New Sheffield business adapts overnight to become a success during lockdown

A new business which could have been destroyed by the coronavirus lockdown has adapted overnight to become a success.
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Matt Pinder, Amelia Selby and Daniel Evison launched This Is Sheffield, an online platform supporting independent businesses and their communities, at the end of February.

It followed on from the success of This Is Kelham, an Instagram hobby which grew into a website and an app.

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Abbeydale, Castlegate and Ecclesall joined Kelham on www.thisissheffield.app but then lockdown hit.

Matt Pinder, Amelia Selby and Daniel EvisonMatt Pinder, Amelia Selby and Daniel Evison
Matt Pinder, Amelia Selby and Daniel Evison

Just a fortnight after its launch, the government warned people to avoid pubs, bars and restaurants - the majority of This Is Sheffield's clients.

Within 24 hours, the team made changes and launched its coronavirus directory, listing restaurants converting to takeaways, bars becoming off licences and other ways to support independents.

Matt said: “We struggled to keep up as there was a constant flow of businesses from across the city getting in touch wanting to be listed and the page had thousands of views on that weekend.

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“Businesses are still getting in touch six weeks later and that page alone has had more than 30,000 views.

“It’s getting updated daily as businesses continue to adapt.”

This Is Sheffield's Facebook and Instagram pages have shared new services, opening hours, charity donations and community schemes.

It has also run competitions and works alongside City Grab and Sheffield Survival Box.

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Matt said: “Sheffield has some amazing people doing amazing things and we don't want to lose them to the pandemic which is why we've been busy helping them and letting the public know what's on offer. It's going to be a tough time for independents this year, even after lockdown.

“We've seen the great things that this pandemic has brought from people volunteering to innovation and supporting one another and we hope that doesn't stop.

“This Is Sheffield will continue to encourage people to shop local, whether that's getting meat and veg from a deli or eat at an independent restaurant.

“We didn't expect it to take off as fast as it has done but we're happy that we've been able to offer our services for free.”

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