A SHOP owner has said business has been “hit hard” following the floods and Coronavirus pandemic.

Jim Partridge, owner of JBP Heating Electrical in St John’s, opened his shop with Tim Shearer in December last year.

Mr Partridge, from Worcester, said: “In January we were hit hard by the floods. People couldn’t get to us and the traffic was horrendous.

"When we properly reopened, we were hit again by the pandemic. I have put all my savings into this business. I have put my blood, sweat and tears into this. I don’t want to be in a position where I have put everything into the business and then have to close.

“It’s hard trying to keep it alive. We’re in fight or flight mode now – it will either work or it won’t. It’s going to be difficult. Especially now as people’s habits have changed and more people are shopping online.”

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The shop was forced to close due to the pandemic and all four members of staff were furloughed. The shop reopened on June 6 and Mr Partridge said business has been “picking up” since.

He added: “It’s early days but we can hope. I am feeling more optimistic now because we have been through two almost major catastrophes while starting a new section of the business and we have got through it.”

Mr Partridge has owned an installation business since 2014, but towards the end of last year saw a gap in the market to sell fire stoves.

He said: “I wanted to give something back to the community and saw there was an opportunity to open a fire and stove shop in Worcester.

“In St John’s we haven’t got an electrical wholesaler feeding this side of the river.

“The shop is tucked up out the way so not many people know where we are.

“Customers are not just a number to us, we understand everyone has their own story. We want people to leave here knowing they have value for money and good products.”

The shop is offering NHS workers and key workers products at trade prices, while residents of St John’s will be given a 15 per cent discount. Customers are asked to bring ID to the shop in Park Boulevard, Worcester.