I have noticed that these columns are beginning to reflect the cycle of lockdowns and
restrictions toughening and easing as we move through the stages of the pandemic. One year
on from the very first and most severe lockdown, and the world is a very different place after
a tragic 12 months. The roll-out of the vaccinations is helping to get things back up and
running again, and I look forward to the different milestones set in the government’s roadmap
with cautious optimism, and that with a fair wind we will soon be enjoying each other’s
company again.
Town Events
In my column last month I promised an update on the events situation, and hey presto, the
restriction roadmap is giving us the distant promise of a return to events in the town. Now
before we all get too excited I think it’s a given that it will be too soon for May Fair to return,
purely in regard to the numbers that flock to this popular event. Anything over 4000 is not
allowed in the guidance, and there is no possibility of being able to control the numbers so
sadly, the Chamber has had to take the decision to cancel May Fair until May 2022. However,
that doesn’t mean that we can’t put on another event further in the year… and this is precisely
the plan of our events team on the Chamber, who are looking to stage a Summer Fair at the
end of July. Look out for announcements in this column and on our Facebook page
@SaltashChamber.
Showing Saltash in its best light…
During the last year, all of us have been trying to find ways to eek the most out of what we do
- for many businesses that has included moving their dealings online. I have written previously
about the new Shopping Directory in Saltash www.shop-saltash.co.uk , which offers Saltash
businesses a place to register their company free of charge. On the back of that work we are
now looking at updating our own Chamber website to be more reflective of our aspirations
moving forward. One thing we lack for our new website is some great images of Saltash that
really showcase our vibrant town. So we are putting this call out to local photographers: can
you help us with some great pictures in return for promotion of your work in captions and
acknowledgement? Interested? Then please contact us on info@saltashchamber.co.uk .
Digital Help for Small Businesses
As digital skills become increasingly important, the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Digital Skills
Partnership (DSP), alongside its six fellow DSPs across the country, has teamed up with Google
Digital Garage to deliver a series of weekly 5-hour sessions providing practical advice for small
businesses, charities and individuals on operating effectively in this digital world.
Improve Your Digital Marketing Strategy – March 17
Setting Up Your Online Shop – March 24
Using Google Analytics – March 31
Click below to find out more and to sign up.
https://businesscornwall.co.uk/…/hone-your-digital-skills/
Helping Retail in Saltash
As a not-for-profit organisation in the town, finding ways to help our local retailers – both on
and off the Fore Street – is a challenge for the Chamber. Membership is free for this year to
help our businesses through Covid. This is entirely right, but it means we have very little
revenue coming our way. Despite this, and despite having just a handful of volunteers, we are
a team with big ambitions for helping our shops and local businesses as we move out of
lockdown in April! Plans are under way for a shop local campaign, and any input we can have
from business owners in Saltash and the wider PL12 area is key. Please send your comments
or suggestions to info@saltashchamber.co.uk
In the meantime, let’s hope the return of all children into schools goes to plan – goodness
knows what a relief it is to me and so many other parents to be able to give up the ‘teacher’
mantel and give all of our focus to our businesses once again. Keep safe everyone.
