lobbying for the long game, to ensure the future of high streets so that we can remain in business – for good.