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MARCH UPDATE 2021
 

I trust you are all safe and well and excited by the proposals to end the lockdown.

The chancellor's support measures will ease the transition out of lockdown initially, but our ultimate aim is to get footfall back on the street and for people to feel confident they are safe.

WELCOME NEW BUSINESSES
Welcome Amazon Fresh
 

Amazon launched its first physical Amazon Fresh grocery store in the UK in Ealing today. (04/03/21)
It is an exciting new shopping experience that is probably just a taster of how we will shop in the future. It's super convenient, but you have to have an Amazon account and a smartphone to enter the store.

There are no tills or cash registers; you simply pick up all the items you require and walk out the door! The Amazon app, which you activate on your phone as you enter the store, takes payment from your registered card as soon as you leave the premises.

It feels a bit unbelievable just putting items into a bag and walking out with a cheery goodbye from staff, but it works, and it is much simpler than the scan-and-go systems currently in use at many supermarkets.

On offer is a variety of ready meals, a good selection of fresh and household products, an Amazon hub for pick-up and returns, a deli, a bakery and coffee to go; it will be hard to ignore.

On the plus side, using this type of technology for shopping could eliminate an epidemic of shoplifting that is costing businesses millions of pounds every year.
It has taken many months of planning and many cabling miles to install the technology, but the launch of Amazon's innovative new shopping concept in Ealing is a significant affirmation of our town centre offer and location.

 

Joining Amazon Fresh, we welcome YORI Korean BBQ at 15 The Green who have other branches in Picadilly Circus, Covent Garden and Wimbledon, T4 - Tea for U, a well-established franchise at 3 New Broadway and Wenzel's Bakery at 25 The Broadway.

There is plenty of activity underway at Dickens Yard; most noticeably is BREWDOG in the old Balans location, plus a new dentist and beauty salon in development.

Kidz #1 and COJU are ready to open their doors as soon as covid restrictions are lifted.

New businesses are looking to open or relocate in the town centre as the end of lockdown approaches, suggesting Ealing's appeal as a desirable location is high.

The majority of businesses have had grants for lockdown 2 and 3, a one-off January lockdown payment and all Tier payments, which arrived in the businesses account last week. These grants were in addition to any grants paid out for the first lockdown in March 2020. Wet-led pubs got an additional grant for the Christmas period. 

The ARG grant - COVID hardship fund application is now live on the Ealing Council website. This grant targets businesses who were not mandated to close so did not receive the lockdown 2 & 3 grants but have suffered significant financial loss due to the impact of covid. 

I am aware that some businesses that fall within the eligibility criteria have not received any grants or communication despite completing the applications forms. We are continuing to help resolve the issues, but please make sure you put a reference or application number in the subject line of all email correspondence about your enquiries.

The government have announced new grants and support measures for businesses. We will update the business toolkit with details and links once they become available.
 
Dreaming of things to come?

If you are walking through the shopping centre, don't panic, Alfresco has not arrived early, and sadly the beer isn't real! Its a scene for a new TV series currently in production and a great reminder of our heritage in action.
And Finally.. 

Make It Ealing Businesses voted in favour of renewing the Business Improvement District (BID) and securing a significant £1.9 million investment over five years to support businesses and improve the BID offer. Read our Business Plan here.

If you have any queries contact Gerry or call the BID office 0203 405 0751
In the meantime stay safe and well.

STOP THE SPREAD - GET TESTED 

LFT testing works, and it reassures staff they are safe at work, as it can pick up the infection before the symptoms start, which is critical in stopping the spread. The nearest LFT testing base for businesses is Ealing library. It is incredibly efficient, takes less than 10 minutes to complete with a text message result within the hour. If your work requires you to be out and about book your appointment here.

www.makeitealing.co.uk

Make It Ealing
Saunders House
52-53 The Mall
Ealing
W5 3TA
T.07943 720 227

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