Casting call for Staffordshire retailers as part of #ShopSafelyInStaffs

Retailers and associated businesses across Staffordshire have an opportunity to see their company included in a special video project to entice shoppers back to the high street.

A montage of ‘selfie’ style clips will be edited into a one-off showcase, demonstrating how people across the county can #ShopSafelyInStaffs.

The project is part of a drive by Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire Growth Hub, working in partnership with Stafford Borough Council, Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council, Staffordshire Moorlands District Council,  Tamworth Borough Council and Lichfield District Council, to support residents returning to town centres as the Government lockdown eases.

The towns involved include Kidsgrove, Newcastle, Stone, Stafford, Eccleshall, Leek, Cheadle, Biddulph, Lichfield, Burntwood and Tamworth.

Nicola Kent, Growth Hub Manager, said:

We are now in a transition period as lockdown restrictions ease.

Businesses across the county have taken steps to ensure their staff and customers are safe and welcoming shoppers back, with a range of protective measures and protocols in place, as well as new business models, such as click/call and collect.

To boost confidence and support the local economy, we are now encouraging those businesses which have taken such steps to highlight what they have to offer and demonstrate how we can all #ShopSafelyInStaffs.

Staffordshire is an amazing county and it’s really important that we support the businesses on our doorstep and keep it local.”

The Growth Hub acts as a focal point for businesses in the Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire Local Enterprise Partnership area, driving strong, sustainable business growth and offering co-ordinated programmes, networks and groups alongside signposting to specialist information, advice and services.

Nicola added:

We have a dedicated Covid-19 section on the Growth Hub website, which summarises the issues that businesses need to consider and provides up-to-date information and advice to help companies plan their processes throughout the easing of lockdown and beyond.

We also have a dedicated team of Growth Hub Advisors, who can support businesses during this time.”

The #ShopSafelyInStaffs video will help inform shoppers how they can stay safe and support the businesses that trade on their doorstep.

A simple guide to creating a ‘selfie’ video clip for inclusion in the showcase is available at https://stokestaffsgrowthhub.co.uk/news/casting-call-for-shopsafelyinstaffs

Those taking part can submit their selfie video clip, which should be no more than 30 seconds long, via MailBigFile or WeTransfer to Becky Parker, Stoke-On-Trent and Staffordshire Growth Hub: businessenquiries@stokestaffslep.org.uk.

The Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire Growth Hub offers a wealth of support and resources for businesses online at www.stokestaffsgrowthhub.co.uk as well as offering a newsletter and business helpline: 0300 111 8002.