Confidence key to restarting Sheffield’s economy after coronavirus, Government minister says

Shoppers in Sheffield and those planning days trips or longer holidays in the region need to have confidence in the safety procedures put in place by local businesses to combat the spread of coronavirus, a Government minister has said.
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Amanda Solloway, minister for science, research and innovation, was speaking the day after a visit to Aston Springs Farm in Sheffield, where she was able to witness first hand the measures the recently opened tourist attraction had put in place to make the site covid-secure.

The visit was part of Shop Local Week, a JPI Media-backed initiative that aims to encourage people to use the businesses that are on their doorstep to help support the local economy.

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She said: “Aston Springs is a fantastic day out. One of the most fascinating things was the way they have been incredibly inventive while also making sure they are keeping people safe from the covid point of view.

Amanda Solloway on her visit to Aston Springs Farm. The visit is part of her R&D road trip and to talk about Shop Local Week.Amanda Solloway on her visit to Aston Springs Farm. The visit is part of her R&D road trip and to talk about Shop Local Week.
Amanda Solloway on her visit to Aston Springs Farm. The visit is part of her R&D road trip and to talk about Shop Local Week.

“They had PPE, hand sanitiser and a one-way system but they had also set up a place where people could stay overnight at the farm which will help them survive as a business.”

“People are doing so much to reassure their customers and I think the message we want to get out there is about all the brilliant things local businesses are doing to make sure everyone is safe and keep the economy going as well.”

Mrs Solloway admitted that the coronavirus lockdown had left people wary of returning to city centres and tourist hotspots, and that it was important to give people the reassurances they needed to enjoy leisure time again.

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“I think some people are finding confidence quite difficult so it is about reassuring people they can go out but also making sure we have got the right PPE and rules to go out safely,” she said.

Amanda Solloway, minister for science, research and innovation at Aston Springs Farmspeaking co-owner Sam Gregory.Amanda Solloway, minister for science, research and innovation at Aston Springs Farmspeaking co-owner Sam Gregory.
Amanda Solloway, minister for science, research and innovation at Aston Springs Farmspeaking co-owner Sam Gregory.

Eat Out to Help Out has been incredibly successful in giving people that confidence and also putting money back into the economy and getting us out socialising again.”

As well as Aston Springs Farm, the minister also visited Sheffield’s McLaren factory and the nearby Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre to discuss the importance of research and development in boosting UK economic recovery.

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