Following the Covid19 outbreak, many businesses had to close their doors, thankfully due to the low number of cases, many have now been able to reopen, albeit with additional safety restrictions in place.
I wanted to highlight some of the local businesses which have reopened so help residents know what's available and where they can shop this summer.
Every day in August I promoted a local business within my constituency, they're also listed below!
Day 1 - Seams and Dreams
Today marks the first day of our ☀️Summer of Small Businesses☀️ campaign, highlighting some of the best local businesses that Tamworth have to offer!
First up is nominee Seams and Dreams Limited of 31 Lower Gungate, which at over 40 years old I am assured is one of the longest running family owned businesses in the town! Seams and Dreams are experts in clothing alterations, including prom and wedding dresses. Alteration services such new zips, repairs and dry cleaning bring in costumers from all over the Midlands.
Ensuring a safe and clean environment, Seams and Dreams has a one in, one out policy, a hand sanitiser station, separation screens at their reception desk and visors worn by staff. The shop is also treated with UV light and Ozone, meaning you can visit Seams and Dreams worry free!
You can find out more on their website www.seamsanddreams.co.uk, by calling 01827 61553 or emailing hello@seamsanddreams.co.uk.
Day 2 - SL Flooring
For Day 2 of my ☀ Summer of Small Business ☀ campaign I am highlighting nominee SL Flooring of Beauchamp Industrial Park.
Owner Shane started as a one-man carpet fitting service and now owns a showroom in Wilnecote. SL Flooring offers a wide range of flooring including carpets, vinyl’s, laminate and luxury vinyl tile.
Going above and beyond, SL Flooring have given back to the community during the COVID-19 pandemic, fitting flooring free of charge to a number of local NHS Staff. Be sure to visit their brand new showroom or see their brilliant work remotely via their Facebook page; some of you may also remember that SL Flooring’s community work was recognised last year when the business won The Spirit of Tamworth’s ‘Business in the Community’ Award, which I am told is in pride of place in the showroom!
Day 3 - Sutton Road Tyres
Day 3 of my Business Campaign takes us out of town and over to Fazeley.
Sutton Road Tyres, at The Sir Robert Peel Mill seem to have everything you can think of from high performance tyres and new alloy wheel sets, to part worn tyres at a reduced price, or tyres suitable for your motor home needs if you’re planning on taking to the road for your staycation this year!
To find out more, visit their Facebook page, their website www.suttonroadtyres.co.uk or call 01827 287448
DAY 4 - Partybox
Covid-19 may have stopped some big parties but that doesn’t mean we can’t celebrate at home 🎂
Party Box at the Tamworth Indoor Market has reopened and is ready for business. Like most market stalls they take cash and have taken steps to make their customers feel at home while keeping safe including a Perspex counter shield, face shields for staff and hand sanitiser for customers.
Manager Maria is selling everything from cards and gifts to balloons and bunting, so even if you’re having a socially distanced birthday this year, you can still party in style!
Pay them a visit on St Editha’s square or get in touch by emailing partybox1980@gmail.com
Day 5 - Poachers Cafe
Poachers Café Bistro is absolutely one of Tamworth’s hidden gems for food and warm beverages, and they feature as my 5th small business for the month. ☕️
Eileen and Eunice are doing a great job of keep customers safe, following all the Covid-safe procedures and they’re also taking part in August’s ‘Eat Out To Help Out’ campaign – great grub at a low price! There’s plenty of indoor and outdoor seating and the team are running a full menu so do give them a visit or call ahead on 01827 51847.
Day 6 - Russell's Butchers
On Day 6 of my ☀ Summer of Small Business ☀ campaign we’re focussing on a business in one of our constituency villages; Russell's Butchers of Shenstone at 25 Main Street.
More than ‘just’ a butchers, Russell’s takes pride in offering locally sourced, high grade meat whether you’re after a joint for your Sunday roast or something tasty for the BBQ as well as condiments, cheeses and trimmings! Russell’s also offer a variety of ‘meat boxes’ which can be ordered on their website, and free delivery within 5 miles so you don’t have to leave the house to try their produce!
To find out more visit their website www.russellsbutchers.com or give them a call on 01543 480269.
Day 7 - Elysium Hair
Today marks a full week of my Summer of Small Business Campaign and today I would like to draw your attention to nominee Elysium Hair and Beauty in Wilnecote.
Elysium offer all aspects of hair and beauty with over 60 years of experience between their stylists. Their nominator tells me that they have really overcome the odds during the pandemic in no small part due to the hard work of the owner and her partners, and with thanks too to @TamworthBoroughCouncil’s small business grant.
If you know of a small business which may benefit from this grant, do direct them to Tamworth Borough Council’s website to find out more about eligibility and what funds are available: https://www.tamworth.gov.uk/small-business-grant-fund
Day 8 - Roasters
Situated in the town centre on George Street, things are a little different but Roasters of Tamworth are doing all they can to help customers feel comfortable. With seating indoors and outdoors, a takeaway zone for customers passing by and even a home delivery service through Ubereats, Sam and her team have done a fantastic job of reopening while staying Covid-safe.
Roasters Restaurant went from completely closed in March, to launching a home delivery service which saw a whopping 300 orders in the first week, to a full reopening in June. While there’s still a skeleton staff, the team are doing a great job in unusual circumstances and are participating in the ‘Eat Out To Help Out’ campaign.
To find out more give them a call on 01827 311631 or visit their website www.roastersrestaurant.co.uk.
Day 9 - Staffordshire Herbs
Day 9 of my ☀Summer of Business☀ takes us to the Northern edge of our constituency, to Staffordshire Herbs.
A family run farm, Staffordshire Herbs supply fresh, pesticide-free herbs, including Basil and Oregano, grown in our constituency using vertical farming technology, to restaurant and retail businesses around the country. Find out more about what they do on their website www.staffordshireherbs.co.uk
Nominations for my summer campaign remain open so do get in touch at christopher.pincher.mp@parliament.uk if you would like to nominate a local business – and remember, our constituency is bigger than just Tamworth!
DAY 10 - Dave Owen Cycles
It’s Day 10 of my ☀Summer of Small Business☀ and it’s been 10 years since Dave Owen Cycles first opened!
Many of you will have strolled past Dave Owen Cycles at The Activity Centre in the centre of the Castle Grounds; throughout the pandemic this little shop remained open to help keyworkers stay mobile, now it is open to the wider public. They’ll repair your old bikes, help you choose new ones and they even have some solutions for those awkward bike saddles!
Jonny has confirmed that NHS staff with ID receive services at half price and they’ll lend a bike for the duration of the repair. For those new to cycling there are lessons for adults and children which take place of a weekend. The sessions are on-site, so they’re not embarrassing for anybody wanting to lose the knee pads and stabilizers. You can book in at https://www.facebook.com/Learn2CycleMidlands
Dave Owen Cycles will be taking part in the new Government voucher schemes and aim to help with GP ordered social-prescriptions. So whether you want advice, new wheels or hope to join the cycling craze, head over to their shop and see what Jonny and the team can do for you!
Dave Owen Cycles can be contacted through their Facebook page or by emailing
daveowencycles@hotmail.co.uk
Day 11 - The Tamworth Tap
Day 11 of my ☀️Summer of Small Businesses☀️ campaign means a trip to the Tamworth Tap, a local microbrewery which serves some of the best socially distanced pints in town! From selling cask ale, cider, bottled ales, wines, spirits, and pub snacks, they are also ensuring all customers are safe through creative ways such as a pedestrian crossing sign in their side entrance.
I highly recommend that you plan a visit throughout August, just book a few days in advance as they are often at capacity. Help George and the team out today by booking a table! Call ahead on 01827 319872.
DAY 12 - Manor Farm Strawberries
For the 12th Day of Business we’re heading a little out of town into the rural part of the constituency, to Manor Farm Fruits near Hints.
At Manor Farm you can pick your own fruit including strawberries, raspberries, gooseberries, redcurrants, blackcurrants and blackberries but make sure you book in advance and have a read through their guidelines first! Or if you’d prefer you can visit their Strawberry Drive Thru and buy pre-picked fruit, cakes, jams, honey, eggs and more from their kiosks – just follow the one way system between 10:00 and 17:00 daily.
For more info, visit their Facebook page, or their website https://manorfarmfruits.co.uk/ - happy picking!
Day 13 - Tamworth Toolbox
We have all had a go at some DIY during the lockdown – which is why an obvious choice for day 13 is Tamworth Toolbox Ltd. An independent hardware store located in Market Street, the Tool Box has been trading for 18 years and providing essential goods all throughout the Coronavirus pandemic with their delivery service and over the phone payment.
Supplying Personal Protection Equipment throughout the pandemic, Tamworth’s Tool Box now has all the measures in place for you to be socially distanced whilst having an excellent customer experience. Visit them today or give them a call on 01827 52550.
DAY 14 - No 18 Coffeehouse
It may be summer, but it is never too hot for a coffee! Marking a fortnight of my Small Business Campaign; you can enjoy the weather over lunch and the finest brewed coffee in No.18 Coffee House courtyard. This stylish, independent café on the Lichfield Road reopened their doors on 4 July and are now proudly offering up to 50% through the Eat Out to Help Out scheme throughout August.
They are doing a great job of keep customers safe, following all the Covid-19 safety procedures through table service and socially distancing their customers. Give them a visit today or call ahead on 07376 012641.
DAY 15 - HILLS ANGELS
☀️ Day 15 of my Summer of Small Business Campaign ☀️
Always going above and beyond for their clients, Hills Angels Homecare have been providing support for elderly Tamworth residents throughout the pandemic. The carers at Hills Angel Homecare have gone out of their way to ensure their clients don’t struggle alone with the isolation lockdown has brought.
Manager Matthew Hill is putting his clients first during this difficult time and him and his team deserve huge recognition for their efforts. If you would like to access Hills Angel Homecare’s services then you can call them on01827 63307 or visit their website at https://hillsangelshomecare.co.uk/contact-us
DAY 16 - PI-KEM Equipment
Our nominee for Day 16 of my ☀️ Summer of Small Businesses☀️ is PI-KEM Limited based in the Tame Valley are of Wilnecote. Next year it will be the 30th birthday of PI-KEM, however, not many local people will know of this local business as it sells specialised scientific equipment and materials into research and development organisations.
The company employs local people, supports the local economy by purchasing products, services and support from other local businesses whenever possible and it takes on apprentices from South Staffordshire College campus we have here in Tamworth.
Local jobs, for local people!
https://www.pi-kem.co.uk/
DAY 17 - Emily Charlotte Furniture
Day 17 of the Summer of Small Business takes us to Emily Charlotte Furniture Renovation & Ceramics - found on Shenstone's Main Street ☀️
The team offer a wide range of services from Painted Furniture to Upholstery. You can also find locally handmade furniture made from rustic reclaimed timber amongst an eclectic mix of new and old.
They very clearly take great pride in their work! Find out more on their Facebook page or at www.emilycharlottefurniture.co.uk
DAY 18 - Swimworld
For Day 18 of my Summer of Small Business we’re at SW Sport - Swimworld in Church Street, which is now open again with safety measures in place including visors for staff. Hand sanitiser is available for customers and the shop's layout has been rearranged to make it as safe as possible.
As the name suggests, Swimworld offer a full range of swimwear and accessories (pools are now open again too!) as well as dancewear, gymnastics leotards and more. The store is currently open Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday 9:30-14:30.
DAY 19 - Lexi G Hair ☀️
During lockdown we all had a few bad hair days, however Craig and his team at Lexi G Hair salon located on Lower Gungate can fix that! ✂️ Providing unisex haircuts since reopening on 4 July, customers are asked to wear masks and clean their hands with the hand sanitizer provided.
Social distancing and Covid-safety is of upmost importance with Craig and all staff wearing masks and visors. Need an appointment? Lexi G Hair is open 08:00-20:00 Monday to Saturday, so why not book an appointment on 01827 54069 today.
DAY 20 - The Wright Wash
For Day 20 of my Summer of Small Business we’re at The Wright Wash 👔👖
The effects of Covid-19 have been seen by all businesses, especially this small family run launderette on Barlow Close in Amington. Since being allowed to reopen The Wright Wash started things slowly, however, are now open all day with new opening hours!
Take a visit on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday between 9:00 and 17:00 for excellent service and a great wash. Don’t believe me? Take a look at their Facebook reviews.
DAY 21 - Summit Systems
Today I visited Summit Systems on the Vanguard Industrial estate as part of my Summer of Small Business.
They are massively ramping up their PPE screen business that supplies schools and hospitals across the country. A brilliant example of a local innovative business that employs local people. I will do what I can to support them as they continue to grow.
The team are putting in some serious hours to get these screens out into businesses and public places, keeping us safe in these times.
https://www.summitsystems.co.uk/
DAY 22 - JEFFREYS SANDWICHES
For Day 22 of my Summer of Small Business let’s take the stress out of feeding the family, or enjoy some great grub with friends by shopping safe and local at Jeffrey’s Fine Sandwiches 🥪
After closing throughout the lockdown, Jeffery’s reopened for contactless deliveries and take away utilising delivery companies such as JustEat and have now reopened their doors for customers! Only 2 customers are allowed in at a time to uphold social distancing, so please be patient as the team do their best to give you a safe but customer-led service.
DAY 23 - Wyldes Sweets
🍭 For day 23 of my Summer of Small Business we’re at Wylde’s Sweet Shop 🍭 which is now open again with safety measures in place including Denise’s 1 in 1 out policy (an adult with little ones are of course welcome in at one time).
Located in Lower Gungate, Wylde’s has been in the town centre for years with shelves full of Olde Worlde sweet jars of every kind of sweet imaginable that will take you right back to your childhood!
The store is currently open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday 9:00-13:00. For further information call 07989 458118.
DAY 24 - CLYDES GRILL☀️
Clyde's Bar & Grill have fantastic safety measures in place for customers and staff, such as hand sanitiser and staff wearing protective visors. It is also part of the Eat Out to Help Out scheme, operating THIS WEEK Monday-Wednesday from 12pm-8pm.
Clyde’s is part of Namco Funscape which has now finally been able to open up, including the soft play area and bowling. Strict measures are in place and booking is essential. Social distancing is followed by every other bowling lane being closed and a short wait between games while the lanes are fully cleaned and sanitised before the next booking. The soft play area is only allowing a maximum of 40 people in at a time including adults in one hour slots. After each hour, it is fully closed for deep cleaning and sanitising before reopening for the next booked slot.
What better way to round off the school holidays with a game of bowling or an hour in soft play, followed by a meal in Clyde’s Grill.
DAY 25 - OUR LOCAL CHOCOLATE FACTORY 🍫 WNDER
WNDER, a new chocolate making company has opened up in Thorpe Constantine, in the more rural area of the Tamworth constituency. They also offer workshops where you can go along and have a go at making your own chocolate and have an online shop! Take a look at their website : https://www.ageofwnder.com/
They are also trying to promote ethically sourced products and from their statement below pledge 1% of all sales to good causes.
DAY 26 - Clothing for Schools
It’s that time of year where families are getting ready to send our little (or not so little) ones back to school. This year will be very different with strict hygiene measures in place with schools requesting complete clean clothes daily.
Clothing 4 Schools are here to help! They also supply uniforms for youth groups such as Scouts and Guides and also have a dancewear range.
They can be contacted on 01827 50395 and their website is https://clothing4schools.com/. Their opening hours are:
Monday - Saturday: 9.00am - 5.00pm
Day 27 and we are at Bag Magic in Ankerside 🛍
From gym bags, to suitcases and fashion bags for a treat to you or someone else, there is lots to choose from especially as the kids are about to go back to school. Hand sanitiser is available and Shelly wears a mask to keep herself and customers safe.
DAY 28 - FISH AND CHIP SUPPER 
Christopher's & The Peel Aldergate
is a family run business in the heart of the town centre.
Well loved before COVID-19 and when the public health crisis affected the globe, Chris and Sarah Gill switched to a takeaway service with great success! Christopher’s popular take away breakfasts, evening meals and Sunday Roasts all prepared to their very high standards available to collect safely.
The restaurant is now open for breakfasts Weds – Sat 7.30 – 11 am with limited seating so booking is essential or you can take it away and eat in the comfort of your own home or office.
They can be contacted on 01827 67676 with regular specials and information on the Facebook page
https://www.facebook.com/christopherstamworth/
DAY 29 - SK School Uniforms
A Family run school uniform business providing schools all over Tamworth, many of you will know they have a large stock of stationery, shoes, lunch boxes etc along with all uniform items required for your specific school 
They have now made provisions for you to be able to take you child in to try on uniform and you can also shop the full range of items online with their online shop.
The store is attached to a local grocery store and I would like to take this opportunity to thank Gurpreet at SK School Uniforms, Stores & Post Office for all the generosity and support provided to the Tamworth Self Isolation Support Group in the last months.
DAY 30 – Happy Hounds Drayton Basset Groomers a business in one of the villages.
Rebecca Bott is professionally trained with a diploma in pet grooming, 10 years experience, equipped with all the specialist equipment to make your pet look its best.
Due to coronavirus restrictions appointments are for pre-booking only with safety procedures to follow which will be fully explained when you book your appointment. They also have ALL their info on their Facebook page.
FINAL DAY ON THE SUMMER OF SMALL BUSINESS
Day 31 goes toShear Success Hair Salon
They are a very successful hairdressing business on the estate of Coton Green.
Following the re-opening of hair salons the staff have undergone extensive Covid-19 safety training and small alterations have been made to the salon to accommodate social distancing. They have an online booking system and have changed their opening hours to seven days a week to accommodate longer appointment times and through cleansing of the salon for the safety of their staff and clients. PPE is being worn by staff members and they ask that you wear face coverings when you attend your appointments.
Since the latest Government announcement they have also been able to open up more of their close contact services.
For more information you can contact them on 01827 62998 or go to their website www.shearsuccess.co.uk. They also have a facebook page with a full list of their services and updates and offers.
So there you have it, 31 fantastic local businesses which have re-opened, so take a look!!
