Pictured: Martin Macleod of ILM.
Following government guidelines ILM Highland are opening their retail doors today, Monday the 29th of June.
ILM Highland is a Charity and Social Enterprise based in Alness that delivers valuable services to benefit the community, economy and environment throughout the Highlands.
With many arms to the business ILM are delighted to be able to start getting back to the ‘new normal’ as they prepare to welcome customers and staff back to their retail premises.
The retail shop which is home to new and refurbished items such as washing machines, fridges, hoovers and many other electrical items has been a lifeline to the business and as the team have been waiting patiently for the new guidance to be announced they are excited to be able to welcome customers back into the shop.
ILM is a social enterprise, meaning that every penny of profit is reinvested back into the local community.
With this in mind, they are delighted to be able to start generating an income again through their retail offering.
The business strives to help keep vulnerable people at home to maintain their safety and wellbeing.
During the lockdown period where many businesses were closing, one part of ILM had never been so busy this was the Handyperson Service – the team were out in full force supporting the NHS by allowing people to stay at home and shield.
The profits made from the shop supports every aspect of the business, ILM are currently looking at even more ways to help people stay at home and give customers an affordable alternative through their refurbished goods offering.
The refurbished products offer people with a lower income the ability to buy the products that they need.
A recent survey showed that 1 in 3 people are estimated to lose their jobs in 2020 due to the pandemic and ILM are urging their local Highland community that if they are looking for an electrical item to think of ILM Highland.
ILM Highland are currently working on bringing their shop to the online world but in the meantime from the 29th of June the shop will be welcoming customers but with social distancing in place.
Measures implemented by the social enterprise are:
2 Meter rule throughout the organisation
Face masks wore by all staff
Face masks encouraged to be worn to customers
Full Covid 19 Training taken by all staff
Additional cleaning measures in place
Closure between 1-2pm to allow additional cleaning
4 Customers in the shop at one time with a one-way system in place.
Martin Macleod Chief Executive of ILM Highlands said:
“We are very excited to welcome customers back into the retail as by doing this we are funding the support we offer within the community.
“It has been a very tough few months for all businesses and individuals, we are aware budgets and daily life have changed so we are listening to what our customer needs and adapting our day to day business to ensure we can support as people prepare for the new normal.”
