Salisbury Business Improvement District

The BID’s response to Coronavirus

18th March 2020

We're here working for and supporting our business members.

Salisbury BID is doing all it can to keep businesses up to date with the latest government advice and information. A dedicated page has been set up on the BID’s website to sign-post levy payers to the latest news and support for businesses available.

The BID is sharing these updates with businesses on their Facebook and Twitter pages and are sending regular e-newsletters with their members.

Robin McGowan, Chief Executive of Salisbury BID, said: “Once again businesses in the city centre are facing unprecedented and extremely challenging times. Businesses built up resilience following the Novichok incident 2 years ago, but most businesses in the retail, hospitality and leisure sectors will be relying on sufficient government support in order to survive. We’re optimistic the government will provide this much-needed support for businesses.

“The Association of Town & City Management work directly with government, and we’re working closely with our colleagues at the ATCM to help set out the support needed for businesses, based on our experience from the Novichok incident.”

“The BID’s Board is in regular talks and are closely monitoring the situation to ensure the BID is responding appropriately to the situation and supporting our business members wherever possible.”

“The BID’s role is to effectively communicate with our levy payers to ensure businesses are aware of the government support available to help them get through this pandemic. We’re encouraging our BID levy payers to regularly check the BID’s website for updates and to get in contact with us if we can do anything else to help them at this time.”

The BID is also continuing to support independent businesses members through the Salisbury Indies channels. Members who are following government advice, have implemented extra measures and who are still open for business, are being promoted through the Salisbury Indies Facebook, Instagram and Twitter pages.

Salisbury BID is following government advice, and whilst the government still allows, the BID is strongly encouraging people to support local businesses in the city centre wherever possible.

Susi Mason (Salisbury BID Director, Salisbury Indies Chair and owner of Casa Fina) said: “Just 2 years after the Novichok incident in Salisbury, lots of small businesses have only just recovered from the huge economic impact, and now these businesses are facing crisis once again.

“I’d like to take this opportunity to encourage local people to shop local and support businesses in the city. Many businesses are adapting their businesses and are doing all they can to service the public.

“You can support independent businesses by contacting them on social media or by giving them a call; they’ll be only too happy to assist you and lots of them are offering extra services including payment over the phone and free delivery.

“The government has also granted permission for pubs and restaurants to operate as hot food takeaways, and many of Salisbury’s eateries have already adapted their business to offer this.

“Whilst the government allows us to, the BID will continue to promote the businesses who are open, and they are very grateful for your support.

“We’d love to see our independents come out the other side of this pandemic stronger than ever before, and we can only do that with the support of the public.”

Salisbury BID is supporting businesses with innovative ideas to reach customers and is encouraging businesses to get in touch if they have ideas.