Lincolnshire Business Heroes
Lincolnshire Business Heroes
We recently launched an initiative to celebrate and recognise the unsung business heroes across Lincolnshire, and thank everyone who nominated a business they admire!
Receiving an overwhelming number of nominations for businesses of all kinds across Lincolnshire that have gone that extra mile during the current crisis, we are delighted to recognise a number of those business heroes.
Phoenix Fitness Chester and George Sutton Pet Supplies West Ashby Arms
Lincoln Gin The Priory Hotel George Adams Butchers T&B Containers Ltd
Phoenix Fitness
A stand-out business, receiving 59 individual nominations was Skegness-based gym, Phoenix Fitness.
When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, Phoenix Fitness found new ways of adapting their offering following the Government guidance to close gyms, they took their services to the great outdoors, as well as online workouts, advice and support, not just for its members but for the wider community as well.
Deserving of the recognition, a client of the gym said: “They encourage and inspire so many people in this town, they have changed the lives of so many and continue to do so. Their support for locals is phenomenal.”
Chester and George
Chester and George, an upcycle furniture store in Alford, and following the closure of non-essential retail, the owner Lynette Pryke wanted to find a way to keep people connected and support the vulnerable in a practical way.
In the critical, most vulnerable shielding group herself, Lynnette started The Alford Hub, saying: “I knew that people would need support and so I couldn’t sit around and do nothing, which is why I launched the Hub.”
The Alford Hub was launched as a COVID-19 Information Group on Facebook to support each other and the local community.
“I put together a team of admins who answered questions, this was so important in early days, people just didn’t know who to turn to” explained Lynette.
“It was our commitment to keep people engaged, so we ensure that every comment was replied to, we have had 27,000 comments in the 18 weeks with around 1,400 members. I am so proud of the hub and for putting together an amazing team of volunteers who were passionate about protecting the community as I am” added Lynette.
As well as the Alford Hub, Lynette Pryke launched a free online newspaper, a be-friending service and a local prescription delivery service.
Visit Chester and GeorgeSutton Pet Supplies
Recognising the part animals play in providing comfort in times of crisis, particularly to those shielding, our next unsung hero is Sutton Pet Supplies.
Sutton Pet Supplies based in Sutton on Sea remained open throughout the lockdown period, doing deliveries, assisting with the local food bank collection.
Owners, Malcolm and Paul are so pleased with their nomination, and said: “We are so chuffed because our customers have taken the time out to nominate us which is really special.
“Coronavirus has been a real challenge for all businesses, our location is in a tourist area and has seen a huge downturn in footfall, this however enabled us to help many of our regular customers by offering an expanded delivery service to people self-isolating.
“We pride ourselves on great customer service and really enjoy customer interaction and I believer this is a reason customers want to shop with us.”
West Ashby Arms
As the government closed pub and restaurants, West Ashby Arms adapted their services to offer a first-class takeaway and delivery service.
A happy customer commented: “Being a very small community the West Ashby Arms plays a huge role in supporting activities within West Ashby and since lockdown began the family run business have provided an excellent takeaway service, not just to our village, but other surrounding villages too.
“It has been so uplifting; it would have been a very different and lonely lockdown for us if this family hadn’t provided this service.”
Lincoln Gin
Lincoln Gin is lovingly handmade at The Lincoln Distillery with locally inspired botanicals.They switched from making their amazing gin to making and donating hand sanitisers, a much-needed resource in such times.
Matt Felgate, Owner of The Lincoln Distillery said: “We would like to say a huge thank you for this very kind and unexpected nomination. Though recognition was never our intention when we started to produce and donate the hand sanitiser during our Community Spirit Initiative it is gratefully received.”
The Priory Hotel
The Priory Hotel in Louth were nominated for their creation of the Neighbours Kitchen, a food delivery service for the elderly and vulnerable.Commenting on the nomination is Paul Hughill of The Priory Hotel: “Our decision to establish The Neighbours Kitchen as soon as the lockdown was announced meant that members of the community who were hit hardest were looked after while the local authorities and charitable groups organised their response.
“The warm and positive support from the community and local business meant its rapid growth and is still operating. We have been able to cook and deliver over 15000 meals and redistribute enough produce to provide an additional 25000 meals.”
George Adams Butchers
Our next nomination is George Adams Butchers in Spalding, who recent celebrated its second anniversary despite difficult times.
Well known for its award-winning pies, George Adams have provided an amazing service for its customers during lockdown.
“They have provided a free delivery service to the elderly and the vulnerable and also introduced a click and collect service to make sure no one goes without, both of which are new measures bought in to help out” said a customer of George Adams Butchers.”
T&B Containers Ltd
T&B Containers Ltd is based in Boston and is a family run business with over 50 year’s knowledge and experience of all aspects of corrugated package.
Luke Newark, Commercial Manager at T&B Containers wanted to recognise the staff at T&B Containers saying: “Our real heroes are our staff who, with the support of the management, have adapted to the quickly evolving situation we all find ourselves in.
“As a packaging supplier our products are required for the supply of essential products to local and national businesses. With most of our products focussed on the food industry we have ensured every order has been met and new lines have been developed to support home deliveries to the nation.”
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