Wigan cafe 'overwhelmed' by support but help still needed

However, the boss at the Wigan Lane eatery says people need to support local businesses even more if they are going to succeed.

Will Catlin, who runs the Wigan Lane eatery with Stephen Blundell, described being “overwhelmed” by the public response to his frank assessment of his business’ position on Facebook.

He appealed for people to buy gift vouchers and said public support was vital to enable the cafe to survive.

The response was massive, with the post attracting more than 450 comments.

The phones were also ringing off the hook the day after as Wiganers placed their orders.

Will said he was speechless at the outpouring of generosity but said Caffe Rosso needs regular and consistent custom in order to succeed.

And he warned that his eatery was far from the only independent business which is in trouble.

Will said: “We have gone from being petrified of losing the business to overwhelmed by the support.

“I have no words. There were a few teary eyes on Wednesday morning. I don’t know what to say.

“What I do know is that we are not alone. I am very conscious of that. There are other small business around here that need help.

“We have had to borrow money to pay staff and that can’t continue. When you start a business you don’t plan to be shut.

“We need people to shop local and look at the small businesses on the high street that they have perhaps previously walked past.

“There are no shareholders for them to fall back on, they don’t have a pot of wealth.

“Whether it’s a dress exchange, a coffee shop, a newsagents, a nail parlour, they have all opened as somebody’s dream and they really need help.”

Will said the people beating a path to Caffe Rosso’s door after reading his Facebook message to order drinks and lunches will help the business’ immediate cashflow issues.

The business started four and a half years ago and now employs a 10-strong team of full-time and part-time staff.

Will said it was their jobs that were uppermost in his mind when he posted on Facebook and described what it is like for small business owners at the moment.

He said: “The anxiety is overwhelming for so many people. I thought I was strong and thought I could cope with anything in business, but this has taken its toll.

“It’s not just me, it’s about the 10 other families I am responsible for. When you are in that position you know you have to do something.”

For hospitality businesses the move into Tier 3 has brought little cheer as it means Caffe Rosso is still only offering takeaway services.

Will says the sector is having to diversify, with bars and eateries offering Christmas trees and gifts.

He slammed the Government over the way it has handled this stage of the coronavirus pandemic and questioned why the regulations are set up as they are.

He said: “If we don’t open our doors as normal then it is impossible to take enough. We need the Government to take action to secure the future, or there will be no future. It just seems so unfair. I know the hospitality industry is taking protecting themselves and their customers very seriously.”

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