Today, Monday 17th May, sees the much-heralded re-opening of indoor hospitality across Stone, something that our town is incredibly well known for and something that says, “Stone is open for business!”
All across Stone, businesses are re-opening with some brand new companies also getting ready to open their doors – a fantastic “Reason to be Cheerful!”
Stepping into Step 3
Last month saw many of the town’s retail, beauty and personal care, gyms and recreation as well as outdoor hospitality re-open – from Stone Town Centre out to places like Walton and the numerous business parks life started to come back into the town. From today we welcome back indoor hospitality, so that means pubs, restaurants and cafes, as well as things like the popular, Come into Play opening up, albeit with reduced capacities due to covid regulations.
Stone residents and business have had supported one another since the first lockdown commenced in March 2020. Local businesses across the town have adapted to the ever-changing government legislation by offering deliveries, click and collect and online services. People have shopped local and supported local businesses within their communities and within the town centre – something that’s been fantastic to see and something we hope continues.
Supporting each other
Communities rallied around to ensure the most vulnerable were looked after, from the Stone Helpline offering a team of volunteers to those in need to neighbours looking out for people in their local communities.
The Stone Food Bank ran out of Stone Community Hub, which has proved invaluable for many families and individuals in Stone who have seen work disappear and have needed this lifeline service.
Many of the groups and support networks in the town have also changed and adapted; from online youth groups like scouts and guides to the zoom sessions for U3A, it’s been heartwarming to see our communities looking out for one another as best as they could.
Unfortunately, the past 12 months have had a devastating effect on some, from family and friends who have lost loved ones to businesses that couldn’t survive the lockdowns and have had to close. Mental and physical health has taken its toll on many across our town during the lockdowns, so we hope that as we enter step 3, things will start to get more manageable, and people can access their support networks and external help that they may require.
So what can you do to support the town businesses?
It’s Spring 2021, and we know that all of Stone’s businesses and organisations need the support of residents and visitors as we come out of the latest lockdown – from the many fantastic independent High Street shops to the likes of recreation venues like Clip n Climb and Flip Out. From hospitality businesses that have been one of the hardest areas hit to things like Stone Library. There are corner shops, parades of shops, and little business operating from home or the business parks in the town, and they are all keen to see Stone residents and visitors coming back through their doors.
Stone businesses have been working tirelessly to ensure that we have a safe and covid secure environment to welcome people back into the town. As they’ve done after previous lockdowns, the local businesses have strived to create an experience that is both safe and a pleasure to shop in.
In retail, footfall is king, and in hospitality, it’s all about bums on seats.
If you’re working from home, why not take a lunchtime walk to pop into town or your local parade of shops? It’s one of my favourite things to do; I can pop my head into several shops to say “hello”, it’s incredible how such a simple thing can lift the spirits of the shop and business owners – even if you don’t buy something!
At the back end of 2020, when lockdowns were lifted, it was sad to see people booking hospitality businesses and simply not turning off; these businesses are working with reduced capacity and need people in to keep their business afloat. With bookings necessary at many venues, a no show can leave a void that’s not so quickly filled.
Stone businesses have a massive effect on the town – some that may not be that obvious from local employment opportunities to utilising the services of other local businesses like cleaners, accountants, printers and insurance companies. It’s important that we all support one another because we have something special in Stone and we’re proud to call it home.
Where can you find out more?
For hospitality businesses, we have a comprehensive guide on our website – https://alittlebitofstone.com/2021/04/01/stone-pub-and-restaurant-re-opening-guide-2021/
Most of the local businesses you’ll be able to find on social media, Facebook and Instagram being the most popular so give them a search!
For town centre businesses there’s the Stone Traders Group that many of them belong to, they operate under the StoneIsWhereTheHeartIs banner – you’ll find them on social media as well as banners and signs around the town.
Finally, there’s the town centre business directory that’s on a number of the Stone Town Council noticeboards around the town.
Stay Safe
Despite moving to Step 3, we all still have a big part to play in ensuring that our town remains a safe place to live, enjoy and work. Following the government guidelines around social distancing, mask-wearing and maintain good hand hygiene to keep Stone Safe.
