Local businesses keen to highlight to their customers they are meeting Covid-19 safety regulations can now register for a site which is due to go live next month.

Wearecovidsecure.co.uk is a free-to-use service highlighting local businesses across the UK which have met Covid-19 secure status and has been developed by a firm in Kent.

It aims to allow small operators the opportunity to sign up, confirming they have put all relevant safety procedures in place as lockdown restrictions are eased.

Firms can register for the site now and when it launches it will offer a searchable database of operations which have taken the necessary steps to protect staff and customers.

The website came about after a number of conversations between Jason Hancock of design agency Hancock & Rowe, based in Ash, near West Kingsdown, and Jon Rowe from nearby double-glazing firm Window Medic.

Mr Rowe, who has a background in health and safety, had written a Covid-19 policy for the firm but recognised not everyone will have the confidence, or a resource, in health and safety policy.

It led to Mr Hancock setting up a free service providing a statement for businesses to sign, agree and share with their customer base to act as a valuable asset during an era of social distancing.

He explains: "The conversation came at the right moment as we were already thinking of ways we could use our skill set and free time to support the people around us during the pandemic - many of whom were small business owners and tradespeople.

“I am sure many people like myself have been noticing bits that need sorting around the house that need specialist help by professionals. Before Covid-19, hiring these services would have been an easy task. However, now more than ever, we want to make sure that safety is a priority by those services we are looking to hire.

“Hopefully, this website will help safety-conscious businesses who are taking the extra precautions, show their commitment to making workplaces a safer environment for both staff and customers.”

The website was designed and developed by Hancock & Rowe and digital agency Heavy Penguin within two weeks.

Wearecovidsecure.co.uk is now accepting business registrations with a postcode search functionality for customers to find their local safety-conscious businesses in early July.

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