Northampton cheese named as town's first 'Business Hero of 2020' for dedication throughout lockdown

A Northampton cheese shop that stayed open for customers throughout this year's unprecedented lockdown has been named as the town's first 'Business Hero of 2020'.

Northampton BID is awarding business owners or community favourites who did their best during the extraordinary demands of the coronavirus pandemic as nominated by their customers.

Now, the town centre deli St Giles Cheese has been named the first Business Heroes of 2020 for their work to stay open and help keep their independent suppliers afloat during the crisis.

Owners Steve and Caroline ward remained open throughout the lockdown offering essential items and allowing shoppers to collect items from the door front rather than have to walk into the shop.

The duo explained: "We wanted to make sure our chain of suppliers was able to keep going.

"We also provide goods for lots of local people who can’t necessarily visit a supermarket and would find the large queues and busy shops overwhelming. Many of our customers rely on interaction – we didn’t want to close our doors to them.”

Like many stores who had to switch up their business model during the crisis, St Giles Cheese chose to reduce their opening hours during lockdown to accommodate deliveries and were dropping off provisions to around 10 customers a day for 90 days in a row.

Steve added: “Times of crisis bring people together and the community spirit in Northampton has been exceptional.”

Northampton BID are asking residents to name their Business Heroes of 2020 and put them in the running to get the recognition they deserve.

It could be a server at a favourite eatery who adds that personal touch to their service or someone who has given back to the Northampton community, or just someone who has been passionate about what they do.

Submissions are being accepted online and winners will be named and celebrated throughout the year.