As coronavirus continues to threaten the UK’s small businesses, WhatsApp and Watford Borough Council today announce their partnership initiative in support of the small business community: the UK’s first WhatsApp High Street.
The initiative will support small businesses in Watford to help them promote their businesses on the WhatsApp Business app, and help them to connect easily with their customers at this difficult time.
The initiative will provide the businesses with free-to-use digital tools from WhatsApp to help them manage the many challenges and customer questions presented by the pandemic, such as lockdowns, curfews and social distancing measures, which are threatening the livelihoods of our high streets.
Watford Borough Council has worked with WhatsApp to get this first of its kind pilot off the ground.
As part of the programme, experts from WhatsApp are providing training for an initial group of 12 local businesses on Market Street – a popular and diverse shopping road in the town centre – training them on how to use WhatsApp to support their business.
Training will remain open for any small businesses in Watford interested in the scheme.
WhatsApp Business acts as a shopfront for a company’s products and services, and helps businesses communicate with their customers during the challenges presented by COVID-19, such as managing social distancing in small premises, new opening hours, stock issues, table reservations or reduced menus.
Elected Mayor Peter Taylor from Watford Borough Council said: “I’m delighted a global brand like WhatsApp has chosen to work with us on this initiative, which is the first of its kind in the UK. Local businesses are vital to our economy, bringing jobs and so much character to our town. We are committed to working with them to ensure Watford’s economy succeeds as we open up after a difficult period of lockdown. Digital skills and new technology are at the heart of our plans for the borough, which is why we are helping local businesses to adapt to the new circumstances we find ourselves in.”
For a full list of participating businesses and more information on WhatsApp’s partnership with Watford Borough Council please visit watfordbusiness.com/whats-app.
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