Member Article

My Property Box urges businesses to support each other as it orders tapas treat for returning staff

My Property Box managing director Ben Quaintrell is calling on fellow Darlington businesses to support each other in these economically challenging times.

He was speaking after treating his staff to a lunchtime takeaway from the town’s Old Yard Tapas Bar to mark their return to its office after spending 13 weeks working from home.

Ben said the gesture was designed to both welcome his staff back and to offer practical support for another town centre business.

He said: “I would urge businesses to support one another wherever possible to ensure the commercial heart of the town emerges from this pandemic in the best possible shape.

“I would also ask the public to support local businesses whenever they can. Those businesses who have continued to trade or have recently reopened have ensured they have the necessary procedures in place to keep their customers safe and it is important we now all play a part in supporting them and restarting the economy.”

The popular Bondgate bar and eatery has been shut since March 20 when all pubs, restaurants and cafes were asked to close by the government to prevent the spread of coronavirus.

However, The Old Yard Tapas Bar – named Best Restaurant in the North in the 2019 England Business Awards – switched to providing a takeaway service and has just launched its lunchtime takeaway service, offering a 25 percent discount to local businesses and public services.

Ben added: “As a letting agent, we took the precaution of asking our staff to work from home shortly before lockdown was announced and, due to the preparations made, we have been able to maintain the same high standard of service for our landlords and tenants across the North East and North Yorkshire.

“Although we have strict safety measures in place, it’s great to see the team finally back together in our office. I wanted to do something to show my appreciation while at the same time offering some well-deserved and practical support to The Old Yard Tapas Bar.”

George Turnbull, owner The Old Yard Tapas Bar, said: “The hospitality industry has been particularly badly affected by this pandemic and we have worked extremely hard to innovate and adapt so we can continue to trade amidst continuing uncertainty as to how and when we might reopen.

“I look forward to the day that life returns to something resembling normality and we can reopen the restaurant, welcome back our customers and full team of staff.” Marie Wilmot, My Property Box’s head of lettings, said: “The tapas takeaway was a lovely surprise for all the team and certainly made a delicious change.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by News Gathering .