Small businesses are facing enormous challenges whilst playing an important part in the fight against coronavirus. Many have had to close their doors in recent weeks and are struggling with cashflow. The Mayor of London Sadiq Khan has launched the Pay It Forward London initiative with Crowdfunder, through which businesses can offer customers the option to buy goods & services in advance based on a promise to deliver in the future, helping to secure trade through this difficult time. This means people can book and look forward to future activities, from curry in Harrow, to pints in Peckham and haircuts in Shoreditch, while supporting their favourite small businesses to stay afloat.
Pay It Forward London is part of a wider package of help the Mayor is offering to small businesses, including the London Growth Hub which is delivering tailored one-to-one advisory sessions with small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) during the outbreak.
Over 700 businesses across the country have collectively raised over £1.5 million with the help of over 32,000 supporters who have paid it forward. The platform is open to businesses based in London who have been impacted by the Covid-19 restrictions. Members of the public can also ‘nominate’ their local businesses and encourage them to sign up.
Restaurant serving Indian Bengali food joins the platform
Pritha Mukherjee, the chef and founder of Posto, an Indian Bengali restaurant in Rayners Lane has joined the platform to raise funds so that her business could withstand the blow of the slowing economy and the effects of the extended closure due to Covid-19. As we went to press, they managed to raise around £7000 through 60 supporters, with a target to collect at least £25,000 in a month’s time.
Posto, which is currently the only remaining Indian Bengali restaurant in London, serving Kolkata food, has previously enjoyed welcoming guests from all corners of the UK as well as world, including Paris, Germany, Italy, South Africa, US and Dubai. London Eater chose Posto to be one of the Top 15 London Restaurants earlier this year.
Speaking to Asian Voice, Pritha said, “We look forward to reopening once the restrictions are lifted. We want to be the place where you will come for a conversation over curry, to meet friends after the lockdown drink piping hot tea with crunchy veg chops. We now more than ever, need your support to tide over the crisis. Once we reopen, given the current scenario and required safety procedures, we will be facing reduced revenue like all restaurants while costs will increase.
“I urge customers to buy Posto Vouchers now to enjoy Posto food once we are back open. There are 7 types of Vouchers that you can choose from, like having a small family meal or weekly home-food or even your first home party with friends to celebrate. We have created bespoke deals keeping all of you in mind. We know many of you are waiting eagerly for ‘Bonding over Posto food’ with friends and family once the lockdown ends. So Please contribute and pre-pay for the same.
“This Pay-it-forward scheme is back by the Mayor of London. These vouchers will be valid for 6 months – 1 year. As a lot of you live far, no hurry you will get plenty time to redeem these.
“These funds will help us pay bills, support our suppliers and staff and mitigate the revenue gap. A part of the funds will also be used to work with local community-based organisations to support them recover from Covid-19 crisis. During lockdown we have volunteered to cook meals for NHS Staff and key workers. We have also volunteered and raised £1000 plus by donating our skills for Amphan Bengal cyclone relief. We want to continue working with the community especially elderly, vulnerable people and young students.
“Please contribute and share with friends across the globe, as this is an international platform, so that we can welcome you back soon. I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for all your support. We shall win it all together!”
To buy a voucher or support Posto, see: https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/posto-indian-bistro
