Let’s Celebrate Local!

By Deb Williams, director of John Williams Heating Services Ltd, an established heating and plumbing company based in Chippenham and working all across Wiltshire and Bath.

How are you feeling about your business?  

Really positive, we are very lucky as our customers postponed work at the start of lock down, so we are really busy catching up. 

How are you feeling about business in general? 

I think businesses are facing a lot of challenges, keeping staff safe, customers safe, and trying to make money to keep jobs secure, we are all in challenging times.

Tell us how you now apply this phrase to your business and/or life ‘buy local supply local’. 

I think Covid 19, has taught us that we can all do with a lot less of everything, and what we do need we are better off buying locally and supporting local businesses.

What has changed for you positively as a result of lockdown? 

I have learnt to make sourdough bread! My garden is beautiful, and full of things grown from seed. And I have done more yoga, despite having worked all the way through!

What makes a good local business?

Being honest, trustworthy and reliable and real.

Can you name a local business which you support around food & drink? 

During lock down we have used two local delivery companies, Wiltshire Fruit and Veg and 5 a day Box, both provide locally grown fruit, veg and produce, and excellent customer service.

https://www.wiltshirefruitandveg.co.uk

https://www.5adaybox.co.uk

Can you name a business which you support around clothing or accessories? 

Paprika in Chippenham, excellent products, customer service, and you can order online.

https://www.paprikagifts.co.uk

Can you name a local business which you support around health, wellbeing or fitness? 

I'm not a member but Atlas Gym in Chippenham, have provided lots of online free content which has been brilliant for fitness, and Active Potential Therapy have been doing lots of excellent online content too.

https://atlasgyms.com

https://www.activepotentialtherapy.com

Can you shout out to any local customers you'd like to celebrate? 

Our lovely customers who have been so kind and understanding.

One lovely customer who offered to pay for his work before it was done to help with cash flow.  

Can you shout out to any local suppliers you wish to celebrate? 

Plumb Centre Devizes- brilliant service

Plumb Base Chippenham- great service and they sent us pizza when we first reopened!

https://www.plumbase.co.uk

Can you name someone who has really helped you during this time? 

There are two people:

Our office manager and daughter, Georgi, whose support and  attention to detail is incredible her drive and commitment to the business is unparalleled, and her energy knows no bounds.

Also to our book keeper Debbie Nightingale, whose support and unrelenting commitment to the business is invaluable, who always knows the right thing to say and do.

Can you name on person in your life who has really helped you during this time? 

My husband and business partner John, who has been an absolute tower of strength, and very level headed. 

What are your business plans for Q4? 

To stay positive, busy and keep safe. 

Any special offers you’d like to mention? 

We are currently offering a 10% discount on servicing for all key workers.

For more information visit www.jwheating.co.uk