Wakefield businesses are calling for your help

In a year of big changes businesses have had to find even more new ways to manage, keep staff employed and support their communities.

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Many restaurants have been providing takeaway food while eating in is off the menu.

The family-run Fox and Hounds at Newmillerdam is a key part of its community and said people had responded well to its takeaway service.

Company director Mandy Wilkinson said: “At a time like this it is difficult for everyone, with people trying to keep their head above water, which is what we are doing. Customers supporting us is encouraging us and they are keeping the business alive.”

She added: “We are hoping very much we can go back to how things were at the start of December – not normal because it isn’t normal, but even back to having customers in and closing at 10pm. It would be something rather than a total lockdown.”

Supervisor Gemma Woodhouse said: “Since my mum took over the pub 13 years ago we have run every kind of charity event we’ve been asked, as well as events for schools, coffee mornings, and we never say no to donating, even during the lockdown.

“We’re more than a pub, we’re a place for the community and if anyone can come back, support us, and just order a coffee it really helps us.”

Addressing customers, Asamnew Asres, the owners of Abyssinian restaurant Corarima, on Northgate in the city centre, said: “Your love and support has been amazing even during the local Covid restrictions.

“We want to thank all of you and pleased to announce that we will continue to serve you the click and collect service.”

Wakefield Falafel Lady Debra Lowe, who runs the falafel van often found near the cathedral has found passing trade more difficult but was grateful to Wakefield Council for suspending her rent during lockdown.

She said: “My regular customers who are mainly office workers are working from home. There are very few passers by due to the current situation. I’ve decided to do Thursday and Friday throughout lock down from 10am while 2pm to serve the loyal regular customers that are working in the city.-

“Wakefield Council haven’t charged me rent for this month so this has made it possible for me to work.”

Ossett Brewery, which runs numerous pubs across the district, has launched a new online service to order its beer for delivery.

Tania Howe runs Betty Loves Candles, in the city centre, and is urging people to support their local shops through lockdown. Her shop, like many others, remains open for click and collect orders, but she says she has received very little interest since lockdown came into place.

She said: “The last week before lockdown was absolutely cracking, but not many people have done the click and collect.

“It’s awful. I just hope people will be loyal and come back.

“We’re all doing it, even the big branches are doing click and collect. But I think people all went mad and exhausted themselves shopping last week.”

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