It has been an incredibly tough year for businesses in the borough

Many have had to pivot their business models, change product lines, implement new workplace practices, continually adapt to new trading rules and regulations, and – almost without exception – recalibrate business plans as income dropped through no fault of the business but because a virus was at large and changing our world at a speed never before experienced.

Through all of this, our business community responded with agility and professionalism, presenting the very best of business and not hesitating to rise to the challenge.

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Our business community has stepped up to the mark over the course of 2020. They have demonstrated to us all their commitment to us, their customers, and kept us going through the lockdowns.

They have kept the supply chains going, traded responsibly and gone beyond the call of duty; they have proven to us all that they are the beating heart of our borough’s town centres, high streets and of our community.

They have supported residents throughout the crisis – from offering food parcels to low income families, sewing scrubs for NHS workers and helping our young people access the equipment they need to study at home.

As 2020 closes and we look forward to 2021, and finally knocking this virus on the head once and for all, it is a timely moment to say a big thank you from all of us to all the businesses in Hackney for their tireless work in keeping us going, supplying us, protecting us and for making all of the borough’s workplaces safe places to work in and to visit.

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We can all show our support by shopping locally. A thriving business community makes a big difference to our communities, and as we enter into what we hope will be the final phase of the pandemic, now more than ever before is the time to ‘Love Hackney, Shop Local’.

We’ve made ‘Shop Local’ easy for you to do with our new online business directory. Go to lovehackney.uk/shop-local, find out what's on offer in Hackney and let's all pull together and support our local businesses and give them a new year to really look forward to.

  • Cllr Guy Nicholson is cabinet member for planning, culture and inclusive economy.