The Government has announced that from Friday 24 July is will be mandatory to wear a facemask / covering inside shops and supermarkets. For people failing to do so, the police will be able to issue a fine of up to £100.
We are no longer issuing our weekly coronavirus email, but we will continue to add Government announcements and news of business grants and support to our website, so please check this page for updates.
Our Operations Director Rich Warren says: “Although it has been stressful and unpredictable few months, the coronavirus lockdown has shown us just how powerful the town centre community can be when we all collaborate together. Most notably on the temporary road changes in the town centre, where our levy payers successfully argued the case for the removal of the controversial traffic system.
“Assisting with businesses COVID-secure measures so that they could reopen safely has been a huge focus for us over the last four months. I would like to thank Rugby First’s team of CCTV operatives, Rangers and cleaners that have not stopped throughout this awful situation, keeping our town and businesses safe and clean, as well as supporting those businesses that were able to trade.
“Now that more businesses have reopened we are seeing just how flexible and innovative they have been in adapting to COVID-19, from introducing new collection and delivery services to boosting their digital presence to welcome both existing and new customers.
“The virus has not gone away, so we all still need to do our bit to keep ourselves and our customers safe, none the less and we will be working hard to support you and to create a welcoming environment in the town centre.”
Throughout July Rugby First is running an advertising campaign to reassure customers that our town centre retailers are open and ready to welcome shoppers back after lockdown.
We have run 40 thirty second adverts on Capital Radio in the Rugby, Kenilworth, Leamington and Warwick areas.
We have also placed a print ad in Fresh Home & Living Magazine, which is distributed to 15,000 homes in the Rugby area.
And on Facebook we will be running a competition to win £50 worth of shopping vouchers to spend in our town centre shops.
The Government’s new campaign will run on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 3rd to 31st August in café, coffee shops and restaurants that have registered to take part.
The promotion offers a 50% discount up to a maximum of £10 per person on food and non-alcoholic drinks to eat or drink in. It can be used an unlimited number of time by diners and excludes alcohol, service charges and takeaway.
As well as downloading the promotional materials to show that you are taking part in the scheme, let us know too and we will promote your business on our Facebook page and Taste website.
Rugby First, in conjunction with Rugby Borough Council, are conducting a study into Rugby market. We want to ensure that it offers the products, quality and service that its customers value, and acts as an asset to Rugby town centre.
We would like to hear your opinions about the market and the impact that it has on your own business. Please follow this link to complete a short survey about the market by Sunday 22 March.
The new £20 bank note has been introduced, featuring the artist JMW Turner. This is the third polymer note issued by the Bank of England, that includes several security features such as two see-through windows and a two colour foil which make it very difficult to counterfeit.
If you are worried about counterfeit notes and would like more information on the new security features to look out for, ask a Ranger for a copy of the Business Banknote Checking brochure for peace of mind.