Businesses are busy behind the scenes preparing themselves for April 12th.

 Kerry Cash owner of 5th Avenue, under Lurke Street car park in Bedford explains the weeks of preparation which have gone into reopening: 

"We have kept in touch with all our clients since the pre-Christmas lockdown via regular emails.

“ When April 12th was confirmed we contacted everyone with a missed appointment from 20th December. This took fours weeks to complete as there were 100s to reschedule. Next, we worked on all email and social media requests for appointments.

"We are fully booked for first six weeks. We have the staff working in two teams so we can be flexible and open 7 sets a week with 4 late nights. Also if we need to isolate, it won’t affect the whole team. 

“The team are in great spirits. We have held fortnightly Zoom sessions to keep communicating which has stopped individuals from feeling anxious and made them feel ready to start. Also, we don’t know what are happening in lives of clients - in some ways our team will be counsellors too, so mentally it’s to prepare them for that. 

“We’ve been working with Bedford College to help with work experience opportunities.  We are now training three students to assist one to one with the hair stylists. The students need the work experience hours to go towards their qualification. Our hair girls have given their own time to show the students how we work: shampooing, making decent cup of tea, assisting the stylist and learning new skills. 

"On the 12th we must pause to catch our breath.”