'Warwick is open and you're welcome'

'Warwick is open and you're welcome' - that is the message key organisations and businesses in the town are pushing to help Warwick after coming out of lockdown.

In June Mary Portas “queen of shops” was interviewed on the BBC talking about how the coronavirus outbreak will impact the UK’s shopping habits and the hopeful positive effects for local high streets.

After being inspired by this, Warwick Chamber of Trade applied to Warwick Town Council's economic and tourism committee for a grant to support the economic sustainability of the town after lockdown.

During lockdown all businesses that could - under government guidelines - supported the community with home deliveries not necessarily for their own gain but to help those that were vulnerable and could not go out.

Warwick is very much a community town - with residents and businesses working together to support its economy, welcoming visitors back from near and far was key and to make sure they felt safe - with all the open spaces and historic attractions as well as independent shops and restaurants.

To help boost this, the grant was used to make a video, which was produced by Warwick Chamber of Trade and filmed by Dan Watkins films with the support of Warwick Castle and Warwick Town Council.

The aim of the video is to bring people to Warwick for a 'staycation' or a short visit and to showcase what the town has to offer to residents, businesses and visitors.

Royal florist Simon Lycett who was born and bred in Warwick judged the Warwick in Bloom virtual competition this year also did the voice over for the video.

The video went live on August 14 on the chamber's social media platform #buyin2warwick 's Twitter, Instagram and Facebook sites.

So far it has reached more than 100,000 people with over 1,000 shares, including from Shakespeare’s England which said: “Welcome back to Warwick - an historic town with a big heart”.

The Warwick Lantern Rouge Cycling Club also shared the video saying: “We are proud to be Warwicks very own cycling club supporting local businesses”.

Speaking about the video, Simon Lycett said: “It was such a pleasure and privilege to be asked to provide the voice over for this wonderful and inspirational video of my home town which is where I was inspired to become a florist and which I still hold very close to my heart."

The chamber have donated to the Warwick Horticultural Society in lieu of Simon's fees.

Richard Edgington, chair of Warwick town council's economic and tourism committee, said: "The work the Chamber of Trade is putting into raising the profile of our town centre and it’s fantastic independent businesses through #Buyin2warwick is amazing.

"It has to be recognised the amount of work sole traders put into the town to ensure it remains vibrant and open for business in these challenging times.

"Warwick Town Council wholeheartedly supports the work of the chamber and the promotional video clearly showcases the local spirit and just some of the local businesses, the council looks forward to working with and offer support to the chamber and local businesses going forward."

The Mayor of Warwick, Cllr Terry Morris, said: "As we respond to coronavirus, we must adapt to the “new normal” and not only let the world know that Warwick is open for business, but that our local businesses have adapted to emerge from this situation stronger.

"The video produced by Warwick Chamber of Trade and BuyIn2Warwick wonderfully showcases some of the many fabulous businesses we have in Warwick.

"I am personally committed to working with, and promoting, local organisations, businesses and charities in Warwick during my mayoral year and look forward to joining them as we say #welcomebacktowarwick"

Warwick Chamber of Trade will also be launching a new website later this week, which will eventually replace the 'Enjoy Warwick' site.

The new website will be: www.buyin2warwick.co.uk

Businesses who pay a subscription to the chamber feature on the site and it is open to all businesses in the CV34 area.

For more information email: [email protected]