The Living Café in Earl Street, Maidstone, has managed to weather the covid storm in the face of serious trading adversity in the hospitality industry. Maidstone’s MP Helen Grant went to meet the owner Patrick Letham to learn about his pandemic experience.
Helen said ‘having listened to business owners throughout the crisis it is abundantly clear that the ability to adapt and use every tool on offer was essential for many SMEs to survive. Patrick and his team did just that and won through with determination, resilience and tenacity. The Living Café is fab –check it out – just opposite the Hazlitt Theatre’.
Patrick Letham said ‘The chance to at least have put our points to Helen means that, as a small business, we do not feel left out, and she is able to flag up concerns to her relevant senior colleagues in the government’.
‘The key points I would share with other businesses is to not be afraid to contact the Borough Council, County Council and MP to find out what help is available. I would also try and get the Business Improvement District (BID) people to work with you.’