With Chester and surrounding areas being placed in the ‘High’ pandemic tier, Chester’s businesses look likely to face increased difficulties – and the Club remains determined to do all we can to help everyone Survive, Revive & Thrive.
To this end, we have recently taken part, as members of the Cheshire Business Group*, in discussions with Andrew Lewis (Chief Executive, West Cheshire & Chester Council) on ways of improving lines of communication between the Local Authority and the local business community, so that important messages about measures to counter Covid-19 are acted on swiftly and effectively.
We are also shortly to launch a Buy Local campaign to encourage people to support their local retail and hospitality sectors rather than going for the easy option and lining the likes of Amazon’s pockets. Many of our Chester businesses have websites where you can purchase goods, services or gift vouchers and we will be highlighting all the many wonderful Christmas gift ideas that you can purchase to support our community right up until Christmas.
In addition to personal purchases, Chester Business Club has been working in collaboration with Chester BID and will be endorsing and promoting their soon to launch Chester Gift Card. We believe many businesses will be unable to hold their staff Christmas party this year and wish to encourage them to instead purchase The BID’s Chester Gift Card which will be able to be used at a wide range of outlets around Chester. We will also be encouraging individuals to purchase the card for family and friend gifts this Christmas.
Encouraging locals and visitors to ‘Shop Chester’ is vital, particularly during these damaging Covid days. Sadly, the new Bus Lanes in the city are unlikely to be beneficial and we have written to CWAC registering our concerns. Read the full letter here.
*CH1BID, Federation of Small Businesses, We Love Good Times, Taste Cheshire, Marketing Cheshire, Chamber of Commerce.
It’s now important than ever for us all to act together to promote and protect Chester’s economic welfare.
Best wishes,
Julie Swinnerton (Chairman of Chester Business Club)