A Sheffield coronavirus directory has been relaunched this week to support the city’s independent businesses in light of the latest restrictions and to enable the local community to support those still operating during this difficult time.
Created by This is Sheffield, the directory lists local independent businesses that will remain open during the latest Tier 3 restrictions, including hospitality and service providers. The guide, which has been created in collaboration with local news website Push Sheffield, also advises customers about businesses who have adapted their services in light of this, such as offering take-out only or delivery.
This is Sheffield is a platform that aims to support local independent businesses by encouraging both residents and tourists to spend locally. The website has a city-wide focus but also showcases each of the city’s unique communities, such as the City Centre, Kelham Island, Ecclesall, Abbeydale, and Castlegate.
The team at This is Sheffield launched the original Coronavirus directory ahead of the lockdown announcement on 23rd March after recognising the impact that this was going to have on local and independent businesses.
Matt Pinder, Co-founder of This is Sheffield, said: “Staying true to our mission to support Sheffield’s independents, we made the decision back in March to create a coronavirus directory to help when businesses needed it most. This has now had almost 46,000 views and it would be an understatement to say that we were overwhelmed by the success of this.
“The popularity of the guide has encouraged us to do a new version in light of the latest restrictions. While it’s been an incredibly challenging time for lots of people, the crisis has also shown the best of Sheffield and how we can work together to help each other and we hope that this directory will go some way to supporting businesses during this difficult time.”
Tier 3 will have a significant impact on the hospitality sector, with businesses only being permitted to open if they serve a substantial meal. The latest restrictions also prevent people from going to a cafe, pub or restaurant with somebody from a different household, meaning that businesses who do remain open face the prospect of less customers.
Many well-loved local businesses were forced to close their doors permanently during the first lockdown, including the Devonshire Cat and The Great Gatsby. Without the support of the local community, these latest restrictions could force many others to follow suit.
This is Sheffield also launched an online shop with a range of Sheffield related merchandise created and designed by local retailers and artists, after recognising that their profits would also be impacted with many craft fairs and markets being cancelled as a result of Coronavirus.
To see which local businesses are open and need your support more than ever, visit www.thisissheffield.app/coronavirus-directory
