Residents urged to continue supporting local businesses during coronavirus pandemic

While many business premises have had to close to support national social distancing measures, food delivery and takeaway services remain operational, as well as grocery shops, hardware shops, car garages, and post offices. In addition, there are varied businesses and self-employed people continuing to operate from home.

A number of locally-based businesses have gone the extra mile to support their communities during these challenging times, including:

• Vehicle dealership Pertwee and Back has loaned vans to the council to enable council staff to deliver food to "sheltered" residents and keep local food banks stocked up, as well as to undertake medical deliveries.
   
• Thompsons Food Service has donated supplies to the food distribution hub at the Town Hall and has also put together food parcels designed for those who are unable to leave the house, including the vulnerable and elderly.
   
• Filby Post Office has sourced supplies for the food distribution hub at the Town Hall and is working with volunteers to offer food deliveries for residents who cannot leave the house, as well as top ups for electric, gas and phones.

A number of other organisations have supported the food distribution hub at the Town Hall, including the Lidl stores at Great Yarmouth and Caister, and Norwich City FC Community Sports Foundation.  

The council is updating an online list of grocery shops, food delivery and takeaway services operating within the borough. Visit www.great-yarmouth.gov.uk/coronavirus   

While hotels and guest houses are currently closed to visitors, they are allowed to provide temporary accommodation for key workers. To support local businesses and key workers, the council is maintaining a list of those hoteliers making rooms available for key workers during the pandemic. Visit www.great-yarmouth.gov.uk/key-worker-accommodation

Cllr Carl Smith, the council leader, said: "I'm so proud of the way our whole community has pulled together to support the response. We are doing all we can to ensure our local businesses get the support they are entitled to. Equally, many local businesses which are able to continue trading are doing a fantastic job in tough times.

"A huge thank you to the businesses which have made generous bulk donations to the food distribution hub at the Town Hall. This is helping the council to supply our community-run food banks so they can continue supporting those in need.

"Some businesses have changed their operating models in order to assist their communities, whether working from home or shifting from wholesalers to supplying the public directly. During these challenging times for tourism, it's great to see hoteliers playing their part in the response by providing accommodation for key workers.

"By everyone supporting the local businesses, this helps to support our local economy and also reduces unnecessary travel from outside the borough. Please do consider using local food suppliers and delivery services, especially if you are struggling to place orders with the national supermarkets."

If you are a business and are able to donate in bulk non-perishable food or other essential items to include in food parcels, please contact david.helsdon@great-yarmouth.gov.uk (telephone 01493 846343) or laura.goodman@great-yarmouth.gov.uk (telephone 01493 846125) to arrange either a collection from your business premises or a drop-off at the Town Hall. If you are a member of the public and wish to donate food items, please donate these directly to the food banks.

Relief grants for businesses

Great Yarmouth Borough Council has so far handed out £22m in Government relief grants to eligible local businesses - and is reminding those eligible businesses which have not yet claimed their money to complete the online form.

Visit www.great-yarmouth.gov.uk/coronavirus-business-support  for the link to the online form, information and support about the grants, eligibility criteria and further business advice.  For business advice, contact the Growth Hub via 0300 333 6536 or www.newangliagrowthhub.co.uk