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Advice for small businesses getting ready to welcome customers back to our High Streets.
Almost three-quarters of small businesses are saying they are already making firm plans for reopening next month.
Survey results
A survey, conducted with 500 small firms found that a third (31%) had invested between £2,000 and £20,000 in re-opening plans, with just under half (48%) saying the investment was from their own savings.
While 39% said they were very prepared and keen to recoup losses sustained during the lockdown of High Streets, only 7% said they didn’t feel prepared and need extra support.
The majority of firms said they need help with fresh marketing campaigns (60%), planning for new ways of working (44%) and getting their finances in place (41%). More than a third (37%) said they planned to take expert advice.
Hello, World campaign
A free 3-month campaign launched by Today Enterprise Nation and SumUp called Hello, World, combines online and practical support with a pop-up tech-enabled shop in London’s Oxford Street.
The campaign which runs until 1 June offers offer advice on the legalities around refunds, raising money to buy new stock or equipment, and how to pivot back to the physical world. There’s also a newsletter local businesses can sign up to for expert tips and up-to-date information.
Sign up for support
Support and empower small businesses
A council spokesman said:
After a year of online shopping and entertainment customers are going to be looking forward to being able to shop on our High Streets again. But there is bound to be some apprehension.
Helping small businesses to find new ways to connect with their customers is more relevant than ever and any help they can get, particularly when it is free, is a great boost for them.
It’s imperative that we support and empower small businesses as they move towards what will become the next new normal.
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