The coronavirus pandemic has changed life as we knew it and harder times may be ahead but a growing number of businesses are adapting and doing well. The arrival of our invisible enemy, COVID-19, has been a system shock to us all, personally and professionally. We are having to make mega adjustments to the way we work and live, and there have been numerous stories of the hardship many business sectors are facing. As we enter the high-risk winter months, and yet more new regulations, lets try to balance the downside with a few of the success stories that have emerged from this pandemic. In our digital age, we all know big names such as Netflix and Amazon are doing well but how many of us now use Zoom as a simple and common communications tool, when it was virtually unheard of in early March? This and similar technologies have helped us stay in touch, place shopping orders, and discover new interests and opportunities. Some amazingly resilient small businesses have also adapted to the new challenges. There are the farm shops and convenience stores that have enjoyed increased custom, saving much fruit and veg destined for the catering trade from destruction during lockdown, not to mention giving people the opportunity to taste local jams, chutneys, cakes, breads and cheeses. The pandemic has prompted greater collaboration between regional food and drinks groups in England, promoting the theme local is for life, not just for lockdown One farm shop expanded its pick-your-own service and introduced a small farmers market once lockdown was lifted, which is now firmly established in the monthly community calendar. Through a Make It Worcestershire campaign, led by the Local Enterprise Partnership, continuing support is being oered to farm shops in the county. Other small businesses in the region quickly spun their trading from restaurant to takeaway, there has been an increase in home-based food businesses, a local farm set up a new dairy and established a milk round, and a gin distillery turned its hand to making sanitiser. A fine-dining restaurant packed up its tables and chairs and turned itself into a specialist Italian shop, with takeaway meals based on the regular menu and a new range of sauces that it now plans to market on a wider scale. After the hospitality sector re-opened in the summer, some independent dining outlets reported record sales, even after the Chancellors Eat Out to Help Out scheme ended. Bed and breakfasts and hotels also quickly adapted to welcome back guests during the UKs staycation summer. The pandemic has prompted greater collaboration between regional food and drinks groups in England, with a new initiative Food From England promoting the theme local is for life, not just for lockdown. Food From England will be a banner under which the voice of smaller food and drink businesses can be heard. Well-planned, COVID-safe outdoor events from food fairs and truckfests to musical concerts and circuses have taken place in many areas, providing light relief for us all. And lets not forget the gym trainers delivering online classes, plus local musicians keeping us entertained through YouTube and other media. A launderette even turned its business into a by-appointment drop-o service, and the new business opportunity of face masks is burgeoning online, with bright and cheerful patterns that lift our spirits, as well as ones featuring business logos. Credit: Helen Cameron, Chartered Environmental Health Practitioner Image: iStock / ArtMarie Life definitely isnt the same and there may be harder times ahead but its not all doom and gloom. A growing number of people out there have adapted and are doing well. And dont forget that your local council and its ocers are working hard to support all businesses, oering advice and information on a range of topics, from financial support to COVID-19 safety. For further information, please contact your local Trading Standards Service