Businesses in Sussex are showing creativity and generosity – and we should support them

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Life has never been tougher for many of our prized smaller businesses in Sussex during the current lock-down.

So today this newspaper – facing exactly the same challenges as many other local firms – calls on readers to shop in your neighbourhoods and #supportlocal.

As businesses have been told to close their doors during the coronavirus outbreak in the UK, many have had to come up with innovative ways to survive – as well as providing vital support to those in self isolation.

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In these unprecedented times, businesses are showing their creativity, generosity and bravery during this difficult time in serving their local communities.

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We’re hearing stories of companies delivering essential supplies to those in 12 weeks of isolation, giving discounts to hardworking NHS staff and helping keeping foodbanks stocked up.

Many businesses have switched their services to takeaway and delivery only, in order to serve their communities in a different way.

We wanted to share some of those stories through our #supportlocal initiative, and of course, support those businesses in a difficult trading environment.

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That’s why this newspaper and its sister titles across JPIMedia are urging the public to #supportlocal.

Gary Shipton, editorial director of JPIMedia’s Sussex titles, said: “Now more than ever it is vital we support the businesses in our local community. We want to hear about the businesses in your local area who are going about and beyond to serve their community. And we urge you, our readers, to get behind these businesses in this difficult time so that they will continue to thrive and enrich our communities when the coronavirus outbreak has ended.”

To share your story get in touch with our commercial editor Bex Bastable at [email protected]

A message from the Editor, Gary Shipton:

Thank you for reading this story on our website.

But I also have an urgent plea to make of you.

In order for us to continue to provide high quality local news on this free-to-read site and in print, please purchase a copy of our newspaper as well. With the coronavirus lockdown having a major impact on our town centres and many of our valued advertisers - and consequently the advertising that we receive - we are more reliant than ever on you buying a copy.

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Our journalists are highly trained by the National Council for the Training of Journalists (NCTJ) and our content is independently regulated by IPSO to some of the most rigorous standards anywhere in the world. Our content is universally trusted - as all independent research proves.

As Baroness Barran said in a House of Lords debate this week on the importance of journalists: "Not only are they a trusted source of facts, but they will have a role to play in rallying communities and getting the message across about how we can keep ourselves and our families safe, and protect our NHS. Undoubtedly, they have a critical role."

But being your eyes and ears comes at a price. So we need your support more than ever to buy our newspapers during this crisis. In return we will continue to forensically cover the local news - not only the impact of the virus but all the positive and uplifting news happening in these dark days.

In addition, please write to your MP urging the Government to provide some additional financial support for local newspapers and their websites like this one and ensuring that supermarkets continue to stock them. I cannot stress enough how important such an intervention would be.

We thank all our readers and advertisers for their understanding and support - and we wish YOU all the best in the coming weeks. Keep safe, and follow the Government advice. Thank you.

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