Coronavirus: This is Sheffield app launches directory of independent businesses continuing to trade

The This is Sheffield guide has racked up thousands of views and a lot of social media buzz since it was launched on Thursday, March 19.

It lists those retailers and hospitality businesses which are running deliveries, takeaways, gift voucher sales, or alternative services, as well as those which have taken the decision to close.

Amelia Selby, who is part of the team behind the This is Kelham and Sheffield apps, said: “The more people we can reach, the more support we can give to local businesses and communities by giving them a sense of normality amid this uncertainty.

“It is incredibly important to support these businesses during this time and to keep the community together in whatever way we can before things completely come to a halt.

“We don’t know how much longer these businesses will be able to keep operating. We need to support them while we can.”

Just more than a week since the Government’s first major announcement on the COVID-19 outbreak, many businesses and workers have been plunged into uncertainty and financial insecurity.

Although a series of measures have been announced to help businesses stay afloat, it is likely the impact will be felt for many months and employers may struggle to get cash to those employees who need it most.

Amelia said: “Many independent businesses don’t have the cash flow to pay their bills and staff when they aren’t trading.

“Following advice from the government for the public to avoid pubs, restaurants etc we’ve seen a change in the service they provide, mostly takeaways and deliveries.

“While these businesses can provide services that avoid social interaction and help those in isolation we will support them the best we can.”

Any business currently offering services can ask to be added to the directory by sending an email to [email protected].

The guide already contains hundreds of entries – see thisissheffield.app/coronavirus-directory