The UK government took the unprecedented step of putting the country into lockdown as of 23 March 2020. This means that a whole raft of businesses have been forced to close their doors, for a period of at least three weeks.
For some businesses, this may lead to concerns about the security of their premises, with now the time to make sure that you’ve taken the necessary steps to protect your shop, office or other place of work during this lockdown period.
In Sheffield, for example, the city’s Business Improvement District (BID) announced that it would be stepping up security patrols in the city centre to reassure firms that had to close during the lockdown, The Star reported.
Sheffield BID operations manager Darren Hendleman asked businesses that have closed, or that are planning to, to contact the team to let them know so that they can organise their patrol route accordingly.
He said that the additional patrols would be in place from 23 March 2020 to “deter criminal activity during these challenging times”.
“Although there are no indicators suggesting an increase in criminality, there are some easy and reasonable measures that can be taken to assist retailers, business managers and office managers in the current situation,” Mr Hendleman added.
He also stressed that businesses should not leave any cash floats in their premises while they are closed for a prolonged period.
If you’re concerned about the security of your premises, or you feel that the existing measures you have in place aren’t up to standard any longer, take a look at the commercial roller shutters that we offer to see how you could improve the security of your property in the future.
An article for Business Matters Magazine recently explored how you can continue to trade or keep your business afloat during the lockdown. It detailed a range of measures that various businesses can use to continue working at this time, most of which involve remotely interacting with customers.
For retailers, it recommended setting up an ecommerce site, if you don’t already have one. If you are already selling online, then now is the time to promote your goods to consumers, it added.
Restaurants and cafes have been particularly hard hit by the lockdown, but there are ways for businesses in this sector to continue operating too. The publication suggested exploring options for running a takeaway service, using a partner like Just Eat or Deliveroo.
Whatever industry you operate in, it’s essential to stay in contact with your customers at this time. If you have been able to stay open, make sure you let people know so that they’re aware of what you can offer them during this time. And if you’re closed, keep in mind how you could keep in touch with people so that they’re ready to return once the lockdown ends.
If you’re going to be talking about how you’re closed on your website and social media, make sure that you’ve taken the necessary precautions to secure your business premises to deter any opportune thieves too.