Paul Scully, the Minister for Small Business was in Watford with Dean Russell to see how messaging service WhatsApp are helping local businesses creatively use their app.
The visit marked the launch of the UK’s first “WhatsApp High Street” on Market Street.
WhatsApp is delivering a bespoke training programme on the WhatsApp Business App for local small businesses, to help them navigate the ongoing challenges posed by the pandemic, including social distancing and customer retention.
The initiative will offer WhatsApp Business training and support to small businesses in Watford, starting with a pilot group of 12 companies on Market Street. These businesses will be set up on the free-to-use WhatsApp Business app, including how to create an official business profile, how to create a catalogue of their products and services, how to leverage tools to help them more efficiently communicate with their customers and how to use features to get discovered and find new customers. Participants include Wacky Barber, Tarboush Lebanese and Underground Tattoo – a fantastic array of the small businesses Watford has to offer who are adapting their businesses to continue to serve their customers and keep the local economy going. The scheme will then be opened up to other small businesses in Watford.
Watford’s MP said: “It’s great to see small businesses in Watford using WhatsApp Business. This partnership is a great way of supporting small businesses and our High Streets and local economies. Market Street is home to a wonderful variety of local businesses, and it is fantastic that they have a new tool to help them engage with their customers and grow their business.”
