A gradual return to business for Seaton shops

Seaton traders tipped their toe in the "new normal" today when several reopened their shops and businesses again, making sure their customers adhered religiously to social distancing rules.

A number of other businesses were getting their premises ready to open later in the week.

There were no long queues as in some of the larger West Country towns but Seaton looked a good deal more busy this morning than on previous Monday mornings.

With new regulations about using public transport, there were more people wearing masks as they went about their shopping.

Nub News spoke to a number of traders this morning and the general view was whilst they were not expecting to do record business, they were relieved to be back behind their serving counters again with many of them having spent hundreds of pounds on safety measures.

It was the general opinion that more shoppers will be encouraged into the town centre when the pubs and cafés are allowed to open early in July.

Seaton no longer has a chamber of trade but Seaton civic leaders are urging residents to support their local shops. Seaton Town Council is developing of free listings webpage for local businesses. To be included in this directory, all traders have to do is click on an online application form on the council website.

The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) is encouraging the public to support small businesses through this time of national crisis.

During the lockdown, more than half (51%) of all small firms closed at some stage, and of those small businesses which have closed and remained closed during the lockdown, 20% do not believe they can reopen in a way that is compliant with government's advice on working safely including social distancing.

FSB national chairman Mike Cherry said: "The past few months have been and remain some of the toughest periods of trading that the economy has faced in recent history.

"Right across every single village, high street, town centre and city shopping centre, small businesses have faced an unprecedented period of turbulence the likes none have seen before. That is why today is a crucial landmark in getting back to business, bringing the retail economy back on track as well as crucially safeguarding the livelihoods of millions of employees.

"But this won't be like flicking on a light switch, for many this will be a slow and gradual easing back into business. Not every small firm will find it financially viable to open, while others will not be able to cope with full customer demand on day one with social distancing measures still in place, and their desire to protect their staff, suppliers and customers. Some shops are deliberately staggering opening times among themselves to help manage the high street, and manage deliveries."

All Seaton businesses can take advantage of a free business directory listing on the Seaton Nub News website. Simply visit our Local List page and click the 'Nub It' button.

If Seaton business would like a free editorial profile on their shop or service, please contact Philip Evans on 07796 951 991.