Back in Business
Staycation: Devon & Cornwall
29th July 2020
The Autumn Equinox
26th August 2020
Being back in business can be a daunting time for many for employees and customers but getting out there and supporting your local businesses is needed more now than ever!
Now restrictions have been eased, businesses are slowly getting back up and running again. For many, it has been a truly difficult time financially and emotionally but we want to give businesses the support and show consumers that employers are doing everything they can to prevent the spread of COVID -19.
As we all get back in business there are multiple guidelines to follow which can be overwhelming at first however, we are sure the information set out below will leave you feeling confident and self-assured on how to stay safe during the pandemic.
CURRENT GUIDELINES
It is highly important that we stay alert during the covid crisis and protect those around us. The guidelines below are featured on the gov.uk website and inform us on how we can stay safe.
We are told we can all help control the virus if we all stay alert. This means you must:
• Stay at home where possible and work from home if you can
• Limit contact with other people and keep your distance from people not in your household (2 metres apart where possible)
• Wash your hands regularly
SUPPORT LOCAL BUSINESSES
Although we are all apprehensive about getting back out there and spending our money, it is incredibly important that we do so to support our local businesses.
Here are a few ways you can do this in your local area:
• Dine “out” at home – order takeout and enjoy dinner from the comfort of your own home
• Shop local – whether it be coffee beans or seasonal fruit, support your local farmers to generate cash flow within the UK
• Treat yourself – buy gift cards as presents as a way of instantly putting money into the business
• Leave positive reviews -build up your community as good reviews lead to more customers
• Take virtual classes – whether it be a fitness class or an art class there is something for everyone to enjoy
And so we can all do a little something to help our local businesses recover. Trying out some of these for yourself will be greatly appreciated for business owners.
USEFUL WEBSITE LINKS
We think it is important to make sure people are aware and kept informed of the latest information regarding coronavirus guidelines, your well being and information
CORONAVIRUS AND FOOD
We all worry about this particular problem when it comes to the disease however, the risk of coronavirus cross-contamination to food and food packaging is very low. Food businesses must ensure that they have the correct food hygiene and food safety processes in place to protect their customers.
To put your mind at more ease:
• It is very unlikely that you can catch coronavirus (COVID-19) from food.
• Cooking thoroughly will kill the virus.
• COVID-19 is a respiratory illness. It is not known to be transmitted by exposure to food or food packaging.
• You will reduce the risk of getting the disease if you wash your hands regularly with soap and water, for at least 20 seconds before handling or eating food.
Businesses are doing everything they can to abide by safety measures put in place so their customers feel safe when visiting a shop, pub or restaurant.
We also spoke with The Door Doctor; a double glazing supplier in Plymouth to see what measures they have put in place for customer safety.
What changes and provisions have you put in place to ensure customer safety?
“We here at The Door Doctor are adhering to all of the latest government regulations. Our shop is still open during normal business hours, but we are only permitting 1 customer inside at a time to ensure social distancing guidelines are met. We also wear appropriate PPE and sanitize our equipment and our hands accordingly when conducting house visits and appointments.”
This is great to hear if you are feeling anxious about getting back out there. The Door Doctor and other businesses are doing everything they can to ensure their customers feel safe during these precarious circumstances.
YOUR WELLBEING
We know how important it is to look after your wellbeing during a time like this, you might be feeling overwhelmed, sad or confused about coronavirus but there are lots of things you can do to look after your physical and mental health that may help you to feel better!
Follow the advice from the NHS, this includes information about how to wash your hands and other things you can do to limit the spread of the virus. Be kind to yourself too, If the advice makes you feel more worried, talk to someone you trust about how you feel like a parent, friend or a doctor. Even if you feel like you don’t want to, relieving some of the stress that has been a burden to you can be very beneficial to your wellbeing!
Take breaks from social media and the news. It can be overwhelming to constantly be reminded about the virus. By giving yourself a time out from social media, you will give yourself space to think and relax which is very important if you feel overwhelmed.
Also read from reliable and credited sources for information about Covid-19. There is a lot of misinformation circulating the web about Covid-19 so it is best to seek updates from trusted sources instead of relying on social media which may not always be correct.
As well as this, make a plan for what you will need to do in case you do need to self-isolate. Having a plan of the activities you will get up to to keep you busy will make you feel less worried about self-isolation if it comes to it.
Vospers have also spoken about their safety measures they have put in place for their staff and employees.
“Vospers have taken the situation very seriously and were quick to implement significant changes to processes and premises to protect both our staff and our customers. As one of the first industries to re-open we had worked hard to prepare our showrooms and teams for the new normal.
All of our dealerships are COVID Secure with sanitisation stations at all dealerships and strict physical distancing rules, zonal floor markings, one-way systems, and protective equipment for all staff – including masks. We successfully safely re-opened to the public on the 1st of June and have received a lot of praise from customers on our new processes and procedures, and how safe they have felt visiting us.
We also invested in sanitisation units that completely sanitise the interior of vehicles which we’re using for demonstrator and sold vehicles. Service customers also have the option of a full sanitisation should they wish. For those customers who are vulnerable, we have introduced virtual appointments, video messaging, and a collection & delivery service.
We are asking customers to pre-book their visit to the dealership where possible, as we are working with reduced staff. We welcome customers to visit us either in-store or online at Vospers.com. We are pleased with our safety measures and both our staff and customers are telling us they are too.”
We spoke with Dr Harker; a medical director of Erme Skin Clinic and asked her a few questions regarding Covid-19 and the safety measures she has put in place to ensure the safety of her patients.
How has the pandemic affected the operation of your business?
“Patients have to be allotted more time due to all the COVID precautions. It is rather hot and stuffy working in all the PPE but that’s how it’s got to be! The Virus Killer Air Purifier is obviously doing a champion job but it is a bit noisy and so I have to talk loudly to patients.”
Will customers still be able to receive all the services your business has to offer?
“Yes, we are gradually building that up to offer a wide range of medical services that the Erme Skin Clinic offered before.
Have you implemented any new services to your business while operating in the pandemic?
“A lot of the consultations have been online or by phone or video since lockdown. Patients have sent photos of their moles or lumps and bumps they want removing, or have sent photos full face and side view of their silhouette they wish improved by the Silhouette Soft Thread face and neck lift. This is very helpful.”
It is great to see The Erme Clinic back in business after months in lockdown and we hope this has given you some confidence in feeling safe to get out there again!
Halo hairdressing in Plymouth has also been in contact with us here at OM to express their safety measures now they are back in business.
What changes and provisions have you put in place to ensure customer safety?
“We have locked doors so we are appointment only and everyone is asked to sanitise hands-on entry, wear a mask and pay with a card. We have also staggered working hours for all the staff who are now wearing visors, so there are fewer people in our store and our hours are open later.
We have screens in place and removed some chairs and staff are cleaning stations after every visit and gowns are washed after every client.”
Will customers still be able to receive all the services your business has to offer?
“We are still offering all services as before!”
THINGS TO DO
With businesses being back in business, gyms, pubs, restaurants, salons and high street shops are now open! It would be a great time to get back into your regular lifestyle habits, albeit a few new safety restrictions put into place and get out there to support your local businesses!
There are plenty of things to do now restrictions are being eased further.
• Theatres & Theme parks
• Museums
• Swimming pools
• Cinemas
Are also among the other leisure activities you can participate in this Summer!
Plymouth Will Writing Service expressed their safety measures too and the changes they have put in place.
What changes and provisions have you put in place to ensure customer safety?
“Customer safety is extremely important to me at Plymouth Will Writing Service. We have introduced the following measures to ensure all of our clients are as safe as possible. Initially, a short conversation will take place to ensure our clients have not had Corona Virus, not been in contact with anyone who later contracted the virus or is in isolation. All being well the clients can then make an appointment to come to our offices.
On entry, hand sanitiser will be used. I have two desks that are set up with anti-splash guards and one of these will be used. I also have a face shield that is easy to use and does not inhibit conversation. For some home visits, I also use a face mask and latex gloves. Our normal greetings are now verbal and handshakes are a thing of the past. Apart from this, the meetings can continue as normal and we do not see this changing anytime soon.”
How has the pandemic affected the operation of your business?
”Our business uses modern technology and apart from the initial fact find, everything else is completed by on computer. The end product is then produced in paper format.
We have not yet seen the need to utilise Zoom or any other format of online meetings at this time.”
Will customers still be able to receive all the services your business has to offer?
“All our services are still on offer albeit with some small delays on processing.”
Have you implemented any new services or products to your business while operating in the pandemic?
“No new services have been introduced as a result of the pandemic.”
We also got in contact with Tricia Kennedy, the owner and Mortgage and Protection Adviser for Mortgages 4 Plymouth to discuss what safety measures they have put in place for Covid-19
What changes and provisions have you put in place to ensure customer safety?
“We have not stopped we have been very busy throughout, all our staff have been so busy helping clients buy property, remortgaging and raising funds for home improvements.
All appointments are very quick as we are able to speak to people by phone and Skype and have asked them to send in documents prior to their appointment. We are now very efficient and intend to continue this process.
The Office has plenty of room to socially distance for those clients who wish to
have a face to face appointment, with
sanitiser and face masks available.”
Have you implemented any new services or products to your business while operating in the pandemic?
“Absolutely, we are so lucky to be appointed representatives of PRIMIS the largest mortgage network in the UK today, so we have plenty of products available to help first-time buyers get on the property ladder.”
So, what are you waiting for? Get out there and support your local high street that are now back in business! Just remember to keep the guidelines in mind.
Best wishes from the OM team.
