Coronavirus business update: Latest news across the North West

Bury business centre, BusinessLodge, has reported a surge in enquiries from businesses that are opting to move out of the city centre and relocate more locally.

The Barcroft Street flex-space provider reports that in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic, more and more organisations are rethinking their model, and relocation has become a crucial factor in strategic decision making.

Managing director, Kate Holt, said: “In the early days of the coronavirus crisis we saw a surge in budding entrepreneurs setting up their own businesses and taking advantage of our virtual office facilities.

“More recently, we’ve had lots of interest from larger businesses who are based in city centres and are now looking to relocate closer to home, in centres like BusinessLodge.”

Kate believes there are several factors that play a key role in businesses choosing to step away from city centre office blocks and relocate more locally – with travel being top of the list.

Many businesses traditionally choose offices based on their proximity to train stations and airports with public transport deemed a practical, economical and environmentally-friendly way to travel.

Kate said: “Post-lockdown, public transport is no longer as appealing as it once was. We’ve all seen the images of packed buses and trains, where compulsory face coverings are now the norm – and quite understandably, people are reluctant to take this option unless it is absolutely avoidable.

“While driving remains an option, city centre parking can be upwards of £25 a day for those who want to use their car – which can amount to a whopping £2,500 a year.”

Another key factor in the shift towards local offices is the reduction in commuting time. By basing the business closer to where employees live, travel time is cut right down, freeing up several hours a week that people can use more effectively, from spending time with family and friends to working out in on-site gyms. The research shows that this results in a happier, more productive workforce.

Kate added: “There’s no dispute that the world of work has changed beyond recognition over the past few months. Many businesses have suffered while others have thrived, and we are experiencing uncertainty like never before.

“At BusinessLodge, it’s at our very core to #lovewhereyouwork and as the current crisis unfolds we’re also finding that more and more businesses are choosing to #lovelocal – which is great news for Bury and the local economy.”

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A charity supporting vulnerable families in Knowsley will be able to provide extra food parcels with help from Anwyl Homes Lancashire.

Home-Start Knowsley has seen a surge in referrals in the wake of COVID-19. Face-to-face visits and groups have been suspended, with phone support being provided as an alternative, along with emergency supplies.

Pam Bowes, business manager for Home-Start Knowsley, said: “We have 390 children and 230 adults on our books at the moment and have only reached about half of these families with targeted support.

“With Anwyl’s help we will be able to reach around 50 of those families, providing them with fresh fruit and veg, along with recipe cards to encourage them to cook from scratch, children’s activity packs and toiletries.”

Home-Start Knowsley is based two miles from Anwyl’s Edenhurst Grange development of family homes in Bowring Park. Anwyl has made a grant of £1,000 to Home-Start Knowsley via a voluntary community fund linked to the development.

Matthew Gould, head of sales at Anwyl Homes Lancashire, said: “It’s great to see that the charity has been able to adapt the support it offers to ensure that those who require help receive it. The combination of food parcels and recipe cards means that families will be able to enjoy hearty home-cooked meals, while the activity packs helped keep children engaged over the school holidays.”

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Crewe LTS

A dedicated walk-through COVID-19 testing site in Crewe is now open to pre-booked appointments.

The semi-permanent site, known as a Local Testing Site (LTS), is located on Chester Street car park and offers bespoke walk-through appointments.

The site is the second largest testing facility to open in the North West, second to testing facilities in Manchester. There are 19 testing pods available and the site has the capacity to carry out 500 tests a day.

Open from 8am until 8pm, the site offers improved access for the whole community, especially those who do not have access to a car or should not be using public transport because they have symptoms.

Appointments must be booked in advance via the national booking facility – https://www.gov.uk/get-coronavirus-test – no walk-up appointments will be available. Users will be asked to self-swab when attending.

Dr Matt Tyrer, acting director of public health for Cheshire East Council, said: “The local testing site in Crewe is now fully operational and available for residents to pre-book an appointment online.

“We have worked with the national testing team to secure the best provision for Cheshire East, which is reflected in this new site being the second biggest testing facility in the North West. This is great news for our residents.

“Each appointment is allocated a 30-minute slot and residents swab themselves and their family members in the privacy of their own pod. Staff are on hand throughout the appointment to give clear advice and guidance on what to do and where to go, in an efficient and relaxed environment.”

Cllr Jill Rhodes, cabinet member for public health, said: “I am delighted that we have been able to secure this local testing site facility so our residents and workers will have even greater access to testing should have any COVID-19 symptoms.”

The LTS will be open for several months to ensure that accessible testing is continually available to people within their communities. The site is one of a number of such sites being set up across Cheshire and Merseyside.