England may be in lockdown again due to the Coronavirus crisis, but there are still plenty of ways the people of Gloucestershire can continue to support their favourite small businesses.
From local eateries to independent bookshops, SoGlos has rounded up some of the practical things customers can do to help independents through this challenging time – all from the comfort of their homes!
Postpone, don’t cancel your plans
The Coronavirus pandemic may have scuppered plenty of plans, but you can continue to support the businesses affected by postponing your celebrations and not cancelling altogether – and consider leaving your deposit to help with cashflow, if possible. Swap table reservations or party venue hire for a future date, when we will all have plenty to celebrate, for example.
Cheltenham’s Everyman Theatre is encouraging its customers to swap tickets for future events, wherever possible, with the chance to exchange ticket-values for gift vouchers, giving you plenty to look forward to while in lockdown.
Buy your future self a drink – or dinner
You can buy yourself a future pint and help support brilliant boozers, with plenty of pubs and bars, like Gloucester’s Cafe Rene offering gift vouchers for punters to cash in on bubbles with their bubble, when restrictions have been lifted.
Set something aside for a festive get-together or book a special treat to enjoy in the future – like a dog walk and wine tasting at Woodchester Valley Vineyard.
While you might not be able to reserve a table at your favourite restaurant right now, you can buy online gift vouchers for many of Gloucestershire’s brilliant independent restaurants and small hotels, with three-course meals, cocktail experiences and even mini-breaks on offer. Give your loved one the gift of future celebrations and a small business a financial boost.
Take a virtual class
Keeping people connected as well as entertained while in isolation, a number of Gloucestershire businesses are live-streaming events and classes online. With plenty out there for all ages, little ones can get creative with virtual craft workshops, while grown-ups can unwind with online yoga sessions, or even sign up for virtual personal training sessions to keep fit while at home.
Make a donation
Instead of requesting a refund, consider donating the value of cancelled tickets to the venue or event organiser during these challenging times, or make a donation to a local charity like SoGlos charity of the year Hope for Tomorrow, to help keep their mobile cancer care unit on the road.
Some Gloucestershire businesses have also set up donation appeals, like the Cheltenham Playhouse Theatre crowdfunding appeal to save it from closure.
Shop local
Gloucestershire is brimming with incredible butchers, bakers and artisan food producers. Shop local when stocking up on food, and visit independent chemists for medical supplies.
Follow and engage on socials
Many small and independent businesses may have closed their doors for now, but customers can still catch up with them on social media.
Watch highlights from Cheltenham Literature Festival, see the gorgeous colours at Westonbirt Arboretum on it's Instagram feed and keep up to date with all the latest Gloucestershire news by following SoGlos on Facebook and Instagram.
