Amazing Ways Point Franchise Businesses Are Supporting Local Communities During the COVID-19 Crisis
Alice Tuffery, writer
Published at 11/04/2020, Updated on 04/05/2022 , Reading time: 5 min
As the COVID-19 crisis unfolds, businesses across the world are doing everything they can to help those in need. Let’s take a look at just a few of the ways the franchises on our books are supporting local communities.
ChipsAway donated personal protective equipment
When GP surgery Burlington Primary Care appealed for protective equipment for its staff, ChipsAway was quick to act. The automotive franchise uses items like facemasks for its own operations, so it was able to hand these over to the surgery. Thanks to the ChipsAway’s generosity, the GP surgery, which welcomes high numbers of vulnerable people through its doors every day, was able to safeguard its employees and patients.
Bodystreet has launched online fitness classes
Bodystreet knew its loyal customers would no longer be able to visit its branches across the UK while the COVID-19 crisis developed. Rather than wait for the restrictions to be lifted, the gym franchise quickly got to work writing, filming, dubbing and publishing a series of workout videos. Now, fitness fanatics can follow high-quality exercise classes in the comfort of their own homes.
This was also great news for Bodystreet’s franchisees. When faced with the possibility of having to independently develop great fitness resources, they were supported by their franchise. Now, they have a huge bank of online tools to keep their customers interested, at a time when local business recognition could have plummeted.
>> Read more:
- The Best Franchise Model For You – And Your Pocket
- Could a Start-Up Franchise Be The Perfect Opportunity For You?
- Top 10 ways to find the perfect franchise for you
Mathnasium and Tutor Doctor have introduced online maths classes
As schools across the UK remain closed, more and more parents are turning to online resources to support their children’s education. Mathnasium and Tutor Doctor recognise the rapidly increasing demand for teaching sessions, which is why they’ve put their services online. Pupils can now continue receiving tuition at a high standard for the duration of the COVID-19 lockdown.
Lana in Burlington Oakville praised Tutor Doctor:
Very professional, we love our tutor and appreciate the online reports.
Commercial cleaning franchise JAN-PRO is selling to the public
Unsurprisingly, commercial cleaning businesses are in huge demand at the moment – but JAN-PRO was interested in supporting local communities as well as local companies. Having checked it could handle the increased demand, the franchise has started selling its cleaning products to people who can’t find the items they need in their local supermarkets.
At a time when we’re all being encouraged to check our hygiene and clean our homes more frequently, JAN-PRO is providing a helpful service.
Wiltshire Farm Foods is helping local businesses deliver their food to customers
The food delivery service’s Isle of Man division is transporting essentials from local businesses to their customers. So far, it has partnered with Noa Bakehouse and the Isle of Man Creamery to provide bread and milk to locals at no extra cost. The franchise’s Director Ben Heath said:
It’s important for us to support other local businesses at this time, especially those in the local food supply chain. Small businesses are at the heart of the island’s community, which is why we need to be supporting them however we can.
Hybrid Fitness is supporting local businesses
Like Bodystreet, Hybrid Fitness has launched online exercise videos. But while this franchise is charging money for its customers to take part in its 21-Day Fitness Challenge, it’s donating all proceeds to small local businesses. Those who take part will be able to access a range of online resources, including live classes, to help them boost not only their fitness, but their nutrition too.
A Mr Simms Olde Sweet Shoppe donated its Easter stock to a food bank
Julia Chard, who runs the Mr Simms Olde Sweet Shoppe branch in Knutsford, Cheshire, was disappointed about closing up shop at the start of the UK’s lockdown period. In the hope of lifting the spirits of some of the more vulnerable members of society, Chard donated all her chocolate bunnies to the Hope Central food bank. She also encouraged the owner of the Pizza Express restaurant next door to give all his perishable goods to the food bank, helping to support local communities.
Coffee Blue is sending free drinks to NHS workers
Lots of restaurants and cafes have always supported those who work in the emergency services, offering discounts or freebies. But, as the COVID-19 crisis puts even more pressure on NHS employees, businesses are going further to show their appreciation.
Coffee Blue has done just this. It has asked its customers to encourage friends and family members who work within the NHS to get in touch with the franchise. They’ll be sent a coffee of their choice – completely free of charge.
>> Read more:
- Franchising 101: The Complete Guide to Franchise Costs in the UK
- Franchising 101: 6 Top Contributors of Franchise Failure
- Franchising 101: How to Buy a Franchise Business in 10 Steps
- Franchising 101: The Official Franchise Start Up Checklist (Part 1)
- Franchising 101: Top 5 Qualities of a Franchisee
- Franchising 101: 6 Tips for Building Customer Loyalty Through Marketing
- Franchising 101: The Pros and Cons of Franchising Your Business
Supporting local communities helps your business too
Helping people in your local area is fantastic, and all businesses should be doing what they can, but the benefit of looking out for others is twofold. Yes – if done successfully, your actions will have their desired effect and help local people. But acting generously and demonstrating you care about the community should also have a positive impact on your business.
Studies show that 90 percent of consumers want to know how companies are supporting good causes – and 85 percent view charitable businesses more positively. What’s more, 77 percent of employees who volunteer as part of their role notice improvements in their wellbeing, and 64 percent strengthen their bonds with co-workers.
Read more
To read more about protecting your business amid the COVID-19 crisis, see our other articles:
- 12 Tips to Help Your Business Survive the Covid-19 Crisis
- Here's Everything the UK Government Is Doing to Support Businesses Through the Covid-19 Crisis
- How the Covid-19 Crisis Will Forever Change the Way We Live and Work
- 15 Tips for Staying Positive and Being Supportive During the Covid-19 Crisis
- Staying Connected with Customers Is Critical During the Covid-19 Crisis
- The Latest Tech Trends Innovating Home-Based Businesses
- How the Covid-19 Crisis Makes Online Advertising More Important Than Ever
Alice Tuffery, writer