Bedford businesses are asking people to help town centre outlets in these challenging times

“This is such a fast-moving scenario that we cannot predict what might happen next. But one thing we do know, independents and mainstream names need customer loyalty now more than ever,” said the volunteer board of the BedfordBID which represents 500+ businesses, 

“Don’t forget many of our businesses offer on-line ordering so find them on our website www.lovebedfordbusinesses.co.uk and take a look at how you can support town centre businesses from home."

One example is Michael R. Peters, established in 1966 and has an outstanding reputation for service. 

People can order on-line and ask for delivery.

Across the road in Harpur Street designer ladies’ wear shop, Michael Bailey is doing “Face Time” fashion shows for valuable customers who cannot travel to the store.

Next door at Dreamwear the modern business is adding to its on-line offers.

Harrison and Simmonds, the long established High Street men’s gift wear and tobacconists, has an on-line following for their specialist items.

Close Encounters comic books and games are adding a new dimension to their on-line offer with games and entertainment for those who are stuck at home. 

Many of the scores of restaurants in the town centre already deliver - but some are now going that extra mile.

Mamma Concetta in Harpur Street is ramping up its existing delivery service with special offers for regular customers.

El Picante in AllHallows has a busy delivery service already and plans to do even more.

Gallone’s in the Edwardian Arcade is offering ice cream deliveries now. 

Bedford Business Improvement District (BID) is a body which collects a legal levy from the larger businesses in town and uses the money to promote everyone via the Love Bedford brand. This means big property owners like Bedford Borough Council, Bedford College, the Harpur Trust and others pay thousands into a central fund which is administered by volunteers from town centre businesses - people who know how tough it is in town at the moment.

More details of Love Bedford businesses can be found on https://www.lovebedfordbusinesses.co.uk/

or on Facebook,Twitter and Instagram

Meanwhile, BedfordBID is signposting business to a range of measures being introduced by the Government and/or Bedford Borough Council to ease the cash flow crisis.

See www.lovebedford.co.uk for information under Business News which applies to all businesses across the Borough.