Portsmouth Labour Party Standing up for you and our city
Small businesses are the heart of our communities. We’ve seen during the coronavirus crisis how quickly some of our city’s small businesses have adapted to continue to support us all but sadly many have also been devastated by the crisis. As all shops and other businesses begin to reopen, now more than ever it’s vital for us to ‘shop local’.
Supporting local small and independent businesses keeps 63p from every £1 in Portsmouth, is the cleaner, greener choice and will enable our city’s businesses to recover and come back stronger out of this crisis.
Local campaigner Charlotte Gerada shines a spotlight on some of her favourite local businesses in Central Southsea ward:
Herbies Health Store – 241 Albert Road
“I love Herbies they have lots of wonderful products, putting the planet first – you can buy refills and vegan / veggie products. They’ve also been providing a delivery service for those self-isolating during the Covid-19 lockdown. The team also support the Pompey Street Safe campaign – to support measures to encourage active travel as well as enabling social distancing. Jim the owner is very community minded and asks local residents what products they’d like to see in store”.
Southsea Cycles – 235-237 Albert Road
“Southsea Cycles is a fantastic bike shop encouraging active travel in our city, during lockdown they’ve been providing free services for key workers’ bikes and have been giving away cycling accessories like helmets! Just like Herbies they also support the Pompey Street Safe campaign – to support measures to encourage active travel as well as enabling social distancing. If you haven’t already seen the beautiful FarkFK artwork on the side of their shop go and have a look it brightens up Albert Road!”
Wedgewood Rooms – 147b Albert Road
Jo McNamara Florist
“I just LOVE her shop and her flowers and plants – going in and buying something brings me great joy! Jo persisted with ensuring everyone’s mums got their bouquets over Mothering Sunday, despite lockdown coming into force that weekend. Jo also has a wonderful Frenchie that keeps her company at the shop – another reason to visit!”
Recognising the dedication of both of these local businesses serving the community throughout lockdown, Charlotte added: “As a local Southsea resident I’d like to say a huge thank you to all our local shops for continuing to serve the community throughout these recent difficult months – your service and dedication are much appreciated by us all here in Southsea”.
On supporting local businesses, city MP Stephen Morgan added: “Small businesses are the bedrock of our economy in Portsmouth. Helping to rebuild them as we emerge from the coronavirus crisis will protect livelihoods, protect jobs and protect our communities.
Let’s all do what we can to support local and independent so that small businesses get all the support they need to survive and thrive”.
Got another local business in the ward you’d like to shine a spotlight on? Let us know below.