A Wigan-based decorating supplier is offering discounts to local businesses as they prepare to reopen from next month.
Wigan Crown Decorating Centre, which is signed up to Wigan Council’s Deal for Business, wants to support borough-businesses after lengthy closures by offering free advice, discounted paints and other items to help them spruce up their premises and prepare them for reopening.
Tania Power, store manager said: “I walked up the high street and noticed ‘for sale’ and ‘to let’ signs on buildings and though this does present opportunity for investment, it got me thinking about the existing businesses that have been negatively impacted by Covid-19 restrictions.
“I already have a discount package that I offer to charities, so I contacted the council to discuss the prospect of extending this to local businesses too in order to help them with the aftermath of any winter or flood damages or to simply support owners to refresh their premises after months of closure.”
The scheme comes at a time when some retail outlets and the hospitality sector begin thinking about how to welcome customers back safely and in line with national guidance.
As published in the government’s four-step plan, non-essential retail and outdoor hospitality can reopen from 12 April.
Cllr David Molyneux, leader of the council and cabinet member for economy and regeneration at Wigan Council said: “The initiative Tania is launching is a great example of community wealth building, which is our approach to supporting borough-businesses to thrive and providing opportunities for local people.
“Over the last year, businesses of all sizes have experienced the realities of Covid-19 and this initiative will give a well-earned boost to business owners by alleviating some financial pressure and giving them access to free advice and knowledge they might not have had access to before.
“Now businesses have a date to look towards, they can make plans to create or revamp outdoor and indoor areas, preparing them for a positive fresh start and encouraging them to look forward to a new future.”
In late 2020, Wigan Council launched a #SupportLocal campaign aligned with community wealth building, aimed at supporting some of the borough’s smaller businesses from high-street shops to sole traders, helping them to forge connections in their sector and secure new custom.
Tania added: “I’m really keen to build new relationships so I would welcome one on one conversations with business owners to see how we can support them specifically and maybe even work together in some way in the future.”
In addition to the discount initiative, Crown Paints is committed to reducing its carbon footprint and increasing sustainability through its ‘can back’ scheme.
If you or your business has empty, non-rusty paint cans at home of any brand, you can drop them off at your local Crown store to recycle for free.
The cans are then repurposed and turned into new products.
If you would like more information about the discount scheme, please email Tania Power at Wigan@crownpaints.co.uk or provide proof of your business at the check-out.
For more information about the #SupportLocal campaign, please visit www.wigan.gov.uk/supportlocal.