w/c 30 March 2020
It can be hard to find any positive news in the midst of this current crisis but it is there if you search for it. John Krasinski, otherwise known as Jim from the US Office, launched “Some Good News” on YouTube this week and the first episode shone a light on hope, simple acts of kindness and included a reminiscing interview with Steve Carrell. Alternatively I enjoy a daily dose of Tanks Good News on Instagram for stories of positivity mixed with humour and you can browse InspireMore.com for tales of hope and inspiration.
Closer to home we have had good news for our businesses. On Wednesday Southend Borough Council announced that grant applications were now open for small businesses and those in the retail, leisure and hospitality sectors. With some businesses being closed for two weeks already this has come as a sigh of relief as many are eligible for grants up to £25,000. The council have assured businesses that funding will be processed quickly on receipt of an application so if you’ve been waiting for this support then make sure you complete your form today by heading to www.southend.gov.uk/businesscorona and click on ‘Business Rates Grants 2020-2021’ within the text.
Our Street Ranger team have happily reported a dramatic decline in footfall across the high street and seafront as the public heeds the Government’s advice on social distancing. Businesses should be happy to see people quickly adopting these new rules - the faster everyone adheres, the quicker the virus is starved and the sooner shops, bars and restaurants can open for businesses as usual. Until that day the Street Ranger team will continue their high visibility patrols and keep an eye out for our BID businesses.
Lastly, although not specific to businesses, it was fantastic to see and hear the mass “Clap for Carers” last Thursday. It showed the scale of gratitude that the nation has for those on the front line during these extremely hard times. For me it was of course a clap for our NHS workers but it also included our supermarket workers, delivery drivers, Street Rangers, volunteers, police, cleaners and all that are putting themselves at risk to help us survive this crisis. If the nationwide clap did not spark a glimmer of hope and positivity in you then I suggest you binge browse ‘Inspire More’ and try again next week.
- Suzanne Gloyne