By Buckinghamshire Council

Following the next stage in the national reopening programme, we’re now able to enjoy outdoor food and drink from pubs and cafes and are able to browse and buy in person as non-essential retail businesses once again open their doors to us.

Hairdressers, barbers and beauty salons are open for us to book ourselves some extra pampering, and gyms, leisure centres and libraries are now open and ready to greet us as we walk back through their doors. Local visitor attractions are also open once more, just in time for a spot of warmer weather.

'Think Big, Shop Small'

For the people who run local businesses, the next few weeks and months could literally mean the difference between make or break. That’s why we’re encouraging everyone to ‘Think Big, Shop Small’ with these businesses now open. By thinking big about helping our local economy to bounce back and by shopping small with local small and independent businesses, you could be helping to save a local job, or create a future job, for someone who could be your neighbour

You can find information about local shops town-by-town on our Shop Local page on our website.

Meet the businesses reopening

To celebrate the people welcoming you back, we’re inviting local businesses to tell us what they most looked forward to about opening their doors again. Follow their stories on our social media channels @BucksCouncil to find out more.

Following COVID guidance is still vital

While we are ready to enjoy new freedoms and get out and about more, it’s important that we all do our bit to make sure we are still remembering to follow COVID guidance. Wherever and whenever possible, regular handwashing, wearing face coverings, maintaining two metre social distancing and only meeting outdoors with people who we don’t live with are all essential measures to help stop the spread of the virus.

If you develop any symptoms of COVID-19 then you must still self-isolate along with your household and book a PCR test. We need to be cautious in our activities and continue to follow the guidance as Bucks begins to reopen, otherwise case numbers could rise in a way which would slow down the later steps of the roadmap.

Ian Thompson, Corporate Director at Buckinghamshire Council said: “It’s great news for all of us that we can now take this next step in the roadmap to recovery. We want to welcome people back to our high streets and make it a safe and positive experience for everyone.”

COVID-19 Business Support Hub

Visit the Buckinghamshire Business First COVID-19 Business Support Hub for the latest news, information and support for businesses.