Team Chesterfield come together to respond to the Coronavirus Outbreak

Like many of you, I am still in a state of shock at the dramatic impact the pandemic which we find ourselves in the grip of has had on the world in which we live.

I salute the selfless efforts of everyone within the NHS, and every other essential worker and care giver during this very difficult time- you are all doing a wonderful job.  We must also not forget the team effort of every resident and business in Chesterfield who, once again, have proved resilient in the face of adversity

You cannot fail to be impressed with how quickly Chesterfield’s people, businesses and service providers have worked together to meet this unforeseen, monumental, and unprecedented challenge. Together – and it has been a team effort – they are keeping the wheels of commerce turning providing much-needed income for employees and business owners.

Within days of the lockdown the business community sprang into action. Where businesses weren’t able to operate normally, many looked at what they could do for the community and have been delivering food and supplies to essential services such as Chesterfield Royal Hospital and producing and delivering much needed PPE.

Where businesses and service providers are able to remain operational it is important that they are compliant with government guidance and that we – the consumers and service users – Shop Local.

We may not be able to physically visit many of these businesses, but they are still fully contactable by social media or email. Indeed many are operating successfully online, making their products and services accessible during lockdown.

Everything from fully cooked Sunday lunches, luxury chocolate, desserts and gin is still being delivered from Chesterfield food and drink businesses to homes.

Entertainment and fitness is even being delivered online by local businesses, from Jumping CLAY workshops and baby sensory for children to church services, quizzes and keep fit classes.

All these products and services can be found in a new online directory which has been assembled in a very short timescale thanks to the efforts of the team at Destination Chesterfield. The new online directory can be found at www.chesterfield.co.uk/supportinglocal

Each and every independently owned business, small trader, charity and service provider in Chesterfield is under extreme financial pressure right now. Everyone has a part to play to ensure our local economy survives this crisis, and you, the residents of Chesterfield, can help by supporting your local businesses wherever possible.

If and when you can, I urge you to visit www.chesterfield.co.uk/supportinglocal and Shop Local. Your town needs you!