Thoughts from the owner of Fuel Hair Mechanics

Thoughts from Simon Digweed of Fuel Hair Mechanics in the village:

On July 4th our local holiday parks, campsites, cafés, restaurants, bars and barbers opened their doors to the general public for the first time since lock down began. But are they the same businesses we know? 

As businesses and their customers start to emerge from an unprecedented event both professional and personal to them, there is legislation in place to adhere to which has changed the way they can operate. 

They have lost revenue, employees, and in some cases had to close completely. The already strained local independent high street shop is under increasing pressure to exist at all, there has never been a more critical time to support local businesses and encourage UK tourism than now. They are doing everything in their power to still provide a service to the community, let's get behind them. The battle to rebuild has just begun. 

Barbershop businesses who previously operated a sit and wait system have had to implement an online booking system. Legislation dictates salons have to keep a record of clients information (name and number) as a track and trace method in case of cross infection. Shops not complying can face heavy penalties and even closure. Fuel Hair Mechanics in Milford on Sea (a barbershop of notoriety both locally and across Hampshire) were ahead of the pack in this respect and had already implemented an established operating system accessed through their website, Instagram and Facebook page. A business must always look ahead to survive and being ahead of the game is a distinct advantage in our recently adapting world. 

So no matter what the size of the business, or the sector, we all face similar challenges that we can support each other with. Be it just a bit of advice on the minefield of legislation, the recommendation of a local supplier or simply providing some PPE, let’s get together and help each other to ensure that we are all here to face whatever challenges may come our way in the future and stand together as local businesses.

Editors note: Hopefully all of our local shops will get all of the support they need, they have had things tough enough already.

Fuel Hair Mechanics

61 High Street, Milford on Sea, SO41 0QG
www.fuelhairmechanics.co.uk
01590 718992