Chesterfield business owner thanks town for 'phenomenal' support under tier two restrictions

Claire Wood, owner of Stephenson’s Tea And Coffee House, had been forced to lay-off a member of staff and reduce other workers’ hours just days after tier two rules came into force in the town.

Instead of giving up, Claire introduced new initiatives, spoke to the Derbyshire Times and appealed on Facebook for the public's support.

Now she has seen a boost in new bookings, been overwhelmed by messages of support and has returned her workforce to tier one levels.

"A massive thank you to the readers of the Derbyshire Times, users of Facebook and the people of Chesterfield,” Claire said.

"Following on from my post on Facebook, which has now been seen by almost 50,000 people, and the article in the Derbyshire Times, the response from the general public has been absolutely phenomenal.

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"From the moment we opened on Tuesday and throughout the rest of the week the messages of support we have received have been truly wonderful.

"Bookings in our coffee shop have greatly improved, the introduction of our Working at Home, but Away has received interest, and our newly launched takeaway menu is showing signs of being successful too.

“More importantly, for the time being, I have now increased the hours of my staff back to where there were before we entered tier two.”

Claire says she knows the winter months remain full of uncertainty for the hospitality sector, but the upturn in bookings has given her team hope for the future.

“I know we cannot guarantee this increase in trade, and with the uncertainty of how long we will remain in tier two, or even if we have to move into tier three, I think it will likely be next year before bookings in our bed and breakfast begin to happen again,” she added.

"But with the support of local people, and also with the additional financial support announced by the Government on Thursday, the future of Stephensons and jobs of my staff now so much more secure.

“I hope the other ‘independents’ in Chesterfield have also benefited from this response too.”

In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a subscription or buying a paper. We stand together. Nancy Fielder, editor.