LOCKDOWN restrictions are continuing to ease with more and more businesses re-opening their doors to customers and clients.

For many, the past few months have been incredibly challenging so there has never been a better time to support Worcestershire’s small businesses.

Of course it’s not quite ‘business as usual’. All of us have to take sensible measures to keep ourselves and others safe.

Provided we do, there is no reason why we cannot begin to get back to some sense of normality.

Plus, by supporting each other, Worcestershire businesses and communities will receive a much needed and welcome lift.

There are many ways to do this. For example, you can use online apps and directories to search for local suppliers.

Visit Worcester provides a directory of local businesses, so using this to search for those that can meet your needs is an easy way to show your support.

Use social media to follow local businesses and like or share their posts.

It takes no time at all to do but can help to promote their business to a new and wider audience.

You could also submit a review, sharing your positive experiences of dealing with a local business. This will showcase their product/service offering and help them to build a positive public profile.

Shopping local is perhaps the most tangible way to support the county’s independent shops, bars and restaurants.

Visit in person if you can, or alternatively make an effort to use the online ordering and delivery services that many have introduced.

You could even consider buying gift vouchers for friends and family to redeem at Worcestershire outlets.

Retail, hospitality and leisure businesses often provide incentive schemes, with discount vouchers and codes available to order via their web and social media sites.

These are just a few examples of the really simple things that you can do to support Worcestershire businesses so that they can re build and continue to serve their local communities. Without your support, some may be forced to close. If they do, it’s extremely unlikely that they will ever come back so time really is of the essence.