Family-run business praises the help of love local campaign

A family-run fashion retailer in Lichfield city centre has praised the work of Lichfield District Council's #LoveLocal campaign and thanked its customers for their continued support throughout lockdown.

Fortescues, based on Dam Street, is an independent retailer that sells fashion and home accessories handpicked from across the world.

The boutique store has been trading in the city centre since 2014, but nothing prepared them for the highs and lows of being a small business owner during a pandemic.

After receiving government grants to help them come out the other side of lockdowns, and with help and support from Lichfield District Council 's information officer and the European Regional Development Fund, Fortescues is back and in fine form.

Charlotte Fortescue (pictured), manager and co-owner of Fortescues, said: “As we 're all about a personal service, offering styling appointments and alterations in-house, we haven 't moved to online sales even while we had to close. This has meant our customers have had to be very patient with us over the past year.

“However, we are lucky to have amazing, loyal customers who we have kept in contact with via Facebook during lockdowns and it 's great to be back. ”

Charlotte also praised the Council's #LoveLocal campaign, aimed at encouraging local people to continue shopping close to home and supporting independent businesses as lockdown measures eased.

By way of encouragement and to reassure locals of the safety measures in place, the Council put together a pack of resources for local shops and businesses which included a leaflet/checklist, a poster, a window vinyl and social distancing floor stickers.

Of the support from the council, Charlotte added: “It 's been great to talk to a member of the council face-to-face and feel like our suggestions are being heard. ”

Councillor Iain Eadie, Cabinet member for Economic Development, said: “I 'm really pleased to hear Fortescues ' experience and their positive outlook. Despite so much interruption to trade, they are still offering a fantastic service and have bounced back since reopening.

“it impresses me how resilient, creative and hardworking our small business owners are and we 're glad we 've been able to get funding out to them and support them through initiatives, such as the #LoveLocal campaign and Covid-secure resources and advice.

“We 're working on more ways to support businesses and boost visitor numbers into the city and across the district and are looking forward to sharing our plans soon. ”

To find out more about Fortescues, go to www.fortescues.co.uk.