One year ago, a plan was hatched to help businesses in Devizes recover from the impact of the pandemic which the country hopes will soon come to an end. Web developer Ida McConnell crossed paths with Justina Pettifer after the pair had separately begun a search for ways to bring struggling retailers together. As cases steadily rose throughout the 2020 summer, retailers had been left with lingering anxieties. “I had always wanted to do some kind of project to showcase the independent shops I loved,” explained Ida. “The pandemic fast-tracked the idea, then Justina got in touch and we started to work on it properly.”
As high streets across Wiltshire re-open for business, take the time to support your independent retailers. It has been nearly two weeks since non-essential shops were given the green light to open their doors. It is hoped what has been a brilliant return of customers can be continued throughout the coming weeks. Every Thursday, in Devizes s Market Place, the Indie Devizes team will be on hand with maps and advice, ready to showcase the very best independent retailers on offer. Volunteers will man the bright pink stand to help show highlight the range of small retailers, independent businesses and freelancers across the town.
Indie Devizes sets up in Market Place thisiswiltshire.co.uk - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from thisiswiltshire.co.uk Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
Banking on the big restart of sports and events 02/19/21
Growing levels of private investment into sports bear witness to the future value of the events industry, writes Host City’s editorial and conference director Ben Avison
It might not feel like it right now, but sport event rights holders are extremely fortunate. They have access to a wide range of revenue streams: broadcasting and city hosting rights, ticket sales, sponsorship and public funding. For the last twenty years these streams flowed ever faster, until the age of social distancing and staying at home blocked many of these lifelines.
With loyal customers and packed calendars of events, sports organisations rarely felt the need to save up for a rainy day. Few could have envisaged a black swan like Covid-19 preventing them from serving their loyal customers or paying their bills.