Online business map to kickstart local economy

Westminster City Council launches an interactive online map, allowing local businesses to connect with their communities, whilst encouraging residents to spend locally. 

As part of the council’s ‘Shop Local’ campaign to support and maintain Westminster’s countless local businesses, the map highlights the various retail, fashion, healthcare stores, and markets who are still operating in the city and raring to go. Whether they are physically open and following safety guidelines or offering online delivery services. 

Residents are able to use the map to find out which businesses are open in their local area, their opening hours, current offers and discounts, as well as details on how they are safely operating as lockdown measures continue.

Cllr Matthew Green, Cabinet Member for Business & Planning:

“Westminster is a city that is truly at the heart of London’s economy and we want to support and encourage a resident-led kickstart of that local economy as we push through the Covid-19 pandemic” 

“That’s why we’re populating this map with as many local businesses as possible so that the people of Westminster can safely turn to local shops for whatever services they may need.” 

The campaign comes as part of the local authority’s range of initiatives to support Westminster’s usually-bustling local economy during the Covid-19 pandemic, and to start encouraging a swift and resident-led recovery as lockdown measures are gradually eased.

Over 200 businesses have already signed up, and in order to populate the map Westminster are putting out a call to local businesses that are essential shops, services, or restaurants offering takeaway options and delivery services. The Council are keen to hear from those that are currently open, operating and delivering from local high streets and neighbourhoods. 

Whilst ensuring the safety of the Westminster community, every business taking part will need to set out the measures that they are taking to ensure compliance with all social distancing rules. Those who get in touch will be able to add their details and locations to be promoted to local residents.