STILL OPEN FOR BUSINESS

DURING these turbulent times we know that our readers need us more than ever - not only to keep them informed and entertained but to champion the communities we are proud to serve.

From reporting on the everyday #actsofkindness of neighbours to applauding the #healthheroes and other key workers keeping the country running, our role remains in helping to keep people connected and informed and to ensure we tell the stories of ordinary people doing extraordinary things in our time of need.

And that support extends to supporting those businesses who remain vital to our communities - even more so during this nationwide lockdown.

So many have had to evolve and adapt in these difficult times to keep themselves afloat and to keep their customers served - and so through our #supportlocal campaign we continue to publicise what they are doing in the knowledge that our readers will continue to use them.

As just one part of #supportlocal we have launched our Open for Business page in this newspaper to ensure that our readers and those creative and generous businesses offering essential services remain connected.

This directory is an opportunity for businesses to let you know they are still there for you offering the vital services you still need. And it gives our readers the opportunity to know where to turn to, whether it’s being reassured that the corner shop is still open to having that take-away meal left safely on your doorstep.

It is a simple means of keeping our communities connected but such an important one. Through good times and bad we are always here to #supportlocal.

If you are a business and would like to tell our readers you are, well, Open for Business, then please call 020 7084 9132 and we will be happy to spread the word.