LeedsBID goes on lockdown for four weeks due to coronavirus outbreak

LeedsBID has closed its office and suspended all projects for the next four weeks following the coronavirus outbreak.
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The business improvement district, which represents 986 businesses and organisations in Leeds city centre, delivers a number of services and events such as Welcome Ambassadors and Street Rangers who are out and about meeting the public as well as keeping the city centre clean and tidy.

The BID said it has taken the decision to help people stay safe and try and stop the spread of coronavirus.

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It says it will review the situation at the end of April in line with official advice.

The Welcome Ambassadors who are on hand to help visitors to Leeds are in coronavirus lockdown.The Welcome Ambassadors who are on hand to help visitors to Leeds are in coronavirus lockdown.
The Welcome Ambassadors who are on hand to help visitors to Leeds are in coronavirus lockdown.

One of the biggest events that LeedsBID stages, since it began back in 2015, is the Leeds International Festival that takes place throughout May. That has been postponed until further notice.

With the needs of businesses very different in the current climate, the organisation says it is still available for business advice and as well as highlighting, via its social media channels, what is available in the city centre to serve those still working and key workers, there are plans for online courses and talks on business strategies.

A spokesperson said: "In the current climate, thankfully people are following public health advice and staying at home which is making Leeds city centre very quiet. But there are important key workers still making the city function, working in food stores and pharmacies, restaurants providing takeaway and home deliveries, police and emergency services staff and NHS workers in our hospitals on the frontline of the COVID-19 crisis as they support everyone.

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"We want to help those living in the city and key workers by sharing vital information where we can, so that people can help others manage in these difficult times and keep us all moving forward. We’ll be regularly highlighting stories of where you can get food, medicines, or amazing takeaway food from, in addition to sharing the heart-warming stories which show how the very best in people comes out in times of extraordinary pressure."

Leeds International Festival has been put on hold.Leeds International Festival has been put on hold.
Leeds International Festival has been put on hold.

Meanwhile Google trainer and Leeds Boost founder Simon McCaskill is hosting a series of digital masterclasses, free to take part in from your own home. They are designed to deliver the most current, relevant and impactful, digital training that drives growth and innovation.

The first one is on April 1.

See www.leedsbid.co.uk for more details and how to register.

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