Greg Hands MP for Chelsea and Fulham Writes to Residents
Helping high street shops and other local businesses get back on their feet
Greg supporting a local shop
Dear Resident,
As the British summer continues, I am pleased to see residents and visitors continuing to support our high streets and local businesses.
There is no denying that the impacts of coronavirus (COVID-19) have been tough on individuals, families, businesses and communities. In recent months, I have been contacted by a great number of concerned local business owners and assisted them in navigating the applicable Government guidelines and support available to them.
I recently had the pleasure of visiting the family-owned builders merchants Hitchcock & King on Carnwath Road. Furloughing 15 of their 120 employees and obtaining financing through the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS) and utilizing the Business Rates holiday, family-owner Richard Hitchcock told me has helped them to smooth the way through the difficult months, and business is now looking up.
Hitchcock & King are not alone. Recent statistics showed that across the whole of my constituency of Chelsea and Fulham, some 11,700 jobs have been protected by the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme, and small businesses have received almost £79 million in ‘Bounce Back’ loans.
Greg pays a visit to Hitchcock & King
Though, the coronavirus pandemic sadly precluded some of the much anticipated events that bring our community together, such as the Parsons Green Fair, the incremental reopening of many of our much-loved establishments, such as shops, galleries and places of worship (in accordance with COVID-secure guidelines), is a positive step in our recovery from coronavirus.
Therefore, in addition to the range of Government support, we all have a vital role to play, too. The best way to bring about a big boost for our local businesses is for us residents to back them and hit the high street to buy that beefsteak, book or blouse.
The recent ‘Shop Local Week’, an initiative which encouraged shoppers across the UK to do their bit, aided local businesses to rebuild from the coronavirus pandemic. This is not exclusive to one week of the year, and there are a number of reasons to shop locally, such as to support the local high street, save jobs, support the community and importantly, by shopping locally people can help business owners and communities get up and running again.
Greg Hands outside another local business
The Chancellor’s innovative ‘Eat Out to Help Out’ scheme is also a prime example of how consumers and Government can work together to help our local economy. Until the end of August, participating eateries will give a 50% discount on food and non-alcoholic drinks consumed on the premises, up to a maximum of £10 discount per diner, every Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday.
The scheme is in operation throughout the UK and has no limit to how many times it can be used. The offer provides the chance, for example, to enjoy a coffee, breakfast, sandwich, or curry, while eating in at local participating eateries.
To find those taking part locally, simply enter your postcode here.
A Peterborough Road postcode, for example, returns over 100 such outlets within a radius of less than a mile.
Ultimately, we must not lose sight of the fact that defeating coronavirus remains critical for the health of both ourselves and the economy. Our collective effort is key to the progress we are making and if we continue to enjoy summer responsibly and support our local high streets and businesses, I firmly believe this will support Chelsea and Fulham’s recovery.
Rt Hon Greg Hands MP
Member of Parliament for Chelsea and Fulham
For the latest government guidance and support available, please visit: www.gov.uk/coronavirus.
August 21, 2020