New support for re-opening and recovery of Dacorum's high street businesses

Dacorum Council is offering a programme of support to help high street businesses re-open safely, recover quickly and adapt to the ongoing challenges of the coronavirus pandemic.

The business support programme has been put together in partnership with SaveTheHighStreet.org and uses a unique 'digital assistant' platform called Jo.

The 12-week programme will launch on Tuesday, March 9, at 5.30pm at an online event to be hosted by SaveTheHighStreet.org, businesses can register on the campaign page.

All high street businesses and local outlets will be able to access valuable information via the campaign page and up to 50 businesses will be given dedicated one-to-one support alongside access to the Jo Platform.

Cllr Graham Sutton, Portfolio Holder for Planning and Infrastructure, said: "We are really pleased to be able to offer support to our businesses in this way.

"The campaign page allows us to give access to an unlimited number of businesses across the borough, with 50 being offered the opportunity to work with a mentor on developing their business to ensure their continued success well into the future.”

The help is being provided thanks to funding from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).

It will include access to essential information to ensure the safety of businesses and consumers, plus ideas and advice to encourage businesses to try new and innovative ways to keep trading.

In addition to the campaign page, access to Jo and one-to-one advice, the programme will also include two webinars centred on themes around support for high street businesses. Anyone who is unable to access the live webinars will be able to watch the recordings.​

Julie Holden, community director for SaveTheHighStreet.org and JoinJo.com, said “We are delighted to be working with Dacorum Borough Council to deliver a bespoke programme of support to meet their needs.

"We know from our previous feedback that independent businesses need someone in their corner at this difficult time.

"We look forward to sharing our news and achievements on the campaign page and to working with businesses across the borough over the coming weeks.”

SaveTheHighStreet.org is an industry movement on a mission to ensure diverse and successful high streets now and for the long term.