Where To Stay for a Budget Cost Minibreak in Cambridge

Amanda Howse
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Where To Stay for a Budget Cost Minibreak in Cambridge

For a budget conscious and modern choice we recommend staying at one of the splendidly big Travelodge’s in the city centre. The Newmarket Road Cambridge Travelodge is the best accommodation currently available, if funds for the trip are somewhat limited. (1)

There is the Travelodge Cambridge Central and the Newmarket Road Travelodge. We have stayed at both and they both offer friendly reception service and everything you would expect for a bed and bathroom suite at prices that start from £35 per night per room.

This years coronavirus precautions mean that the hotels are cleaner than ever and you can always bring your own anti-bacterial kit, in addition to your favourite personal protection equipment too.

The Cambridge Central Travelodge has the advantage of an excellent location near to the train station and a small retail and leisure park. There are a few good brasserie’s in the vicinity as well as mini versions of Tescos and Sainsbury’s supermarkets. Walking into the centre of town is simple, it is literally further up the road. There are lots of great buildings and unusual shops to look at on the way. Long stay parking in the multi-storey around the corner was a breeze. In addition there were also some free bays for cars in front of the entrance to the striking bright blue coloured lodging facility.(2)

The Cambridge Central Travelodge has air conditioning, which has the advantage that it can be really warm and cosy easily, if that is how you like your boudoir. However it is not possible to open the windows at this hotel which could be a concern for customers looking to avoid any recirculated air. We were lucky that when we turned off the rooms fan we were left with an ideal temperature space with a vent in the bathroom, that seemed to go out to the fresh air on the adjacent outside wall.

Alternatively the Newmarket Road Travelodge has opening windows but no air conditioning and the rooms are heated with radiators. There are 50 spaces for cars at the hotel and extra places at the nearby Grafton Centre. The well known travel company explains that “For shopaholics, Cambridge has plenty of stores and boutiques packed into its centre, while there’s an abundance of galleries, including the Fitzwilliam Museum, to enjoy – and that’s all in addition to beautiful university buildings such as Christ’s College.” The Newmarket Road Travelodge has a bus stop literally outside that goes straight into town and the public transport system is frequent and works very well. (1)

Another reasonable abode in Cambridge is the ‘ibis Cambridge Central Station’ which is a stone’s throw from the station on a leisure park and 20-30 minute walk away commercial and historic hub. From around £60 per room per night a mini break in this comfortable 3 star hotel with its own coffee shop is ideal for couples. Single room air conditioning is an extra health and safety feature too. (3)

We like national chain companies as in our experience they are successful at consistently meeting high standards. Unless you are very unlucky the big brands at the lower end of the market have the basics covered, like a clean en suite with a bath and a quality mattress, bed and spotlessly fresh bed covers. Usually the customer service in these large corporate hostels is efficient and friendly. To help visitors settle into their temporary home a team member is nearly always ready at reception, all through the night as well as during the day.

If you are driving to Cambridge and would like to take advantage free on site parking then the Premier Inn on the A14 road at Junction 32 could be ideal. At £31 per room per night it is amazing value at the moment. It is worth noting that the windows do not open at this hotel and the rooms have air conditioning. (4)

Just in case you have decided to splurge instead, we have a deluxe recommendation too. The University Arms Hotel has an impressive entrance with tall classical arches. The Arms Hotel would be an luxurious upmarket accommodation choice with prices from £140 per night per room. This boutique Marriott hotel “was designed by renowned architect John Simpson. Immaculate accommodation features charming Edwardian interiors with bespoke writing desks, luxury linens, complimentary Wi-Fi and an abundance of natural light.” (5)

 

(1) ‘Cambridge Newmarket Road’, Travelodge Hotels, 16 October 2020 ‘Cambridge Newmarket Road’, Travelodge

(2) ‘Cambridge Central’, Travelodge Hotels, 16 October 2020 Travelodge Cambridge Central

(3) ‘Ibis Cambridge Central Station’ Ibis Cambridge Central Station

(4) ‘Cambridge (A14, J32) hotel Premier Inn, 16 October 2020 Cambridge (A14, J32) hotel Premier Inn

(5) The University Arms Hotel, Autograph Collection, 16 October 2020 The University Arms Hotel, Autograph Collection, 16 October 2020

 

 

Video Interviews: How to Prepare Professionally

Amanda Howse
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Video Interviews: How to Prepare Professionally

Looking for a new job in the Autumn of 2020 is a challenging task but it is totally possible. 2020 has been a year of dramatic changes for most businesses globally. New roles are being created as companies swiftly adapt, in response to the pandemic combined with Brexit preparations in the UK.

This year it is not as easy as usual to meet with prospective employers. Many industy and networking events are cancelled. Face to face contact is being minimised because of social distancing to reduce the spread of coronavirus. Thankfully nearly all the population of the UK is connected to the internet via at least a smart phone or device which all have cameras and video functionality built in.

Preparation is key

It is wise to expect to complete online applications and virtual interviews and be extra patient while the previous jobs references are sought. Once you have whipped your current CV into shape it is worth downloading the latest versions of video conferencing software like Teams and Skype onto your computer or laptop in advance.

Many organisations will be completing their search for the ideal applicant entirely online this season. Make sure you also have the programs on your smart phone too as some of this technology is relatively new and works better on the latest mobile devices.

Robert Half’s excellent job seeking blog reminds readers to “make sure your laptop or tablet is fully charged on the day of the interview.” (1)

There has been an unexpectedly huge increase in traffic for virtual office service providers this year. This is because of government lockdowns and official guidance prohibiting busy workplaces which has resulted in millions of citizens working from home instead of commuting into cities and flying internationally to attend conferences.

Expect some technical gremlins

Anyone who has watched news programmes on the BBC, ITV and Channel 4 this year knows that even with a team of experts and engineers on hand there will be lost connections and technical hiccups to contend with. If you are not sure what kind of internet connection you have in your home at present, then contacting your provider will mean you can find out if you have the best hook up available or whether upgrading your system to a new router and the latest fast fibre system is possible.

The Indeed website advises sensibly that a key priority is to “Check your computer’s audio is working. Test your computer’s webcam. Close any unnecessary web browser tabs and applications.”(2)

If your wireless web set up is notoriously dodgy, then asking a friend or family member to help provide a quiet workspace in their virtually advanced home or workplace nearby. This simple move could be really advantageous to optimising your job search. Your local library could be another option. Borrowing any gadgets might be a quick way of obtaining the resources you need. There is bound be some glitches and teething problems along the way, as the available internet service varies widely in both in strength and reliability across the country.

Human Resources managers and recruitment specialists will be used to dealing with these minor frustrations in the course of their everyday work matching people to their ideal posts. Experts in dealing with people they will naturally take it all in their stride, so there is no reason to panic if the phone line suddenly sounds like the aliens have invaded.

If the worst happens and you get cut off off and communicating electronically is becoming impossible, it is time to activate plan B. Calmly suggesting a back up plan will allow the opportunity to be taken to meet face to face at another specific time. This may involve immediately re-connecting, rebooting your computer or swapping to a different piece of electronic equipment. Changing over to another video conferencing provider is also an easy alternative, as is reverting to a phone only conversation or rescheduling at a later time.

Make sure you let other people in your household know what time your important call is happening and organise any pets quietly too. Put your phone on silent once you are connected to your potential business partner to avoid any potentially distracting outbursts.

Companies can ask for a video to be made as part of the application process. Dan Mason Editorial manager at Prospects explains that for “for pre-recorded interviews, check beforehand whether you are allowed to stop and start for technical issues.” (3)

Get ready for your chance to shine

A virtual interview in the pipeline is definitely positive news and also the worry of wondering if traffic and public transport will get you to your appointment in time for the occasion is eliminated. However it is worth taking the hour or two saved to prepare for the interview with a close friend or family member. Practice calling each other online and analyse your presentation format. This means what you are wearing and also your home environment that is broadcast by your web camera.

Is your impression completely professional? It is tempting just to get dressed properly from the waist up when sitting in front of your device connected to the internet and your potential new boss. However if you do need to get up and walk about for some reason, to fetch a file or grab a paper tissue for example, you don’t want to be sharing your favourite teddy bear pyjama bottoms and fluffy hedgehog slippers with your future human resources director. Good posture and eye contact are important in video interviews too.

Make sure the camera on your computer is at your eye level and not pointing up your nose or at your pendant ceiling light. Check your head is neatly central to the screen and not appearing so large that you are inadvertently conveying a scary close up of your face.

Pay attention to lighting and use diffused natural light from the front if possible, with some extra soft artificial lighting to emphasise your best features. Consider how to blow dry your hair carefully and a apply a little jewellery and make-up if it assists you putting your best face forward. They say ‘people buy people’ after all, so smile and look as positive and radiant as you can.

Tidy up your office space even if it is in your bedroom or kitchen and keep your interior as clean, modern and stylish as possible. If in doubt go for minimalism over statement décor to keep the attention on you and what you are saying. A smart neckline or scarf is a good idea. Keep in mind the workplace you will be working at in the future, if you succeed in getting the position. Be lead by the company culture as to how formal to appear during your online interview. Good luck!

 

(1) ‘Top Video Job Interview Tips’ Robert Half, Robert Half Job Seeker Blog, 7 April 2020 ‘Top Video Job Interview Tips’ Robert Half Blog

(2) ‘Video Interview Guide: Tips for a Successful Interview’ Indeed 1 October 2020 ‘Video Interview Guide: Tips for a Successful Interview’ Indeed

(3) ‘Video interview tips’ Dan Mason, Editorial manager, Prospects, May 2019 ‘Video interview tips’ Dan Mason, Editorial manager, Prospects

What’s New With Applying For Jobs in the UK in 2020

Amanda Howse
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What’s New With Applying For Jobs in the UK in 2020

If finding a new job is top of your list for October there are some silver linings to be found in the jobs market in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Applicants may need to be flexible in terms of location in order to take advantage of fresh roles created by all the changes that Covid-19 has brought to all of society and almost every business.

Most experts agree that targeting your efforts to a select number of companies offering jobs in your chosen field is still the way to go. Despite the efficiencies of automation making it possible to ‘blanket apply’ for high numbers of jobs with one virtual CV this method is not recommended. Instead aim to hit the numbers with targeted applications with companies that your research has shown are really ideal for your career progression and goals. (1)

There are lots of good current articles online about how to write the perfect curriculum vitae. Sending a CV is still the key method for attracting a great new employer in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Emine Saner at The Guardian’s top tip is to keep it relevant to the position for which you are applying. (2) It is really worth reading articles on exceptional CV writing by recruiters like Reed and LinkedIn who include additional verbs and other words that can help highlight your achievements, without including any unwanted and overused resume cliches. (3)

This week two of my close friends have just landed ideal positions in major companies in different industries. This shows it is possible to follow your career path during a pandemic if you focus hard on the process. In both these cases working closely on the telephone with recruitment agencies who have close contacts with employers has paid off, resulting in concrete job offers to consider within a month or two. Social distancing is affecting how interviews are conducted and its worth downloading video conferencing software onto your computer and smart phone in advance.

Try ‘googling’ yourself to check your online impression is going to impress your potential managing director. Have a critical look at your personal instagram, Facebook, Twitter and any other social media and websites. It is time to delete and consider adding new posts to reflect your suitability for your chosen trade and level of responsibility.

It is reasonable to politely request to visit the prospective employers office or factory in person on another day in the near future, if this is important to you. Similarly make time to research a new city or location and ask your recruitment advisor to help you understand if this town has the sort of transport options, leisure activities, nature opportunities, educational facilities, accommodation and social life that you are after. It would be fine to talk about whether your essential requirements will be within your budget on your new salary with your recruitment advisor.

Another aspect to consider this year is the possibility or transitioning into the public sector from the private sector. See weeks hotenough.com article ‘Who in UK Is Hiring Professionals Affected by Redundancy This Autumn?‘ for more details on big businesses that are taking on more staff now. (4) With Prime Minister Boris Johnson and his Chancellor Rishi Sunak leading the government spending is at an all time high to give the economy a much needed boost as industry deals with and recovers from this years health crisis and a national lockdown. It could be the right time to switch to a post funded by the taxpayer and the United Kingdom’s state treasury. The National Health Service have more than ten thousand vacancies and there is a concerted recruitment drive by a variety of care service providers.

Johnson announced substantial backing to an expanded Green economy policy today. Therefore organisations that are involved in creating the infrastructure and building new projects to enable UK citizens to enjoy more parks and cycleways will have the budgets from Westminster to create fresh roles. Each council area is to be given money for new projects. Green energy companies and electric car manufacturers will all be benefiting from extra funding to increase the size of their teams.

Some environmentalists and those more on the left wing of politics are sceptical at the latest statements from the PM about investing in the future of healthcare, green energy and green economy jobs. However this year it is wise to analyse what sectors have been gaining financially from all the fast changes that have occurred across the nation due to coronavirus and the unknown consequences of Brexit at the end of this year.

It is sensible to consider heading in a different work direction if it looks like your current role will not be feasible in the future. Look closely at your transferable skills and see how they may match an alternative field. As more people are affected by the end of furlough payments at the end of October, it could be a case of ‘the early bird that catches the worm’ when snapping up a position in an area where the future prospects look much more consistently bright.

 

(1) ‘Top Tips for Finding A New Job in 2020’ Leigh Gillett, Diverse Employment, 6 October 2020, ‘Top tips for finding a new job in 2020’ Leigh Gillett, Diverse Employment

(2) ‘Ten tips on how to write the perfect CV’ Emine Saner, The Guardian, 8 January 2020 ‘Ten tips on how to write the perfect CV’ Emine Saner, The Guardian

(3) ‘How to: Write a CV’ Amber Rolfe, Reed UK, 6 October 2020 ‘How to Write a CV’ Amber Rolfe, Reed UK

(4) ‘Who in UK Is Hiring Professionals Affected by Redundancy This Autumn?’ ‘ ‘Who in UK Is Hiring Professionals Affected by Redundancy This Autumn?’ A Howse, HotEnough.com

(5) ‘Boris Johnson: PM lays out vision of post-Covid UK’ Analysis by Chris Mason, Political correspondent, BBC News 6 October 2020 Boris Johnson PM lays out new vision of post-Covid UK’ BBC News with Chris Mason

Who in UK Is Hiring Professionals Affected by Redundancy This Autumn?

Amanda Howse
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Who in UK Is Hiring Professionals Affected by Redundancy This Autumn?

Unsurprisingly following the impact of Covid-19 on businesses across the country there has been a sharp rise in the number of redundancies in the UK labour market this Autumn. In a rate spike not seen since the global economic crash in 2009 there has been 5.6 people per 1000 employees been made redundant by their employers in the last month according to The Office for National Statistics. (1)

The initial furlough scheme launched by central government finishes at the end of this month, thus providing less financial support to both employers and employees nationally. It is likely that a lot of management ‘restructuring’ will result in thousands more job losses as we head into the final quarter of 2020.

This August the Office for National Statistics figures show that “the number of employees in the UK on payrolls was down around 695,000 compared with March 2020.” (2) However there is some good news as “Vacancies continued to show increases in the latest period, driven by the smaller businesses, some of which are reporting taking on additional staff to meet coronavirus (COVID-19) guidelines.”

Some UK leisure companies are benefiting from the quarantine regulations on going abroad due to the pandemic boosting Families choosing local getaways instead. Recruitment specialists Reed recommend Center Parcs who currently have 35 positions advertised on their website and Linked In are advertising more than 200 jobs that are going now at Bourne Leisure.

The most positions available at the moment is the National Health Service who currently have more than 14 thousand vacancies. In addition there are other trusts who have more than 1000 roles each that can be applied for today. Private healthcare providers such as the Nuffield Trust and Bupa also have more than a hundred new jobs each.

Tescos announced 16000 jobs were being created last week and there are more than 1700 on the Linked In website currently. Most of the big food supermarkets are inviting applications at the moment as restaurant and pub diners head for their big local stores instead.

Next have shown to be doing better than market expectations during the pandemic with their online offering appealing to customers at home and the retailer has made more than 1000 fresh posts possible. Specsavers are also looking out for 975 people to join their successful opticians across the country.

If accounting work can help your income situation then EY which is Ernst & Young’s parent company have 251 open roles.

The news today was all about Queen Elizabeth’s aircraft carrier in the channel now full of aircraft and sailing off from Solent waters. The coast is clear at the Ministry of Defence which has more than 200 jobs advertised this week.

Focusing on fighting germs and minimising virus infection rates means that there are more jobs than ever in facilities management too. Sodexo has 320 roles for example.

Boosted by government building programs in the public sector and a still buoyant housing market, the construction and civil engineering industries are in demand for workers of all levels. There are 278 places at Balfour Beatty this week.

Despite Brexit on the horizon adding to this years challenges for the UK financial services industry Citi bank has 343 open positions available.

Sectors that support the transition to home delivery and internet services are doing particularly well as citizens stay at home and search and order their goods and services online. Amazon needs 768 people to fill their vacancies for example. DHL, Royal Mail and other logistics companies are also recruiting to meet demand for doorstep deliveries. Similarly there are hundreds of telecommunications jobs in companies like Vodaphone this month.

Consulting with recruitment agencies in your chosen field and following the news on which businesses have seen financial growth this year, even with all the lockdowns and closures, will give you the key information needed about where to send your Curriculum Vitae. A smart strategy may be a move over to public sector employment as healthcare and public funded projects are a safe bet with offering consistent work for the next few years in the United Kingdom, where a great deal more uncertainty has been forecast by the economists.

 

(1) ‘LFS: ILO redundancy rate: UK: All: SA’ The Office for National Statistics,15 September 2020 LFS: ILO redundancy rate: UK: All: Office for National Statistics

(2) ‘Labour market overview, UK: September 2020’ The Office for National Statistics, 30 September 2020 ‘Labour Market Overview’ September 2020 The Office for National Statistics

(3) ‘Center Parcs Jobs’ Reed UK 5 October 2020 ‘Center Parcs Jobs’ Reed UK October 2020

(4) ‘Here’s who’s hiring in the UK’ 2 October 2020 ‘Here’s who’s hiring in the UK’ October 2020

 

Tunbridge Wells Springs Back With Style After Lockdown

Amanda Howse
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Tunbridge Wells Springs Back With Style After Lockdown

Royal Tunbridge Wells was previously known as just Tunbridge Wells and is a town located in western Kent, England, 30 miles south-east of central London.

Tunbridge Wells is close to the border with East Sussex upon the northern edge of the High Weald, whose special sandstone geology is characterised by the rock formations at the Wellington Rocks and High Rocks.

The centre of Tunbridge Wells is called the Pantiles because of the old tiled pavements. The historic market district grew up organically from the main Chalybeate Spring in the heart of the town. Today it is a museum where you can sample the iron rich spa water but it is not possible to swim in it nowadays. (1)

The music shop Brittens has supported locals with instruments, music scores and all the accessories that they need this year. The manager said that many people have had more time than ever to devote to their musical practice at home this year as a result of lockdown and the furlough scheme. Brittens Store Manager explained how “We have been operating on limited opening hours this August but we are looking forward to returning to normal hours again this September.” (2)

Retailers with expensive showrooms such as Tunbridge Wells Interiors have continued to open for a few customers at a time. The Zero Waste Company offer a wide variety of ethical products and have a cafe with outside seating and were trading as near to normally as possible with the usual social distancing measures in place.

On the day we visited the stunning lighting store Lumiere were recording a live webinar. This in store and online event demonstrates how the nature of retailing is changing and how online and traditional shop keeping is now so closely blended.

Susie Watson designs have outlets in Chichester and Tunbridge Wells and continue to offer high quality furnishings in a spectrum of soft colours. Their deep window displays are tempting for anybody who is lucky enough to live in an English home. The amount of people that are allowed through the doors at one time is now closely monitored.

The design led fashion and home international retail brand Anthropology arrived in Royal Tunbridge Wells in the spring of 2019. Managing Director Peter Ruis has “recognised that its UK customers do not want to shop in cavernous stores, and instead have a thirst for bijou, localised retail experiences.” according to Isabella Fish of the respected industry publication Drapers.

The Sales Manager explained to me that since opening up after lockdown finished this summer the boutique has been “selling steadily and exceeding their own commercial expectations this season”. (3)

It seems that rejecting the traditional department store franchise format that designer brands have favoured over the last few decades has been a savvy choice this year. Visitors to Anthropology are enjoying exploring the special ranges with a French twist that are presented throughout the four floors of the store and are choosing to purchase in this more relaxed setting out of the city.

Hand sanitisers are at the entrances to all businesses now and have become part of the way we expect to be greeted in the ‘new normal’.

Many stores are conveying the message that they are open and ready for customers with bold decorative frontages in a rainbow of hues. At the London Nail Company’s Tunbridge Wells branch cascading bright flowers cheer everyone up. At Juliets cafe bakers pastels clash merrily with primary hues in a jolly collection of tea sets topped off with dyed dried flowers.

Mirror Mirror beauticians have happily hung a hundred tulips from their ceiling in their front windows. Pots of tulips complete their uplifting floral entrance. Champneys and a good selection of beauty companies sit alongside other luxury labels like Whistles and The White Company.

Traditional department store Hoopers sells its designer wares but because of Covid-19 complications the Zest cafe is currently closed. It is not known when it will be serving food and drinks or when all the facilities will be available for its patrons to use.

A good selection of independent cafes provide places for refreshment and relaxation between shopping. This now involves some patient queuing outside on the street for a little while until the people inside have already made their purchases.

Nearly everything is upmarket in ‘Tun Wells’ as residents like to call it and the architecture is Georgian and Victorian. Even posh pooches are catered for in what looks like it could be a bespoke gentleman’s outfitters named Collared that features a very smart vintage mahogany framed exterior.

Royal Tunbridge Wells was frequented by members of the Crowns court who rode down to the area to enjoy the healing waters of its natural springs. The posh title was given by “Edward VII in 1909, partly to commemorate the fact that his mother, Queen Victoria, had loved the town so much.” (4)

During a pandemic in 2020 the town still offers a country escape from the challenges of the city at relatively close proximity and in much less time by car than it would have taken on horseback for courtiers all those years ago.

When visiting and enjoying tea French cafe style on a weekday morning, it is easy to see that there seems to be enough ‘comfortably off folk’ and ‘well to do families’ with a list of things to buy to keep this community thriving. With the Pantiles market open for trading again on the first and third weekend of the month, there is lots to draw visitors from all over the region to experience the delights of this prestigious and characterful place.

References:

(1) ‘ The Chalybeate Spring’ Tunbridge Wells offical tourism website 16 September 2020 The Chalybeate Spring

(2) Brittens ‘Where Music Matters’ website 16 September 2020 Brittens Music

(3) ‘Inside the new Anthropologie ‘local’ store’ Isabella Fish, Drapers Online, 11 April 2019 Drapers Online Inside New Anthropology Store

(4) ‘Why You Should Go To…Tunbridge Wells’ Laura Reynolds, July 2018 Londonist: Why You Should Go To Tunbridge Wells

(5) Anthropologie website Anthropologie

(6) The Zero Waste Company website The Zero Waste Company

(7) Mirror Beauty Company website Mirror Beauty Company

12 Tips for Starting To De-Clutter Your Home in Late Summer

Amanda Howse
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12 Tips for Starting To De-Clutter Your Home in Late Summer

The initial stage of any project can ‘make or break’ if it is going to be a success. There has been lots of  picnic-ware and outdoor furniture ordered for those lucky enough to have a patio or a patch of green this season. Most houses have lots of extra books that have been read, DVDs viewed, games played, jigsaws completed, gadgets tested and other new activities and hobbies taken up during lockdown. Increasing amounts of time have been spent indoors and in gardens for many families in England this year. Some of these pursuits may not be appropriate to our daily routines as we head into Autumn. So this could be the perfect time to finally commence the de-cluttering challenge.

  1. Give yourself time in your diary to devote to this process. Allocate some time a particular day each week or every weekend (if you can) to going through the house and discovering what you can quickly clean, sort, give away, donate, reuse, repurpose or throw away.

  2. Encourage other family members to join in with a little ‘tidy time’ and show them how you ‘divide and conquer’ your things into neat shelves, simply divided drawers and tidy cupboards. Put on some upbeat music if this helps get you all moving in the right direction.

  3. Keep a bag or box in the hallway labelled ‘take to the charity shop’ for everyone to use. Have it ready to pick up and drop into town when you next going to your nearest retail centre.

  4. Stick to purchasing essential toiletries, groceries, gifts for others you know they want and new ‘urgent items’ only while you sort out the ‘wheat from the chaff’ to avoid buying duplicate items.

  5. Focus on indoor sorting when the weather is bad and quickly go through the garden and any garages and sheds when the weather is fine.

  6. Empty all your bins throughout your property as often as possible.

  7. Put away clean washing quickly so it doesn’t add mess to your bedroom or any other rooms unless you are lucky enough to have a dedicated laundry area.

  8. Decanter toiletries and larder cupboard staples and label up if needed as you pack away your groceries. Recycle any packaging from groceries and post parcels quickly to avoid it lying around.

  9. Use beach bags, shopping bags and baskets you already have to help you organise your items and save buying the perfect container for when you know exactly what you need.

  10. Enjoy flowers, plants and produce that come from the garden or local nursery or is in season to help motivate you and reward you with something bright to cheer your progress at this stage.

  11. Use the ‘posh crockery’ etc. if you are lucky enough to have some pretty sets, what are you waiting for? When on on your home management mission think about the minimalist mantra “quality not quantity” and the quote by the architect Le Corbusier that “Less is More” .

  12. Just do one maintenance, sewing, DIY or craft project at a time during this phase to help minimise visual clutter and extra ‘stuff’ to find a place for. To quote Marie Kondo the famous Japanese tidy expert; we hope you can “find joy” in some of the things you own and in the process of what can be a surprisingly therapeutic and unexpectedly rewarding process. Good luck with phase 1 of sorting out your stuff and heading closer towards living in the pad of your dreams.

(1) ‘The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up’ KonMari website 18 September 2020 KonMari Shop – Books

(2) Cancer Research Shop  Cancer Research Shop

 

Dining Community Challenged by Ordering Glitch at Freshly Reopened Pub Chain

Amanda Howse
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Dining Community Challenged by Ordering Glitch at Freshly Reopened Pub Chain

Restaurants, pubs and cafes officially opened again in England on Saturday 4th July and their Scottish equivalents welcomed their first customers back this week on Wednesday 15th July. In mid-March every premises was instructed to call final orders and close by the government, to prevent the further spread of coronavirus.

According to the Office for National Statistics earlier this Spring there were around 30 thousand licensed restaurants and also around 30 thousand public houses and bars in the United Kingdom. In total there were just over 120 thousand eating and drinking businesses spread over England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. (1)

Since the Independence Day when most food and beverages brands saw patrons returning through their doors again, there has been a small but steady stream of residents heading to their preferred inns again. Following the reopening nationwide this month there has been relatively unremarkable and weak demand reported throughout the hospitality industry. However a gentle bounce back is now happening and on the 12th of July sales were up from nothing to minus 44.65% when comparing number of diners to last years figures.(4)

Those going out need to give their contact details when booking at reception and a contact phone number in case anyone tests positive for Covid-19 and they need to be informed so they can isolate and avoid giving the virus to anybody else. Publicans only want to serve dishes to people from the same household at each carefully arranged individual table.

2020 has been a incredible year for using technology to overcome problems and barriers as we all try and achieve our goals, whilst minimising daily contact to others who we don’t live with. Innovative new hospitals have ‘popped up’ and ‘test and trace’ software has been invented. Online media platforms have evolved into sophisticated tools for doing pretty much everything from teaching to holding board meetings from the comfort of a person’s home office or car.

As with any enterprise that declares its entrance open for the first time there is bound to be some teething problems. When an organisation also introduces a new sales process that relies on the internet and the customer’s own technological devices, a steep learning curve and some significant programming development in back-end systems is required, at least over the initial couple of months.

Tim Martin is a well known pro-Brexiteer who started the publicly owned limited company Wetherspoon which has reopened 875 pubs across the UK. Known colloquially as ‘Spoons’ the chain has invested 11 million pounds in protecting its staff and customers with acrylic screens, hand sanitizer, gloves, masks and protective eyewear. (2)

The amazingly successful company hires energetic helpful adults of all ages which give great help to visitors during sometimes long shifts. The opening hours are usually from 7 am and they open into the small hours of the night at the weekends. Impressively, before the lockdown Wetherspoons across the UK were selling very reasonably priced food and drinks to 2 million people a week. (3)

Predictably it isn’t all plain sailing. The ‘app’ that is used by customers to order food and drinks at the Wetherspoon chain of pubs is experiencing ongoing technical difficulties.

Using technology to practice social distancing is a great idea and avoids queuing at the bar. There is a limited menu to help the kitchen continue to run like clockwork with all the new regulations.

However when orders are unable to be made via a handheld device the staff have to deal with some confusion. Different meals that are ready at different times on the the same table of diners can occur. Reverting back to the original pen and paper system causes a little frustration all around. Precious lunch time minutes are wasted waiting for food requests that are not making it as far as the commercial chefs and ladies and gentlemen are attempting to troubleshoot whether card payments have been processed or not.

Customer service is generally found to be excellent at Wetherspoons but it is beyond the managers control to ‘fix the glitches in the system’. Obviously it has been stressful for these hard working pub teams to open up again quickly and achieve all the goals involved with running a busy large dining room, with a full bar and all the facilities their regulars expect.

The manager at Wetherspoons admitted he would have been more comfortable with waiting a few weeks longer before returning his whole team from furlough in order to be more thoroughly prepared for reopening with all the processes in place. There was obviously a lot of pressure to meet the new requirements which include spacing tables away from each other with stickers saying ‘do not move due to social distancing’ and lots of circular floor signage to show punters where to stand and still be at least a meter apart from one another as they wait for service in the hallways and bars.

The young commercial leader quickly and happily personally solved our groups virtual food order hiccups and those of other clients on carefully spaced tables nearby. He then spoke about how important it is for all the key workers to return together to their roles as swiftly as possible. “For many people that live by themselves being able to eat and drink alongside their local neighbours. Pub company and all the familiar faces are a really important part of their lives. They have really missed us and we have missed providing this social connection.”

In an effort to support the recovery of the hospitality industry the Chancellor Rishi Sunak has recently promised a special government sponsored half price meal deal promotion throughout all of August. Registrations for the ‘Eat Out to Help Out’ scheme started on Monday via the central Gov.UK website. Companies can add their details to what will become an online database of restaurants who will then receive a weekly ‘subsidy payment’ to cover the difference in the price received on the discounted meals they have already provided at a reduced cost.

In any business profits and economic viability is fundamental to its existence. The British pub is also a treasured part of our culture and society. It is a safe haven that allows older, vulnerable residents and those who live by themselves or in difficult home environments a space to keep warm in the winter and a place to enjoy the company of other locals. Engaging in conversation with others who live and work in their area helps to minimise loneliness and prevents anybody experiencing extreme social isolation that can easily lead in turn to mental health problems.

Hopefully the government backed ‘Eat Out to Help Out’ promotion will be a special offer that will help supersize the industry again and give the resturant trade some much needed momentum.

 

(1) ‘Number of restaurants, takeaways, cafes, bars and pubs in the UK’ Office for National Statistics, 28 January 2020, ‘Number of restaurants, pubs UK’ Office for National Statistics

(2) ‘Wetherspoon is to invest an initial £11 million to ensure that its staff and customers are safe before its pubs reopen’ Wetherspoon website press release, 15 July 2020   ‘Wetherspoon to invest 11 million before pubs reopen’ Wetherspoon press release

(3) ‘Wetherspoons’ Wikipedia page for J D Wetherspoon plc, 17 July 2020, ‘Wetherspoons’ Wikipedia page

(4) ‘Year-over-year daily change in seated restaurant diners due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic in the United Kingdom (UK) from February 24 to July 12, 2020’ Jennifer Luty, Statista.com, 14 July 2020, ‘Covid-19 restaurant visitation impact UK’ Statista

 

 

Indoor Pubs and Restaurants Open in Both Scotland and England Today

Amanda Howse
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Indoor Pubs and Restaurants Open in Both Scotland and England Today

Tens of thousands of restaurants, pubs and cafes officially opened in England on Saturday 4th July. For millions of English families it was a long awaited occasion. There was cause for a respectfully modest celebration and some well deserved treats across the country.

The lockdown announced in mid March by Boris Johnson closed everyone’s favourite local drinking and eating venues to prevent the spread of coronavirus throughout the UK. Today Scottish residents were also allowed to visit their favourite dining halls and pubs too as Prime Minister Nicola Sturgeon confirmed the lifting of the ban across the neighbouring parliamentary region in northern Britain.

According to the Office for National Statistics this Spring there were around 30 thousand licensed restaurants and also around 30 thousand public houses and bars in the United Kingdom. There were about 37 thousand take away food shops and mobile food stands and also just over 20 thousand unlicensed restaurants and cafes. In total there were just over 120 thousand eating and drinking businesses spread over England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. (1)

Although this doesn’t give us an exact number of venues for England, these large figures do tell us the massive importance of these businesses opening to the British economy and our communities and way of life. In fact the UK restaurant industry alone was worth 39.9 billion in 2018 and consumer spending on food and catering services combines has been valued at a whopping 92 billion pounds. (2)

“There is a long-term trend towards people spending more of their household income on eating out and less on drinking out.” say the ONS who looked at the data regarding the number of employees that were assigned to food services as opposed to the number of bar staff that companies in the UK have employed up until 2019. (3)

Publicans and restaurants owners started opening up their premises from 7am on the morning of this very unusual welcome back eventthat was coincidentally scheduled on American Independence Day. This years virus pandemic is global and sadly it has hit the US states hard. This meant that although there were still some fireworks at the White House there was no fantastic celebrations, in a marked contrast to the previous years events.

Similarly there has been no big rush to create parties and pub crawls to remember. Apart from some special city areas, like the streets around London’s Soho district, the reaction from the public has been on the whole a little hesitant, gradual and low key.

Many Brits are very cautious about eating and drinking out in public. Economic confidence is low and as they said on Radio 4’s Today program this morning “people feel more comfortable at home” this summer. This is because there is no risk they could catch a virus or any other bug that may affect their health if they cook in their own kitchens and garden barbecues.

Anecdotal evidence suggests that younger people are more confident about enjoying their leisure time with having meals and snacks with friends at public establishments. They are on the whole less fearful of catching the contagion as it is usually less harmful to younger people who may not even realise they have become infected at all as they may have no symptoms.

Wearing face masks and gloves in public presents a practical challenge for diners of all ages. It is impossible to enjoy a meal with your household and actually consume dishes in a relaxed way of you are wearing a face-mask. Of course hands can be washed and tables and chairs pre-sanitised but realistically people will be taking off their face-masks to eat what has been ordered.

Therefore a restaurant waiter or waitress must make sure they can assist the dining group with drinks or sauces or whatever they need in a careful manor. This avoids inadvertently passing on a serious pathogen, if they are unknowingly contagious with Covid-19 but possibly asymptomatic. Sitting outside in the fresh air makes this easier and less risky for everyone. Most organisations have given their employees the option as to which mask if any they wish to wear as they carry out their duties in their workplace.

Restaurants and other leisure venues and facilities opening up over the coming weeks will undoubtedly help to bring the ‘footfall’ back to our commercial hubs. Tourists returning to English cities once the ‘air bridges’ are leaping into action between the UK and other European countries will also really make a much needed positive difference to retail and leisure sales figures.

Yesterday restaurants in Portsmouth in Hampshire were enjoying the benefits of mostly domestic visitors taking the opportunity for day trips along the coast while a mostly fair week of weather is in the forecast and the sunlight hours are long. One lady said the most difficult thing about being a European tourist exploring the area was the difficulty in locating safe and open toilet facilities as many of the usual amenities are still shut.

In an effort to support the recovery of the hospitality industry the Chancellor Rishi Sunak has recently promised a special government sponsored half price meal deal promotion throughout all of August. Registrations for the ‘Eat Out to Help Out’ scheme started on Monday via the central Gov.UK website. Companies can add their details to what will become an online database of restaurants who will then receive a weekly ‘subsidy payment’ to cover the difference in the price received on the discounted meals they have already provided at a reduced cost. (4)

This summer packed lunches and picnics are the order of the day as long as the warm weather holds. It is vital for economic recovery in England that the ‘Eat out to Help Out’ scheme will help boost confidence in the sector.

Encouraging understandably anxious folk to start socialising and spending again on going out after they have been told to stay in as much as possible for more than 3 months is always going to be challenging. A half price offer is a great way to kick start the struggling industry and it will be a welcome bonus for families looking to entertain children over the school holidays.

The ability for teenagers and adults in Great Britain to feel they are able to financially afford to have any disposable income that can be spent on the pricier option of going out for lunch or dinner depends on their job security situation. Whether demand can bounce back over the next year or two like it did after the financial crash of 2008 remains to be seen especially as social distancing and PPE is here to stay as everybody and every business adapts to ‘new normal’ lifestyles all across the globe.

 

(1) ‘Number of restaurants, takeaways, cafes, bars and pubs in the UK’ Office for National Statistics, 28 January 2020 Number of eating establishments in UK statistics by ONS

 

(2) ‘Restaurant industry in the United Kingdom (UK) – Statistics & Facts’, Statista Research Department, 3 September 2018 ‘Restaurant industry UK statistics’ Statista research

 

(3) ‘Economies of ale: changes in the UK pubs and bars sector, 2001 to 2019’ Office for National Statitics

16 January 2020 UK pubs, bars sector 2001 to 2019 Office for National Statistics

 

(4) ‘HMRC invites hospitality industry to register for Eat Out to Help Out’, HM Revenue and Customs

13 July 2020 ‘Eat Out to Help Out’ by HM Rev Customs

Can Shops Put The Fun Back Into The Future of Retail?

Amanda Howse
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Can Shops Put The Fun Back Into The Future of Retail?

Major fashion players like Top Shop, H&M and New Look all have great looking websites and are popular examples of commercial cornerstones in several busy cities across England. The pandemic has lead to companies in 2020 experiencing disruption to trade not seen since World War II. It will take time to tell if their in-store sales will be good enough for them to continue to be a viable and profitable proposition after stock, staffing costs, rates and electricity is all deducted from their annual turnover.

Retail companies are adaptable chameleons. In March millions of UK workers swapped their fancy offices in important commercial districts for their home study nooks and kitchen tables. Instantly clothing businesses jumped on the loungeware bandwagon promising to deliver the softest threads that will allow everyone to attend multiple zoom meetings in maximum comfort.

Casual wear is now deemed totally ‘de rigeaur’ for everyday life. Silky pajamas, fresh tracksuits and pretty slippers have quickly became Spring’s go-to must haves for footwear. A whole throng of fashion houses have been getting out their easy breezy basics and touting their athleisure inspired lycra ensembles with enthusiasm.

Shirts have also had a moment too, as nobody sees or cares what anybody else on the virtual conference call has on from the waist down. Sarah Young at The Independent reminded us all that getting dressed is essential to keeping in the right frame of mind to be work productive. Miss Young recommends wide trousers as the trendy solution to doing all our various activities at home in loose and relaxed bottoms. (1)

BooHoo.com have made reasonably priced face masks a pretty, useful and affordable accessory. For those who prefer washable investment pieces etsy.com features small craft businesses who are offering innovative and decorative versions. This year Marks and Spencer have had a rainbow themed summer sale and raised an incredible £32 million for NHS Charities Together. (2)

Attracting and keeping customers is particularly important now. For example New Look are offering anyone who joins their mailing list 25% off their first order. There was some good news for the industry when the government declared recently that they are offering all ‘Small and Medium sized Enterprises’ loans of up to 25% of their turnover up to a maximum of £50000.

“The government guarantees 100% of the loan and there won’t be any fees or interest to pay for the first 12 months. After 12 months the interest rate will be 2.5% a year.” declared Gov.UK the government’s official website, after chancellor Rishi Sunak’s announcement at the end of April.(3)

If boutiques and shop owners feel confident enough to apply for this loan it will give them an opportunity to invest in new equipment or some website development, or do some additional online advertising. The state loan can also significantly help SME’s pay wages to hopefully get them through an unexpectedly difficult year.

Current restrictions to normal retail selling practices include omitting the food or drinks promotions and free tastings usually provided at a special event at non-food retailers. In the past many successful evenings for vendors who sell beauty products, clothes and home furnishings have involved entertaining their loyal patrons with lots of little delicious treats and samples.

Charming their regular customers into parting with their hard earned cash has been a long standing strategy for good day at the mall for everyone. It is possible to provide alternatives instead and John Lewis have shown their ability to re-think their concept quickly. They are tempting their loyalty card members to attend online beauty meetings and receive a goodie bag of wrapped mini cosmetics from their suppliers. The partnership is also leading the way with offering virtual wardrobe make-overs for clients. A dedicated individual style adviser can be available by appointment to recommend pieces from their current range to achieve a perfect look every day of late summer and into the autumn.

Residents in England are slowly getting used to the new normal. Most people in England want to start getting out and about again and are keen to support their local businesses. The shop keepers have had time to prepare reopening after lockdown and are efficiently managing the customer flow into their buildings to ensure there is a limited number of browsers inside at any time.

The general population know that although sadly around 50 people per day are still dying with Covid-19. The numbers of English residents passing away due to the awful virus have been under 100 throughout the second half of June. To put that in context the number who so unfortunately died with coronavirus is in fractional terms a sixth of the amount compared with the awful figures in April, when tragically the daily figures consistently reached more than 600 deaths occurring in England.

The general public’s fears are decreasing slowly in line with the fall of coronavirus cases. There is still a long way to go before a vaccine is widely available and the risk to health when going out and here in Great Britain is minimal once again.(4)

Multi-channel web retailing has been key to keeping the tills ringing throughout 2020. Those companies who have been able to operate successfully in both their physical and online commercial platforms will be the survivors of this extraordinary year.

Modern brand managers know all about communicating with their stylish followers using the power of social media. Online marketing is a great way to keep people motivated and informed about what is happening. Followers like to know what is in stock within their favourite designer’s different collections and ranges that it is possible to purchase both on and off line. Competitions, videos, blogs and pictures of social influencers can all help to convey all the information and stories that shops want to share with their patrons.

These consistent seasonal messages provide visual interest and continuity. These lively posts build understanding and trust with a brand. Knowing the latest news and seeing the latest designs will keep all ages of shoppers bouncing back into stores that appeal to their budget and lifestyle. Platforms such as instagram and facebook give businesses an opportunity to hold live online events and share the benefits of their latest wares.

Public transport is currently reserved for essential journeys only. This measure prohibits a significant percentage of English residents from just popping into town to relax with family or to meet up friends to chat outside in a safe distance way. Those without cars who live outside walking distance from their nearest retail centre are not able to stroll around the arcades and hang out in attractively constructed central areas or look around in stores to see if there is anything ‘that catches the eye’.

Towns like Havant in Hampshire have declined to charge motorists arriving at the Meridian Centre for several weeks which helps increase the amount of families and individuals frequenting the companies situated in the struggling heart of this old market town. Most out of town outlets have free parking so this decision can be vital for councils looking to regenerate their commercial streets.

Car parking charges have been accused of harming trade in cities around the country for several years and before the coronavirus pandemic came to the UK. The local councils set nearly all of these charges so this could be a relatively easy opportunity to ensure that premises on the high street survive long term.

With the virus under control communities will be once again ‘voting with their feet’ in their localities. Purchases that are made with hand held devices are vital to any UK company now and an efficient delivery process is crucial to meet demand. In the first quarter of 2020 there has been a sharp increase of internet sales as a percentage of total sales. Since lockdown internet sales have jumped from 20% in 2018 to 33% in May 2020.(5)

Adapting quickly is essential for the success of any organisation during this extraordinary year. Staying in tune with a very cautiously spending public who is willing to quickly and publicly review any organisation on social media as they spend is a priority. Meeting the expectations of the charitably minded values of today’s sustainably and socially conscious consumers is also vital. Creating sensory experiences that bring moments of joy to those visiting physical shops is the way to cheer everyone up and get men and women in the mood to brighten up their homes, themselves and their children.

Therefore it is the most strategic, resourceful and technologically adept organisations that will stay in business and flourish. These retailers succeeding will be crucial to able to provide the millions of jobs in our cities, towns and villages that we need for people in our service economy, during the next decade and beyond.

 

(1) ’12 best women’s loungewear pieces: Self isolate in comfort and style’ Eva Waite-Taylor, 3 April 2020 ‘Loungewear guide’ Waite-Taylor, The Independent

(2) ‘We’re all in this together” Marks and Spencer website, 9 July 2020 Rainbow sale Marks and Spencer

(3) ‘Apply for a coronavirus Bounce Back Loan’ Gov.UK 8 July 2020 ‘Bounce Back loan’ Gov.UK

(4) ‘COVID-19: Death Data in England’ Jason Oke & Carl Henegan, The Centre for Evidence Based Medicine, 8 July 2020 ‘Covid 19 deaths England’ Oke and Henegan, Centre for Evidence Based Medicine

(5) ‘Internet sales as a percentage of total retail sales (ratio) (%) ‘ Rhian Murphy, Office for National Statistics, 19 June 2020 ‘Internet sales as percentage of total retail sales’ Rhian Murphy, Office for National Statistics

 

 

Chichester Retail Opens and is Ringing the Changes

Amanda Howse
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Chichester Retail Opens and is Ringing the Changes

During the 3 month lockdown which started in March most English cities including Chichester in West Sussex could have been described as ‘ghost towns’. Everyone has been staying inside to prevent the spread of Covid-19 and visitors have been keeping away from the usual attractions and tourism has been non-existent.

Not as many people are visiting the city centre this summer and so far footfall is way down compared to last year. No restaurants are open yet but most plan to open with about 50% less customers to allow for keeping at least 1 meter distance between diners from tomorrow. 

Last winter the department store House of Fraser closed in Chichester. Other big shops like Bon Marche and Laura Ashley also closed after many years. It now looks like Ashley will now not be bought by an investment company after the international chain went into administration this Spring.

Smaller boutiques like East, Swarovski, Pushka, Old Guy’s T shirts, Molten Brown cosmetics, music shop Guitar Sound and menswear tailor Andrew McDowall have also called it a day over the last 12 months which has left quite a few empty shops across town.

Oasis has been a special colourful destination for young female fashionistas for decades but now stands dark and empty near the central Market Cross. Oasis closed this month after being bought by online fashion retailer Boo Hoo.

Chichester Flight Centre is now permanently shut as the travel industry has been severely impacted by the government’s quarantine. (4)

Monsoon are still in Chichester but the classic company are also struggling. They advised the press about a strategy to close a several stores across the region this year.

This leaves Marks and Spencer, Top Shop, H&M and New Look as the remaining large shops in Chichester offering a range of affordable fashion for everyone. Marks and Spencer is ticking along fine as it is fortunate to have been able to keep open throughout the lockdown and is able to lean on strong food department sales.

Boutiques like Jigsaw, Mint Velvet, White Stuff, Mistral and Fatface now have big challenges but their relatively smaller size and higher price points gives them an opportunity to use their unique products and customer service skills to ensure they can keep their balance sheets looking healthy.

Smaller premises like Lush and Lili, Preview, Stephen Lawrence and Indigo are independent boutiques that add to the charm of Chichester and give shoppers the option to choose something completely unique.

Brightly coloured face masks and plastic gloves are now the new accessory finding favour as people stroll along the old worn flagstones again. The ‘meet and greeters’ are in the front of nearly all of the companies entrances.

The front of house assistant’s corporate uniforms are often black. When the personal protection equipment is added the combination could give the impression that fancy dress has come into stock early were it not for the neon signage reinforcing the safe distancing policies of the establishments.

The shop keepers manage the customer flow into their buildings to ensure there is a limited number of browsers inside at any time. Fashion leader Next set up a large sign declaring a limit of 13 customers checking out their capacious floor of summer collections at any one moment. Consequently there were a few locals waiting patiently and standing well back from eachother politely outside.

There are temporary construction barriers and signage due to ongoing maintenance work to upgrade the unreliable electricity network all along East Street. This means only the keenest trendy residents will be bothered to navigate the barricades to be able to pop in to have a look in their regular local suppliers of clothing, homeware and gifts.

Clothkits and The Eternal Maker are both independent businesses in Chichester that sell fabric and gifts. Both independent shops usually offer classes to people in West Sussex who want to learn how to sew. Delivering one-to-one tuition is not possible with safe distancing at present. However both creative enterprises have used their entrepreneurial skills to continue trading through the crisis. Folk of all ages are learning new skills and hobbies. 

Providing craft supplies, kits and take away cafe services they have been able to survive and prosper to some extent through an unexpectedly difficult season financially. Smaller privately owned ventures have been able to change quickly and innovate. Clothkit’s invention Drapers Yard is a mini market collaboration of local designer makers, artists and micro cafes and bakeries. Draper Yard  have been providing delivery services and an online ordering to take away from its premises in The Hornet. They provide weekly jolly newsletters and a pick up service every week from Clothkits which has been named Yum Saturday. 

The fitting rooms are nearly all staying shut for trying on womenswear, menswear and childrenswear. Perhaps in the future fitting rooms will be individual pods that are also self washing facilities to ensure that they are completely sanitised between clients.

Companies have been providing additional training for their staff about the correct way of wearing PPE. In addition they have been focusing on extra staff cleaning procedures, managing customer service safely, effectively directing and separating their precious human ‘traffic’ with floor stickers.

There were several people lined up and eager to wait for their turn to look through the rails at T K Maxx which reopened last Monday in Chichester. This large shop has 2 floors and perhaps it is particularly popular as the designer ‘jumble sale’ format is about finding hidden treasures at bargain prices, so is by its nature a physical activity.  Creating an instore experience has never been so important for tempting reluctant men, women and children back again to enjoy some leisure time and spend some money in local outlets. 

Looking at the weather report before going into town has become more important than ever as queueing outside shops has become the ‘new normal’. Older people and those with health conditions will need to pick the quietest times carefully or bring portable seating to avoid getting exhausted before attempting to tick anything off their shopping list. It would be understandable if not everyone sees the appeal of getting into a line on the pavement like you are ready to dance at the hottest new club. Unless the listing building rules change is will be impossible for businesses to provide covered entrances for customers in inclement weather.

Chichester is still a wonderful place to spend time with friends and family and enjoy the medieval architecture. The cafe culture which will commence again this weekend will make a big difference to creating a positive shopping atmosphere. The cathedral gardens and parks have still been popular during this unusual season and offer a sanctuary and a change of scene for residents.

We may see the larger buildings in Chichester become impossible to fill with profitable shops during this difficult trading situation. Rates, staff costs, imported stock costs and electricity might just not make  these grand ventures viable.

It is possible we will see a return to a more old fashioned style ‘quality not quantity’ high street in the future. Hopefully independent boutiques stocking local produce and craft will still be able to flourish. These organisations add charachter to the town centre. As environmentally friendly values become the norm more Sussex produced and sustainable product ranges could be supported by residents and also bought by visitors from all over the world.

 

(1) ‘Chichester’s lost businesses: The changing nature of our high street’ Joe Stack, Chicheser Observer

4 Feb 2019 ‘Chichesters Lost Businesses’ Joe Stack, Chichester Observer

(2) ‘Travel store in Chichester’s city centre permanently closes’ Sam Morton, Chichester Observer

24 June 2020 ‘Travel store closes’ Sam Moore, Chichester. Observer

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