Support for Sunderland city centre businesses as coronavirus lockdown continues

Sunderland’s Business Improvement District (BID) has launched a “1:1” advice line – available over social media or via telephone – for worried business owners to ask questions or get the latest information.

The BID is also using its social media channels and landing page of its website to share information and updates on what Government support is available and how companies can best help their employees.And it also plans to create a panel of experts from across a wide range of sectors who will be able to answer questions about area of concern.

“This is a very difficult time for everyone,” said head of business operations Sharon Appleby.

“And we want to reassure the city centre businesses we are doing everything we can to support them.”

Sharon also praised a number of businesses which have already found ways to diversify and boost their online presence.

“One of the campaigns we have been running is InSunderland, highlighting the very strong independent sector we have in the city,” she said.

“And amidst all of this doom and gloom, it’s fantastic to see how many of them have found ways of working together or offering a new kind of service.”

They include top burger restaurant, 2 Church Lane, teaming up with Station Taxis to offer a delivery service, while Thoburns greengrocers and Rob The Butcher in Blanford Street and Ibbitson’s at Jacky Whites Market are delivering essential packs.

Other Sunderland based companies which already have a very strong online presence are continuing to promote their services, including clotheswear shops Designer Childrenswear, Aphrodite, Bou-Chique and vintage menswear retailer Port Independent – with the added incentive of offering a range of discounts.

At the same time, Norfolk Street-based community interest company, Media Savvy, which runs digital courses for “hard to reach” groups in the community, is launching a free You Tube channel to show people the best ways to use technology to communicate with friends and family.

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