Brentwood Borough Council has done an amazing job in administering £11m to 809 local companies through the Government’s cash grant scheme. Council Leader, Cllr Chris Hossack, has been busy working from home to get the final sign off on the grants and here's what some of the company owners and workers have had to say about the cash help:
Diana Church who owns Smarty Pants Schoolwear in Hutton said, “The current crisis has reduced our business to zero. Even before the lockdown came into place our sales had taken a severe reduction as there was much speculation over whether the schools would close. I think that the help that the Government has put into place to support small businesses is significant and astonishing that is has been actioned in such a record time I am very grateful that Brentwood Council has managed to process the grant relief so quickly – this has made all the difference. I feel very sorry for the year 6 children, moving from primary to secondary school is a milestone in their school career and all the fun things have been cancelled for them.”
When the crisis has passed Diana is prepared for a big rush but in the meantime she has been nursing her dog, Jasper, back to health as the children love meeting him in the shop when collecting their uniform. She adds: “The thing I most look forward to is long walks in the sunshine with him and friends, with a pub lunch at the end. It is the most normal things of all that will be appreciated anew.”
Brandler Galleries is one of the most well-known art galleries outside London, offering advice to clients on building art collection for investment and pleasure. Owner John Brandler has used the lockdown as an opportunity to spread the love of art.
He said: “With the gallery closed I decided to offer 500 free prints of Rachel List’s “We Love You NHS” 500 to NHS workers. All they need to do to get a copy of the artwork is contact me with their name and address and NHS ID number. This artwork will be a collector’s piece in the future as Rachel is very much an up and coming artist. I wanted to do something that would add value and express my appreciation for the NHS rather than just donate money.”
The generous donation is just one of the changes made. John said: “I have learnt about Zoom and Skype. I now realise things never go back to the way they were before so I’ve adapted my business quickly. There will come a time when this crisis has passed, which will be an opportunity for Brandler Galleries to relaunch. John adds “We will open the gallery and celebrate where we are and how far we have come.”
Finula Crowe runs Finique Occasion Wear which would normally be busy with society events and parties.
Finula said; “We would certainly be in the middle of the prom season with young ladies buying dresses or picking up their gowns. We also do a lot of dressing and styling for wedding guests and Royal Ascot goers - we have a huge range of beautiful summer dresses and bespoke matching hats so we are really missing those exciting opportunities.”
All businesses are facing an incredible challenge which no one could have foreseen. Finula said “It’s really sad when we hear about their customers’ events like weddings, proms and galas have been cancelled. On a positive note, I feel the retail community has become closer than ever and I have got to know a lot more business owners in the area. It’s also been good to be more involved with Brentwood Council. We now know the team there who’ve been doing a great job supporting us. I think generally we are all a bit more patient, tolerant and grateful. If we can survive the financial challenge then I think we will all come out of this stronger - both as businesses and individuals.”
So when the world goes back to normal Finique Boutique is planning a really special party for all their customers so that they can wear their beautiful gowns and celebrate with their friends and families. Finula said “We are just looking forward to seeing everyone again - our customers and our lovely retail neighbours.”
Carmel Jane Photography in Ingatestone is a photography company for schools and dance schools, all of which are closed through lockdown. Carmel said, “Thank you to Brentwood Council for working so quickly to get the grants out. Mine was a lifesaver and has really helped with cashflow. Business revenue went to zero overnight, apart from a few online orders. I had recruited six new staff members in February and March as we were focussed on growth. My team was near perfect and morale had never been higher. The Government’s furlough scheme means the team can all be put on hold until the schools reopen.”
To prepare for life after the crisis, Carmel has maintained contact with the schools and dance schools but said it has not been easy, “It is most challenging staying positive when everything we have worked towards has to be put on hold for several months. We have lost over £500,000 in revenue. On the plus side, it has really given me a chance to recuperate and to take a more objective look at the business. I think the return to normality will be 18-24 months and by then I hope we will be celebrating a huge economic up-swing with a new premises and a big party.”
Lin Heath of The French Quarter in Crown Street was convinced that she would not be eligible for a cash grant, but this was not the case. She said, “Someone from the Council rang to reassure me that my business did fit the criteria. It was only a few days later that I received the funds in my account. The speed at which the Council distributed the grants to independent businesses like mine has just been amazing and I’d personally like to thank all those who have worked so hard to get these grant payments sorted so efficiently.
As difficult as the lockdown has been for both small and large businesses, it has given us the opportunity of focusing on and providing different services such as home deliveries, online orders and social media advertising. The support from existing and new customers has been overwhelming.’