Businesses pivoting to survive Covid-19
In 2020, the new ‘business as usual’ is adaptability’. Covid-19 has disrupted the retail world as we know it, with businesses pivoting their model in order to continue to serve their customers.
Across the borough innovative business owners are adapting… Restaurants have become wine shops and takeaways whilst pubs are offering a click and collect service and trading as delis. Jenni Asiama and Anna Humpleby look at a few inspirational businesses in Wandsworth that have pivoted during Covid-19. What kind of response have you had from local residents? One that cannot be put into words. We were so grateful to see such an overwhelming response and rallying of support towards us from when we first re-opened and it continues to this day. We asked the kids of Tooting to help decorate our windows with rainbows and to have families come in to drop them off. We’re also getting to know the locals more because we have more time to chat to them. Is this something you plan to continue postlockdown?
The Wheatsheaf
2 Upper Tooting Rd, Tooting Bec, London SW17 7PG
There are definitely things we’ll plan to continue with – click & collect, perhaps some form of a deli and most likely the sustainable growler system for beers, which has proved to be very popular!
What were you trading before lockdown? As a pub – food and drink
What safety measures have you put in place for your customers?
What are you offering now? We still offer food and drink, just in a different manner. We have a deli, provide food and roasts as a click & collect service, alongside beers, cocktails and wine to takeaway. How can people place orders? Either by popping into the pub or visiting our website where they can find out Click & Collect store What inspired you to extend the business model in this way? We didn’t want to just remain closed – we love the Tooting community and wanted to be able to survive so we can continue to serve it once all this has settled down, so we made the decision to pivot our business to ensure this.
We have plenty of hand sanitiser located around the pub, a one-way system in place and limits on how many shoppers are allowed in at once. All staff are in PPE and we have a regular daily cleaning of the floor.
The Dessert Deli What were you trading before lockdown? Bespoke cakes, celebration cakes and desserts What does the business offer now? When the lockdown started and people were struggling to purchase food from supermarkets, I started offering freshly cooked meals such as beef lasagne, chilli con carne, soups etc. When the supermarkets began restocking their shelves, demand was less so I reduced this offering. However, with lots of people baking at home and ingredients such as flour & yeast being in short supply, I’ve started to supply various types of flour to my customers. I also offer a range of Sunday roasts. What inspired you to extend your business in this way? To be honest, if I hadn’t changed my offering to what customers needed during lockdown, I probably wouldn’t still be in business, because all my cake orders for birthday parties and weddings were cancelled. Fortunately, I’m a trained kitchen and pastry chef, so I can also make savoury food. Photos credit: Robert Piwko
How can residents in the borough support you? Just continue to support your local! What top tip would you give to a business hoping to pivot/extend their business? At times like this you just have to get on and do something. As entrepreneurs we have to innovate. You can also ask the community for ideas.
www.thewheatsheafsw17.com @wheatsheaftbec
What kind of response have you had from local residents? The response and support have been amazing. A few Sundays ago, I made 41 roast dinners and desserts, which is amazing for a business which actually specialises in cakes and desserts! Is this something you plan to continue post-lockdown? I may do the Sunday roasts as a monthly special, because from the feedback I’ve received, people really seem to enjoy them. What safety measures have you put in place for your customers? I make and deliver all the food myself. My kitchen has a 5-star hygiene rating and I follow all the government health and safety guidelines. If customers want to collect their orders from my kitchen, they are asked to wait in the car park and the food is brought out to them. Payments are made by bank transfer. How can residents in the borough support you? By following me @thedessertdeli on social media, ordering a celebration cake or Sunday roast. Also by spreading the word to friends/family and leaving Google reviews when you enjoy my products, as this really helps a small business.
How can people place orders? By emailing laura@thedessertdeli. co.uk Or via DM on Instagram @ thedessertdeli What top tip would you give to business owners thinking of pivoting their business during Covid-19? You need to think outside the box and don’t get stuck in your ways. Be able to adapt if necessary as you’ll only have a business if you have a product that customers want to buy... www.thedessertdeli.co.uk
A few more businesses in the borough that have adapted their model include: Abacus Ark Nursery – This local nursery in Clapham Junction is producing a range of frozen ‘Free Range Kids’ ready meals to help out local families with children at home. www.abacusark.com Buongiorno Ciullosteria – Situated in Balham, this Italian restaurant has opened a shop for customers to do their daily shopping. Whilst people can’t dine in the restaurant anymore, they can still pick up their favourite Italian foods to enjoy at home. Shop in person or order via Deliveroo. buongiornociullosteria.com Food Republic – This Batterseabased food wholesale company has opened its service to the public. Home deliveries of essential items are now available and NHS staff receive a 20% discount. www.food-republic.com Milk – This popular brunch spot in Balham has set up an online shop delivering essentials from their pantry as well as DIY packs to recreate your favourites from their menu from the comfort of your home. Order online or at the shop window. milklondonshop.uk The Pilates Room – In addition to offering online Pilates classes and Pilates equipment, The Pilates Room in Putney is now also selling groceries to help local residents get their essential items. Groceries available include pasta, fresh fruit and vegetables and eggs, and can be ordered via ShopAppy. thepilatesroom.org.uk Unwined – This business based in Tooting Market is offering wine delivery and bespoke virtual wine tastings and a weekly wine tasting club. www.unwinedbars.co.uk Zebra Property Group – Since this local construction company has put all major projects on hold, they are offering handyman, plumbing, electrics and joinery services. They offer a phone consultation to diagnose the problem and will then arrange a suitable time to carry out their work. instagram.com/zebra_ property_group
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