Rangers have been deployed to help protect business premises in Derby during the coronavirus lockdown.
The rangers in the Cathedral Quarter and St Peters Quarter Business Improvement Districts (BIDs) are traditionally employed to greet and help shoppers visiting both areas.
But after the Government ordered the majority of shops to close to stop the spread of Covid-19, the rangers have been used for daily patrols, checking on closed and empty properties, reporting any damage to the owners, police or city council.
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Helen Wathall, chairman of St Peters Quarter, said: “Our Rangers are the eyes and ears in this area and I know that their daily patrols are welcomed – particularly by owners of businesses who are not able to open during lockdown.”
The move is just one of a number of measures introduced by BIDs in both areas to support businesses.
New initiatives include a Facebook Group ‘CQ and SPQ businesses supporting businesses’ that has been set up to encourage business owners to interact and support each other – exchanging advice or services.
Meanwhile, the team behind the Cathedral Quarter and St Peters Quarter BIDs are continuing to update businesses via the websites, e-bulletins and social media with the latest official advice and guidance, as well business support that is available to them.
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One of the new projects is a Business Support guide, which is regularly being updated with the latest official guidelines and covers everything from how to apply for the business grants available to them, to information for individuals regarding mortgage holidays and other options available.
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Martin Langsdale, chairman of the Cathedral Quarter, said: “The objective during the lockdown is to ensure business continuity both of the BID and the businesses who operate in our area.
“The team continues to have good engagement with businesses and receives a number of calls a day asking for advice and guidance on a range of issues.”