Portsmouth businesses urge people to support local traders in bid to survive second lockdown

Speaking from Downing Street on Saturday evening, the prime minister announced a national lockdown across England to last until Wednesday, December 2, with an extension of the government’s furlough scheme.

Supermarkets and essential businesses will remain open.

Today, traders await the announcement of further measures from chancellor of the exchequer, Rishi Sunak.

Their message now is simple – support local businesses and look out for one another.

Ollie Shilling, owner of the Rolling Scones cafe in Rowner Road, says everyone has their part to play.

She said: ‘In the last lockdown we saw such a strong community spirit, especially at the start.

‘It’s going to be really tough, for sure – we’re expecting to lose around £10,000 just from the one month. The big chains will still all be there after lockdown ends, but it’s independents like us that will need people’s support.

‘But in turn, if anybody is in need then we will be there for them. Let's all look out for one another and get through this together.’

Businesses like Ollie’s will be relying heavily on the online trading, either directly or via third-party apps like JustEat.

Sarah Veal’s book shop in the high street in Lee-on-the-Solent also trades online.

Sarah, who has owned The Book Shop for two years, believes people supporting local businesses is the only way they can make it through.

She said: ‘The shop has been here for 87 years, and we managed to survive one lockdown.

‘But I’m not sure that we will survive a second lockdown.

‘The worst thing is its in the run-up to Christmas – we take a third of our yearly takings at this time of year.

‘The future of the shop is in the hands of the customers.’

Sarah said the second lockdown threatens the existence of several shops along the high street, as more than 50 shops had planned late night opening hours for the first time in order to drum up business across November and December.

Portsmouth landlords are hoping for even more measures from the chancellor to support the troubled pub sector, with this year already seeing the closure of The Wave Maiden and Rosie's Vineyard, both in Southsea.

Paul Taylor, landlord of Kingston pub The Rose In June, said: ‘Here we go again.

‘I just hope and pray we can get something out of the government.

‘We will have to see what the chancellor says.’

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While online trading is a bonus, it’s no substitute for physical footfall, claimed Pigeon Books owner Mel Davies.

Mel, who set up the Southsea shop in June, said: ‘I think we’re in a better position as a business and our suppliers are still able to operate.

‘We can continue to operate online – but there will definitely be a decline in business.

‘We have worked really hard to make the shop a destination for people.’

She added: ‘When people buy a book from us they are supporting a local business which is what is going to get the economy going.

‘Amazon doesn’t pay council tax in Portsmouth.’

Albert Road, famous for its nightlife and its independent traders, could see businesses close for good, according to Julie Kelly, owner of Soundz record store.

She said: ‘A lot of people might not survive.

‘It all depends on the support that’s put in place.’

As a self-employed business owner, she hoped for more information on her position: ‘For the self-employed, there needs to be more support than last time.’

The News launched a campaign to encourage customers to shop in local businesses at the end of the first national lockdown in June.

This year has already seen the loss of many independent stores across the city, with Zensation in Albert Road and Nina’s surplus store in Highland Road closing among more than 14 other shuttered businesses across the area.

Chains have also suffered, with branches of Yo! Sushi, Pizza Express, and Cath Kidson across Portsmouth closing for good.

A message from the Editor, Mark Waldron

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