Despite the difficulties that Manchester’s businesses have faced over the course of the last year, there has been a little bit of a sense of optimism building that the end of the coronavirus is near.
That may be overstating things a bit, and it is also of course important to note that the new mutation has intensified the spread of the virus for now. Currently, new shutdowns are in effect, and those local businesses that had managed to reopen have shuttered once again.
Nevertheless, the feeling is that as the UK continues to progress toward mass vaccination, life will return to normal and businesses will follow.
Even if this is a realistic hope though, the fact remains that it will be a challenge for local businesses to get back up to speed — particularly if they’re not part of larger chains with robust online businesses.
Because of this, we decided to look ahead at some of the challenges that may linger, not to be overly pessimistic but rather as a means of honestly assessing what’s ahead.
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Lingering COVID Cases
The good news regarding the virus specifically is that the UK is among the world leaders when it comes to distributing the vaccine.
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The bad news, however, is that the UK is also near the top of the list in new cases. According to a recent update from The Guardian, the nation trails only the U.S. in recent cases diagnosed, indicating that spread is still rampant — and outpacing vaccinations.
It is hoped, of course, that this is more of a short-term problem than a long-term challenge for businesses. But right now the raw numbers indicate that the UK will be dealing with lingering cases and outbreaks for some time yet. Even if local businesses in Manchester and other cities are able to open, they’ll need to undertake precautions and prepare for potential mini-shutdowns in the future.
Online Shopping Habits
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Another cold, hard fact for high-street retailers in places like Manchester is that consumers have had time over the course of the pandemic to get even more used to online shopping than they already were. Though there have been some occasional issues with supply chains, product availability, and shipping times, store delivery has held up fairly well overall.
Amazon has thrived throughout much of the world by maintaining its typical high-speed online shopping capability during the pandemic. And in the UK specifically, Groupon recently highlighted Very for its “range of delivery options,” “speedy and easy to track” orders, and affordable shipping.
Stores like these have efficiently provided consumers with everything they need, and local businesses will need to actively persuade some of those consumers to return.
In-Store Trust
Part of persuading consumers to return to brick-and-mortar businesses will mean establishing a trust factor regarding safety and cleanliness.
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The BBC asked last summer if the high streets would get their shoppers back, and noted the “conspicuousness of precautions” as a design of retailers — a means of making shoppers feel safe and protected. Now another half year into the pandemic, this appears to be even more important.
Local businesses both in Manchester and elsewhere will likely have to go to extensive lengths to reassure customers and establish suitable but appealing post-COVID spaces.
Endurance of Adaptations
The last point, and maybe the most interesting, is that local businesses will also need to find ways to sustain positive adaptations that they’ve made during COVID once the virus is under control.
That’s a good thing — but it won’t work the same way after COVID.
The same businesses will have to continue engaging through social media, but shift their messaging and outreach efforts to reflect a more normal society, and ultimately to drive consumers to locations.
This is an opportunity, but one more challenge as well.
Business
Chester Zoo is looking for volunteers to help care for its animals and ‘prevent extinction’
Emily Sergeant
Are you ready to help make a genuine difference? Chester Zoo is currently looking for volunteers to help care for its animals.
The UK’s biggest charity zoo is committed to the recovery of endangered species around the world, and is making a hugely significant contribution to conservation at a time when it’s needed most… but it can’t do this alone, and that’s why it’s calling on people to volunteer and spend a year of their education gaining ‘invaluable’ work experience.
Chester Zoo is offering a number of year-long Animal Husbandry Voluntary Work Placements for those currently studying for degrees relevant to the industry.
During these placement years, candidates will get comprehensive practical training by Chester Zoo specialists covering a wide range of subjects, and receive on-the-job experience in the husbandry of the species they’re working with, taking on plenty of hands-on husbandry tasks along the way.
Chester Zoo has been named the best zoo in the UK for 2024 / Credit: Chester Zoo
Candidates will be assigned to one of the animal keeping sections for the year – specialising in either birds, mammals, reptiles, amphibians, or invertebrates.
The ideal candidates for these placement years will have an interest in all aspects of animal husbandry and the work of Chester Zoo, an ability to work as an individual or as part of a team, excellent communication skills, and have the ability to financially support themselves for the duration.
The working hours for placement volunteers will be full-time, working five days out of seven, including alternate weekends, on a rota basis, but it’s worth it as Chester Zoo says many of its past placements have gone on to follow careers in zoos.
Full uniform will be provided by the Chester Zoo, along with free lunch vouchers for the days you attend.
The news that Chester Zoo is seeking volunteers comes after it was also announced that the zoo is giving out more than 30,000 free tickets to children, offering them the chance to visit the incredible facilities on offer without having to spend a penny.
Applications for the positions are now open, and applications from individuals living outside of the UK are welcome, but they will be expected to fund your own travel and relocation costs if successful – with the closing date being 10 March.
Assessment days for the placements are anticipated to take place on 4 or 11 April, and you can find out more and apply here.
Featured Image – Chester Zoo
Business
Sneak peak inside swanky new homes ready to rent in an up-and-coming Greater Manchester town
Emily Sergeant
Dozens of swanky new homes are now available to rent in an up-and-coming Greater Manchester town.
A collection of exciting first look images have been released of the new homes.
The reboot of the former derelict market precinct in the suburban Bolton town of Farnworth is being spearheaded by Capital&Centric, and the social impact developers behind the project are now giving prospective renters a sneak peak into the developed.
Dubbed Farnworth Green, the new community consists of 97 rental homes, made up of a super energy-efficient range of townhouses and apartments.
The development will be comprised of a mix of one, two, and three-bedroom properties, with 85 stunning apartments and 12 family homes – all of which have been designed with the same high-quality features that are usually reserved for Capital&Centric‘s city centre spaces.
Designed for renters, the dozens of new homes come with even more living space, as well private gardens to be enjoyed when the sun makes an appearance, and potting sheds for all the green-fingered people out there.
Residents will also have access to the exclusive rooftop garden, gym, lounge, co-working spaces, and dog washing stations for their four-legged friends.
The two-bed apartments are packed with Scandi-designed HAY furniture and massive floor-to-ceiling windows to flood the rooms with light, while the the top-spec kitchens are kitted-out with all the mod-comms and latest appliances you would expect.
The new townhouses, on the other hand, will be the first to be delivered under the developer’s ‘Neighbourhood’ brand.
Pioneering new homes at Farnworth Green are now available to rent / Credit: Capital&Centric (Supplied)
This includes Bolton’s first-ever operationally net zero homes, aiming to ‘slash’ energy bills for residents.
A raft of independent bars, eateries, and shops will also be taking shape on the ground floor of the community hub, giving locals and residents a place to meet up and enjoy seasonal outdoor events that will be planned once the neighbourhood is up and running.
Residents will also be able to spend time in a brand-new public square at the heart of the community, which will play host to artisan markets, art shows, and foodie pop-ups.
A collection of exciting first look images have been released of the new homes / Credit: Capital&Centric (Supplied)
“We’re buzzing to see the new homes come to life at Farnworth Green,” commented Tom Wilmot, who is the joint Managing Director of Capital&Centric.
“Farnworth Green is all about creating new and exciting spaces for businesses and the community to spend time in, as well as delivering a pioneering new town centre living experience and giving disused retail areas a new lease of life.”
The Manc -
13th January 2021 
