EFFECTS OF THE CORONAVIRUS ON A SMALL BUSINESS - DAY 6 (22/03/2020)

I have to be careful that I keep this blog about the effects of the coronavirus on Contact Left and not a personal rant about the goings on in the world, I am sure everyone has an opinion on today’s goings on.

Today the the Co-Owner must go into Lock Down, this is completely understandable but is an effect, luckily if able a lot of work may be able to be done from home but unlike before will not be able to come to the unit at all. As of today we have 3 staff that can’t come onto the premises, first child care, second in the at risk group and another today because they live with someone who may have the Virus. Above all else forgetting about work I wish we could just close down for 2 weeks and everything right itself but that’s not going to happen as this is the long haul.

6 days ago when I started this blog it was solely about keeping the business going and everyone paid even though I had an idea this was coming weeks ago I don’t think I saw the extent of this or how bad the Pandemic was going to be. There is no room for error now, we have at least 7 unfulfilled contracts to the UK Public Services this includes, Baton Vests, Boots, Bags, Hand Sanitiser, Hats and some others, we have to fulfill these the best we can and keep providing these items. Today in Manchester a 7 year old girl was stabbed to death, the Police still have horrific crime going even in this pandemic time, I only hope it doesn’t get worse but Contact Left must support our public services more now.

Another act of kindness, Jeremy who is a self-employed dog handler drove out of his way to buy from us today, phoned first to say what he wanted, waited outside the shop and then contact less paid, had a chance to chat to him with good distance between us, his work has dried up as he does a lot of sporting events with his dog but still went a couple of hours out of his way to put money into Contact Left and his partner who is from a retail background gave me some excellent advice on what I may be able to do going forward if we struggle.

As always everyone, keep any ideas coming on what you think we should sell at this time. Anything that you think will be useful to yourself or to the public services let us know and we can either get it in and retail were possible or make it. The face masks that were put forward are selling well.

This week will be a big test for any small business that is staying open in these times and we will only make it with your support, that doesn’t mean you make a sympathy purchase, it means share and promote and support all small businesses that are still going.

Thanks David