Getting ready for reopening: Northampton Town Centre BID gives starter packs to independent shops

Business COVID recovery starter packs are being delivered to businesses by the Northampton town centre Business Improvement District (BID) team ahead of the reopening of shops on Monday, June 15.

More than 80 businesses have already requested the BID’s Business COVID Recovery Starter Packs, which contain social distancing floor graphics, tape and a window poster, a business compliance poster and bottle of hand sanitiser.

The BID’s Project Support Executive Kimberley Herbert, and the BID’s Host Bailey Earl have been out and about safely delivering the packs – each one designed help businesses to manage the risk associated with COVID-19 and prepare for reopening.

Mark Mullen, the BID’s Operations Manager, said: “The response to our packs has been amazing and we are delighted so many businesses are finding them useful. Every business is different and has varying needs and although these packs do not provide an exhaustive list of contents they are clearly proving useful and as a BID our role is to do everything we can to support the businesses in Northampton town centre.“

Here are a few other ways in which the BID has been supporting BID levy paying businesses since COVID-19 struck:

* BID Operations Manager Mark Mullen has assisted businesses with their grant funding applications – chasing the council on their behalf and providing Business Rate reference numbers where required

* The BID has lobbied MPs to request that more retail, hospitality, and leisure businesses can access much needed grants

* A new-look BID website, which includes detailed COVID-19 information and a Businesses Continuity Log, which is updated weekly and includes details of businesses trading in the town centre: www.northamptonbid.co.uk/covid-19-support/

* A Business Support Information guide, updated weekly to include Government funding updates and opportunities

* A social media campaign, to highlight business stories and share COVID-19 news and announcements. A new Facebook group #PayItForwardNN – to act as an online business support hub

* A series of business support and coaching webinars, in partnership with town centre business Beyond Theory

* Twice weekly e-bulletins - packed with updates, information and signposting to further support and online events

If you are a Northampton town centre business and have not yet requested a Business COVID Recovery Starter Pack, or require other information or guidance, please email [email protected].

View the Northampton BID website here: www.northamptonbid.co.uk