Tide members solidarity initiatives
In recent weeks, it has become clear that the coronavirus pandemic is a global crisis affecting many of our members. In these challenging times, we want to do everything we can to support you.
We’ve seen some generous offers, helpful services, and smart initiatives appearing on our members’ websites and social media. This post aims to highlight these examples of #smallbusinesssolidarity.
Do you have a service, offer or initiative you’d like us to share here? We’ll be adding new ones regularly.
Submit your details and we’ll be in touch if we can feature you.
Information correct when published. Please check the offer is still valid when you enquire.
The initiatives
Business support
- Free e-commerce platform set up by Badger Commerce
- Free SEO resources by Optimisey
- Free creative advice by Department Two
- Free networking app by The Networking Retreat
- Free business coaching sessions by Ruth Thomson
- Tax advice group for beauty businesses by Ria-Jaine Accounts
- Free video advice by NewFlight
- Free brand consultation by Sidekick Studios
- Digital Business Hub by Rocket Science Digital
Health and wellbeing
- Free online fitness classes by Shameem.fit
- Free phone consultations with counsellor by Carlie Pottington Counselling
- Free physio consults to NHS, Key Workers & Elderly by R&D Physio
- Mental health and wellbeing support by Whole Health Rehab
- Free meditation recordings by Andrew Johnson
Life in lockdown
- Advice for new families by Tiny Toes Bumps and Babies
- Free teaching resources by Educompendium
- Free home learning programme for children by Devie
- Free candle masterclass by London Refinery
- Contactless delivery by Babul’s
Free e-commerce platform set up – by Badger Commerce
Badger Commerce is an enterprise-ready eCommerce platform. David O’Sullivan, co-founder of Badger Commerce, says:
“We didn’t want to sit around while many of our favourite restaurants and cafes struggled, so we’re introducing new features to help these businesses continue to trade by accepting takeaway orders online through our e-commerce platform.We are working as fast as we can to get this live, and we should be trialling it in the next few days.
“As this is an unprecedented situation, we have decided to temporarily offer this service for FREE for the duration of the Government restrictions to help as many businesses as we can. Anyone can sign up and once approved, all you’ll pay are the credit card transaction fees. No monthly fees and no hosting charges.”
Free SEO resources – Optimisey
Optimisey is an SEO consultancy based in Cambridge. Andrew Cock-Starkey, Founder says:
“I’ve curated and collated advice from 21 industry-leading experts on SEO to help businesses taking their first steps into the digital world or guiding those that need some more help. Whether you need help on: SEO strategy & planning, content research, and production, local SEO, technical SEO, there are more than 10 hours of videos; downloadable resources and lots more, all free to access.”
Read more and download resources
Free creative advice – Department Two
Department Two is a creative agency specialised in brand development, art direction, creative strategy and consulting, photography, film, design and more. Fern Merrills, Director at Department Two says:
“We’re a small creative agency. In response to the crisis, we opened up our DMs and inboxes to other small businesses who would benefit from some quick, free creative advice on where to start with a website, social media, setting up an online shop, or who just want to bounce some ideas around.
“We’ve also been sharing useful information on our journal and via our newsletter, alongside other content we hope will be of interest to those in our industry and beyond.
As a micro business with two director-employees, we’re hugely affected by the crisis and uncertain about what the future holds. That’s why we’re doing this – because we know how others in our situation must be feeling. All we can do is help each other.”
Free networking app – The Networking Retreat
Stefan Thomas is the author of Business Networking for Dummies. He’s a public speaker and trainer on the subject of networking.
“I’ve moved all my activity to an app – The Networking Retreat – to help my audiences navigate this strange new world.
“For example, the app covers communicating via Zoom, WhatsApp, and even the good old telephone. At the moment, the app is free of charge and we hold regular Zoom meets with members for support. We are inspirational business leaders giving their time and expertise for free.
I hope the app can be valuable to more micro businesses during this crisis. ”
Download the app, available for iOS, below.
Free business coaching sessions – Ruth Thomson
Ruth is a trainer, consultant and career coach. She’s a self-confessed learning and development geek, passionate about helping people thrive in the rapidly-changing digital world. Ruth says,
“I’m offering business coaching sessions for free and a discounted rate, and running free webinars on innovation, goals, LinkedIn and more. I’m inviting Tide members and anyone interested in using the lockdown time to invest in themselves to sign up for my free 6 day career vision course. Every day for 6 days, you’ll watch a 5 minute video and complete an exercise. With only an hour’s investment each day, you’ll build your own unique, inspiring career vision.”
Try the free 6 day career vision course:
Tax advice group for beauty businesses – Ria-Jaine Accounts
Ria-Jaine Accounts are offering help to small businesses in the beauty industry. Founder Ria-Jaine says:
“We’re running a Facebook group about tax for the beauty industry, working around the clock to support others. We hold video calls and answer queries. On the group’s page, we post timely updates on Government announcements and how this can help the beauty industry.
I recently took part in two COVID-19 webinars. Guidance and answers on the financial challenges the barber industry is facing and Live Q&A with salon-specialist accountant Ria-Jaine Lincoln.”
Find out more at Ria-Jaine’s website and on her Instagram.
Join the Facebook group:
Free video advice – NewFlight
NewFlight is a film and digital production company based in Ealing, London. Founder Tim Knight says:
“We’re offering free advice on filming techniques for small businesses to make content at home.
“As a small business owner, you have tons of personality that needs to be seen! Creating social media content or explaining your business through video is the best way to show who you are. And now that it’s difficult to meet, video content is more important than ever.
“We’re offering small businesses like yours advice on filming from home to help communicate your message. Set up a free 15-minute video call to have a chat about setting up the perfect lighting, using your camera and microphone and how to present your message clearly.”
Free brand consultation – Sidekick Studios
Sidekick Studios is a creative agency focused on supporting SMEs. Founder Rupert Mason says
“We believe that remarkable ideas don’t require remarkable budgets.
“How you appear to others is crucial to success and is something that can become quite costly to early stage startups if they don’t get it right.
“We’re offering an extra perspective, in the form of a free brand consultation to any startup that’s either starting out and looking to establish their identity or companies thinking about doing a refresh.
“We’ll try our best to give you a creative steer and help you understand the all-important ‘why’ to your business. From this, we can help you refine your brand proposition and how it can be reflected in your design and messaging.
“So if you could use our help, get in touch and we can arrange a chat, completely free of charge.”
Digital Business Hub – by Rocket Science Digital
Rocket Science Digital is a digital marketing and social media agency. Founder and Managing Director Jon Simmonds says:
“We’re one of those businesses which is fortunate enough to be able to continue working during the crisis. As a digital marketing and social media agency, we aim to help clients carry on as best they can by doing more business online or, in some cases, moving traditional businesses to an online space.
“We’re setting up a Digital Business Hub which will provide content, resources and advice to help businesses either work better online or take their business online.””
Free online fitness classes – by Shameem.fit
Shameem.fit offers fun & friendly exercise sessions suitable for all fitness levels and ages. Founder, Shameem Arnold says:
“We’re experiencing a drastic temporary change to our lifestyles due to the Covid-19 outbreak and as such home workouts are more important than ever.
“I’ve switched my fitness classes to online and I’m offering them free. You can join the sessions every evening Monday to Friday at 6.30pm.”
Free phone consultations with counsellor – Carlie Pottington Counselling
Carlie Pottington is an experienced and qualified counsellor and registered member of the BACP. Carlie says:
“I’m a qualified counsellor and offering a free 30 minute phone consultation for anyone needing some support during this challenging time. If you are feeling lonely from self isolation, anxious, overwhelmed or just need to speak to a friendly person I am here. To book a session, visit my website and complete the contact form. Please mention that you’re enquiring for a free 30 min telephone consultation and you heard about this from Tide. I’ll then contact you to arrange a time and date for the call.”
Free physio consults to NHS, Key Workers & Elderly – R&D Physio
R&D Physio are physios (now online!) who help people get expert diagnosis, treatment and advice in the comfort of your own home. Rushabh Savla, the founder says:
“With the rapid Work From Home (WFH) transition that’s happened as a result of Covid-19, many employees have found themselves working longer hours, sitting through hours of virtual meetings. As people are moving less, this can result in aches & pains, stress and anxiety. As so many people are currently working from home, it’s vital employers safeguard the physical and mental health of their employees for a healthier, happier and positive workforce. We work with companies to help them keep their teams moving and active to help them during these tough times.
R&D Physio are currently offering FREE consults to NHS, Key Workers & anyone with elderly parents. We need to look after each other now more than ever, so this is our small way of giving back to the community.”
You can get in touch with R&D Physio by email at info@r-d-physio.co.uk or call them on 02037595057.
Mental health and wellbeing support – Whole Health Rehab
Whole Health Rehab is a physiotherapy, nutrition and mental wellness practice that uses a holistic approach to rehabilitation. Founder Sam Chadwick says:
“My background is massage and holistic therapies and I’ve always tried to incorporate these foundations into the care and treatment of my patients. When people think of physio, they focus on fixing the injury, but it goes much further than this. Nutrition is key to recovery. Without the proper nutrients, the body takes longer to heal, not only physically but also mentally. The aim of my business is to address recovery with a holistic approach.
During the current situation, mental health and wellbeing is even more relevant and I can support people despite the limitations on face-to-face appointments. I’ve created a platform to share information: links to charities, professional support, exercise programs, activities for the kids and mindfulness techniques. As well as some light humoured silly stuff. Some of the content is also available in sign language.”
Find out more at Whole Health Rehab Facebook page.
Free meditation recordings – Andrew Johnson
Andrew is a therapist and meditation coach with over 25 years experience. He’s helping people relax, change and create. Andrew says:
“I’ve made eight of my best-selling meditation recordings free to stream on my website. There are three for adults: Deep sleep, Stress-free, Inner Health and Positivity.
There are also four short relaxations for children. I believe people need these now more than ever.”
Visit Andrew’s website to download the recordings.
Advice for new families – Tiny Toes Bumps and Babies
Tiny Toes Bumps and Babies supports women and their families through pregnancy and baby’s first year. Alison Fraser, Company Director says:
“My business has moved entirely online during the Covid-19 crisis. All of my classes, groups and supporting materials have been priced at cost to ensure they are affordable.
“I’m offering a baby massage group with 6 months access for £20, a baby massage pack for £6, aromatherapy consultations and antenatal consultations – all online and delivered by a fully qualified and registered midwife.
“The aim of my business is to support, empower and encourage families in bonding and positive relationships while reducing social isolation.”
Free teaching resources – Educompendium
Educompendium is an educational consultancy based in North Somerset that works in partnership with schools, academies, governing bodies, parents and learners of all ages to provide a range of bespoke support packages.
The company has produced free downloadable resources to help schools and families cope with the outbreak of Coronavirus and its impact on education. Caroline Enstock, Founder of Educompendium says:
“I’m offering free teaching materials for parents of children aged 5-7 for English, Maths and Science to help them manage home education during the school closures. The workbooks are available to download. You can access them now from the main menu. More resources will be added each week.”
Free home learning programme for children – Devie
Devie is a personal coach for parents. Founder, Puja Balachander says:
“Our product, Devie (deviecoach.com) is a digital coach who supports parents in their children’s early years. To do our part during this difficult time, we’re releasing a special home learning programme of daily research-based activities for parents to take care of their own wellbeing, and keep their little ones safe, occupied, and learning at home.”
Download the free mobile app:
Free candle masterclass by London Refinery
Lucy Heale is the founder of natural scent company, The London Refinery. Lucy says:
“At the London Refinery, we craft natural candles by blending pure essential oils and eco soy wax in our studio in London. We host a range of candle-making workshops for guests to create their own.
“We’re offering a free 10-minute film for people to have a go at candle-making while in isolation, using blends to give you a pick-me-up or to help you relax at home.”
Contactless deliveries – Babul’s
Babul’s is a family-run Indian restaurant in Barnard Castle, County Durham. Shuhel Ahmed Khondokar, Commercial Director says:
“Babul’s wants to ensure that every elderly person affected by Covid-19 is cared for in our community. We are offering free meals to all people over the age of 65 in Barnard Castle and all the villages surrounding the town.
“We are also offering food and drink contactless delivery, as well as packs for bulk freezing that can be kept in the freezer for months. Additionally we have been giving out over £10,000 worth of food vouchers to local primary schools so they can pass it on to families”
Place your order on 01833 630575
Take part
Do you have a service, offer or initiative you’d like us to share here? We’ll be adding new ones regularly.
Submit your details and we’ll be in touch if we can feature you.
