President's column: A bit of normal

It 's been a whirlwind couple of weeks and we are over the moon to be welcoming guests back into Touchwood, writes Tony Elvin, president of Solihull Chamber of Commerce and general manager of Touchwood.

It has been great to see so many familiar faces; regular guests, store colleagues, Chamber connections, friends and neighbours that I 've not seen in person for months. Some of them have even had a hair cut now!

We were delighted with the first week 's footfall numbers and there has been a palpable buzz of excitement around the centre, a far cry from that anxious feel of the first week open following lockdown one.

I 'm convinced that the success of the vaccination programme has played a big part in this renewed confidence and energy.

Footfall for that first week was 19 per cent back on the same week in 2019 but double what we 'd seen in the first week after returning from lockdown in June 2020.

When you consider that big footfall drivers such as the cinema, coffee shops and restaurants are not able to accommodate visitors, it makes these numbers look all the more positive. Furthermore, stores are reporting some positive sales numbers and that will be a huge relief for many.

The key will be keeping these businesses open for trade with the prospect of another lockdown potentially fatal for a number of businesses, from all parts of the eco system, big brands, local independents and supply.

It is with this in mind that Solihull, Coventry and Warwickshire Councils have come together to create the Business Pledge.

An initiative to support businesses and help them demonstrate that they 're doing the right things to be Covid safe for their visitors, customers and colleagues, aimed at all businesses across the sub-region, including shops, factories, offices and hospitality.

Solihull businesses can sign-up to the Business Pledge here and I would urge you all to take part: http://www.solihull.gov.uk/business-pledge

The pub garden pints and BBQs with friends have been so welcome and we have been very lucky with the weather. Infections are still dropping with rates in Solihull sitting at 16 per 100,000.

The next step in the road map is the return of dining indoors, 'sit in ' coffees and going to the movies.

I really can 't wait to be doing those things and for everyone else to be doing it too. We can 't risk that not happening. I think they call it 'normal ' and I 'm more than ready for a bit more of that so let 's keep doing the right thing.