Councillors sure local firms have a future

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T WO s e n i o r D u n d e e councillors have said local businesses “absolutely” have a future after the coronavirus crisis.

City council leader John Alexander and local leader of the Liberal Democrat group, Fraser Macpherson, said firms across the city have rapidly adapted business models amid the pandemic.

When asked about fears some local independent businesses may have no l ong-term future, Mr Macpherson, who represents the West End, said: “I would say the opposite. Our local businesses in my ward have done a fabulous job of adapting.

“You only have to look at the online orders for West End Butchers, the Little Green Larder or Fraser’s Fruit and Veg, who may have done none of this in the past, but have very swiftly and efficiently created a market – and there is a real market – for their products.

“Many local businesses have come into their own and adapted to the situation. We’ve been very lucky to have a very vibrant shopping area in the Perth Road and there’s also an area in Blackness Road.

“In quick order (the businesses) have set up a delivery network and

Check out the footage on our website thetele.co.uk are getting their products out there – and very successfully.

“I think they absolutely have a future. Leaving aside that they provide quality products, there is loyalty from the community for businesses providing such good services.”

Mr Alexander said the delivery of food and other items was hugely important for the city’s economy, but also vital for some of the shielded community who aren’t able to access shops as easily. He said: “I think there is a real resilience within some of those independent stores.

“Supporting those local firms is absolutely key. The council, the chamber of commerce, (we) have all collated information on local businesses who are providing takeaway or delivery services to make sure people are aware.

“There are services available and that’s all the more important for people who don’t have the ability to go and stand in a queue.

“I think it will continue to be important in the coming months and I think people have now seen the value in local businesses.

“All credit to businesses in the city because they have adapted and not necessarily for their own reward – there is a sense of community behind some of that.”

West End Butchers has moved online during the pandemic.