Businesses already benefitting from start-back support

Local retail businesses have already been taking advantage of the new start-back package of support which is being offered by Bridgend County Borough Council.

More than 150 businesses have already enquired about the free online Covid-19 coronavirus awareness training sessions. The training has been designed to assist businesses to take the necessary measures to welcome customers back to their premises in a safe and secure way.

The course takes approximately three hours to complete and can be done at home using the trainee’s own equipment. On successful completion of the training, the business will be issued with a sticker to display at their premises to inform customers that they have been fully trained in the safety aspects of preventing the spread of Covid-19 coronavirus to both staff and customers.

Simon James from Oxford House Menswear, who has already taken part in the free online training session said: “I definitely feel this training would give customers more confidence in returning to our store. I think other retailers would be missing out by not to taking up this opportunity. The course was very informative and everyone had a chance to ask questions specific to their business.”

Lee Lloyd-Cook, from Caerau Development Trust, who also signed-up to a recent online session said:  “I would encourage everyone else to do this course. It’s very informative and is a major help with the situation and crisis we are dealing with at the moment.”

As an additional part of this start-back package, businesses have are also being offered a complimentary sneeze guard to further protect themselves and customers once their businesses are fully operational.

The sneeze guards are being distributed by council staff from a number of collection points set-up across the county borough from Monday 8 June.

We are delighted that so many local businesses have already engaged with us on this vital training. We know how keen enterprises are to get back up and running as soon as possible.

Our priority as a council is to support businesses to do this, and that is why we have developed this unique package of support, to ensure local businesses can help provide peace of mind to both their staff and customers. The sneeze guards also emphasise the business’ commitment to keeping themselves and their customers safe.

I would urge any business that is keen to reopen to book onto the online training session and complete the course, and also sign-up for a complimentary sneeze guard as it shows your customers that you mean business when it comes to preventing the spread of infection.

Council leader, Huw David

The Covid-19 awareness training is intended for business owners, managers and other key staff.

To book onto the training or to request a sneeze guard, please call Employability Bridgend on: 01656 643428 or email: employability@bridgend.gov.uk.