WE need your support to keep Swindon’s businesses thriving during lockdown.

Today, the Adver is calling on its readers to back homegrown companies that have been hit hard by the pandemic and are struggling.

Our new campaign aims to help as many of the town’s businesses as possible, whether they’re pubs or plumbers, cafes or car mechanics.

We would like to hear from local businesses about what they do and how they’ve been dealing with this unprecedented crisis. And we need you – our dedicated readers – to show your support and give them your custom to ensure they can survive until the lockdown lifts.

Business experts from around the county have emphasised the importance of shopping locally during these difficult times.

Adver editor Pete Gavan said: “Our local businesses are the lifeblood of the community and few will have escaped the devastating effects of the pandemic.

“So we’re doing our bit to shine a light on how they’ve adapted and how your can help them thrive.”

Director of Business West’s Swindon and Wiltshire initiative Ian Larrard said: “Despite extensive government support, our research shows that only 55 per cent of businesses believe they can continue to trade if the lockdown lasts longer than three months.

“This figure drops to 16 per cent if the lockdown is to last six months or more.

“Such is the existential threat that businesses are facing right now, we must – as buyers and consumers – continue to back local businesses as far as is possible as lockdown measures are eased.

“Small local businesses are the backbone of Swindon’s economy and play a vital role in providing jobs, supporting families and contributing to the character of place.

“Although times are tough for many right now, we can help to keep the town’s economy alive by choosing to spend with small and local independent businesses.”

Adver readers highlighted some of their favourite Swindon-based businesses that could do with a bit of extra help.

Angela Rushton said: “Smart Car UK – always excellent service from Phil and his team. Bake-O-Delicious do lovely birthday cakes made to order and the most amazing afternoon teas during lockdown. SW Handyman has amazing service and excellent workmanship.”

Martyn Pearce said: “Fillerz in the Brunel Shopping Centre’s Crossing is keeping us fed – first-class service.”

Hayley Morse said: “Franklins make superb sandwiches and they are always fresh.” Patricia Cookson agreed: “Got to be Franklins – so fresh, and fab service.”

The town centre has adapted well to the lockdown, with key retailers like supermarkets and Wilko serving customers safely as lockdown limits ease. But other shops in the area need support and are worried about how they will reopen.

Interim inSwindon BID manager Mark Rogers said: “As the UK government looks to ease lockdown measures, inSwindon BID encourages people back into the town centre, but in a safe manner.

“We have many businesses in the town centre which have been hit hard by the pandemic and the closure of the town, and although many have adapted to online or delivery to keep sales going, this hasn’t been possible for all.

“It is important that people continue to shop locally where they can to boost the local economy and support our town centre businesses.

“We’ve had regular engagement with businesses in the town centre, and those that have remained closed have shared their uncertainty as to when they’ll be able to open again and when they do open, what will their new normal look like?

“Many are concerned about whether they will be able to financially survive until they can re-open, or if they will be able to fund changes for social distancing, business processes and safe-guarding needed to safely re-open.

“Businesses that have remained open are reporting that, unsurprisingly, footfall in the stores is significantly down, but that individual spend per visit is noticeably higher than usual.

"A concern for these businesses is that once the town starts to reopen fully, how will that impact their current queuing systems and the general flow of people around the town centre?

“Many businesses are looking for guidance from government, the council, and us at the BID, on the types of support available and changes they must implement prior to re-opening.

“We have increased our communications with our BID members allowing us to share relevant information and guidance for businesses through our website, newsletters and social media channels.

“The inSwindon BID actively represents BID members in formal working groups with key stakeholders such as Swindon Borough Council, The Brunel, The Parade and Regent Circus, to ensure we collectively work together to ensure the re-opening of the town centre goes as smoothly and safely as possible.”

Swindon Borough Council leader David Renard said: “We know that this is an uncertain time for many businesses, which is why we are doing all we can to support local firms.

“Our officers have been working extremely hard to process government grants as quickly and efficiently as possible and will continue to do so as guidance evolves. So far, we have paid over £25m in government grants to more than 2,000 businesses in Swindon while also sign-posting many others to alternative support and advice.

“We are working closely with colleagues from partner organisations to engage with businesses and understand how we can best support them both now and in the long-term. I would wholeheartedly support the Adver's campaign as it is important we all continue to support local businesses during this challenging time.”