Post-lockdown help for Fareham businesses and their customers

Schemes to help local business recover from the lockdown and encourage people back into the shops in the Fareham area have been backed by the local borough council.

A series of workshops for businesses in Fareham, Locks Heath, Titchfield, Stubbington, Warsash, Park Gate and Portchester began last week and there are two coming up this week.

On Tuesday, May 25, beginning at 12.30 there is a Digital Marketing workshop which will offer guidance on making a firm’s website stand out.

And the following day – Wednesday, May 26, again beginning at 12.30 – Finance Essentials aims to do what it says; and it is free.

Both courses are being run by Enterprise South which also offers free help and advice on other business matters including relevant legal information.

But businesses need customers and to help overcome the caution and concern many people still feel when going out, Fareham Borough Council has launched a website which provides information about opening times and safety measures in local shops.

Developed with money from the European Regional Development Fund, www.shoplocalfareham.org has an interactive and searchable map covering Fareham town, Portchester, Locks Heath, Warsash, Stubbington, Park Gate, and Titchfield.

It is part of the borough council’s ‘Shop Local, Shop Safe’ campaign and Executive Leader, Councillor Seán Woodward, said: “Our local traders are the lifeblood of the borough’s economy and after a dreadful year for them they need our support more than they have ever done before.

“This site enables people to see which stores are open and at what times, and also what social distancing and other safety measures they have in place.”

Any shop or business that wants to be listed can complete a form which available on the website.