Focus on Lewisham
Lewisham Council is here for its businesses Lewisham is a great borough in which to start and build a business.
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e’re proud to have one of the highest numbers of small and micro businesses in the UK. However, we know running your own business is never easy and the last 12 months have been especially challenging. The COVID-19 pandemic has triggered an economic crisis which has hit many of us hard, but it has also created opportunity. As a Council we’ve done our best to support local businesses in weathering the storm. Since the start of the pandemic we have distributed over £50 million in grants to more than 4,000 businesses. Many have done an incredible job at adapting their services and the way they operate, in order to continue serving their local communities although sadly some had no choice but to close. While the battle against coronavirus may be turning a corner, we know that conditions remain tough. As restrictions ease we are
❛❛Lewisham has a huge variety of fantastic independent shops, delivering that personal touch you would never get from a major retailer. Shop Safe Shop Local is all about promoting them to champion the incredible range of products and services available on our doorstep.
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focussed on building Lewisham’s economy for the future and will continue to support local businesses, the lifeblood of our communities, so they bounce back. There is a range of financial support including Restart Grants and Additional Restrictions Grants. We are also running a range of free programmes to support businesses and upskill local entrepreneurs whatever stage their business is at including Start-ups in London Libraries, Stride, Goldsmiths’ NX Hub and CEZ’s Creative Business Knowledge Exchange. In addition, we are working with local businesses to create local jobs. Boosting the local workforce will be vital in helping the local economy recover and thrive. Our Kickstart and Apprenticeships schemes offer funding to businesses to provide work placements for local people.
Shop Safe Shop Local In line with the Government’s roadmap, non-essential businesses can reopen from 12th April and Lewisham Council is marking this milestone by launching Shop Safe Shop Local. The campaign focuses on promoting local businesses. Our high streets are at the
heart of our community and economy. We want to celebrate them, but do so safely. There’s no denying this past year has been incredibly tough but many people have developed a newfound appreciation of their local areas and their high streets in particular. Being able to access essential shops, services and outside spaces within walking distance of home became a life line during the pandemic. This campaign is about returning the love. Lewisham has a huge variety of fantastic independent shops, delivering that personal touch you would never get from a major retailer. Shop Safe Shop Local is all about promoting them to champion the incredible range of products and services available on our doorstep. We believe that, within the borough, you can find a product or service to suit any taste or occasion. While this campaign is about shining a light on local business, there is an added emphasis on safety. We are working closely with shops and businesses to ensure they have the guidance and support needed to stick to the latest COVID-19 guidance, keeping customers and staff safe. Businesses can find further support at www.lewisham.gov.uk/tradingsafely The Council’s Shop Safe Shop Local campaign will run throughout the spring and summer. There are free webinars to support safe reopening, advice packs and printed materials for businesses. Residents will be encouraged back on to the high street through a mix of street and print advertising as well as social media. A series of blogs will provide inspiration, if any is needed, to shop locally and a lucky few will get their hands on free limited edition tote bags to carry their shopping. Visit www.lewisham.gov.uk/ businesssupport for further information on how Lewisham Council is supporting its businesses.
