I support the Mirror’s Shop for Britain campaign because I believe our high streets are a vital part of our culture, our economy, and most importantly our way of life as we recover from Covid-19.
Having a country in isolation for so long, where loved ones have been apart and the economy has been brought to its knees, proves we need places where we can recreate our sense of community and restart our lives.
Timpson, our family business of 2,000 shops, has survived two world wars, the Spanish Flu outbreak and I hope Covid-19.
My family and colleagues have given me the strength to see a way through, especially when our colleague Joe Shepherd passed away with the virus.
We’ve taken a beating but we’re still in the ring. I decided before the furlough scheme was launched to pay my colleagues 100% of their wages throughout the crisis, for however long it took.
This costs £500,000 a week, but it’s essential for us to help those I consider part of my family.
Even though our shops have been closed for what feels like a lifetime, the bills keep coming in.
Government support has prevented us from going under but we will need help on rates in 2021, National Insurance holidays, reducing the Apprenticeship Levy cost and most importantly help to give customers have the means and confidence to spend.
People talk about the “new normal,” but I think we need a “new abnormal”. We want new ideas, new risk takers and a new focus on creating businesses for the future, not the past.
Now is the time to help recreate our vibrant high streets, to help those who have been isolated for weeks be part of a community, and to help our country get back on its feet again.
