2020 has been a disastrous year for the world; what with the death of legends like, Sean Connery, Diego Maradona and Kobe Bryant and his daughter, Australian bushfires and the horrible murder of George Floyd. However it doesn’t stop there. The ramifications of COVID-19 and a possible second lockdown are set to devastate the world further especially small businesses that tend to strive in communities like Wimbledon.
Suffice to say, the first lockdown had an undeniably deplorable effect on the worlds economic status. Big shifts in stock markets, where shares of companies are bought and sold depending on their demand, can affect pensions and individual saving accounts. Stock markets have seen their biggest quarterly drop in the fist three months of the year since 1987 and the recent lockdown has been hailed as the biggest economic crisis since the famous Great Depression. People most affected have said ‘it was the biggest struggle’ they had been through in their life and they were ‘incredibly proud’ of themselves to have got through such a hard time. However it’s the effect the lockdown has had on local businesses that really needs to be appreciated.
Wimbledon is populated with countless hidden gems when it comes to eating. The Ivy Cafe and Giggling Squid are among a host of innumerable restaurants that aren’t recognised enough. The Ivy Cafe seldom ever has negative reviews and diners have said it has ‘a wonderful atmosphere’ with ‘first rate service’ and an ‘incredible standard for food’. Across all reviews the only problem to have arisen is the feeling of being rushed as a result of so many waiting guests however this is understandable when you consider the surface area the Cafe has at its disposal. Furthermore, the Thai food at Giggling Squid has prompted one person to proclaim it as the ‘best Thai food’ he has ever encountered and another to call it the ‘best Thai meal outside of Thailand’.
Thus it comes as a real disappointment that such businesses and those similar were so affected by the first lockdown and could be set to lose more in a potential second lockdown. The lockdown cost small businesses a total of around 69 billion pounds according to a survey of roughly 4,000 UK businesses. The average establishment lost 12,000 pounds and could still lose more. 25% of firms believe that they will be forced to shut down in the near future with over 230,000 businesses have already been compelled to shut down. Those that are still running won the battle but maybe not the war considering so many had to borrow money to stay fighting.
Consequently, it is on the shoulders of local residents to save struggling businesses. Those interested can donate help, not necessarily of monetary value, to establishments in need. For example, due to a lack of staff, you could volunteer to sweep the floor or sort assortments in the shop. Additionally you can share your favourite businesses with friends and family or on your social media platforms. Ultimately, if there’s one thing you take from this article it has to be that you need to do something to help out.
