N16 Local Shop Emergency Cash Flow Fund

An emergency appeal has been set up to support small businesses forced to close due to a building collapse on Stoke Newington High St. Although businesses are likely to receive some insurance in time, cash flow for some is more precarious and 10-days enforced closure leaves them “fighting for survival.”

We are calling on our neighbours, local shops and businesses and local residents to make a contribution to this fund so that we can get cash into the hands of those whose livelihoods came crashing down without warning.

Several shops have been told they’ll be closed until at least February 18th while engineers assess the building and ensure it’s safe. A huge structure has been erected in the road in front of the damaged building and footpaths on either side are blocked off.

Among the businesses forced to close are Paramount Fruitier, Loading Bar, A & B Glass, Knit with Attitude, Treasure Discount Store, The Cookery Butchers, Sutton & Sons Fishmongers, Eye Wear Optician, Shaw Trust Charity Shop and Odontica Dental Clinic. We are compiling a list of independent businesses which will be affected by the unplanned closures and will add these to the list of people this fund will help with immediate cash flow.

Heidi Early, Chair of Stoke Newington Business Association, said: “This partial building collapse has been devastating for businesses forced to close and for residents who have been evacuated from their homes. Our heart goes out to them.

“Just as traders were getting back on their feet post-pandemic, another period of enforced closure is a bitter blow and leaves some on a knife-edge fighting for survival.

“We know there will be some insurance pay-out but it’s unlikely to account for the true extent of the loss and some businesses will need immediate cash-flow support to stay afloat. Independent businesses are a massive part of what makes Stoke Newington so special and we’re urging the public to step up and give what they can to help.”

Please donate what you can and share this fundraiser with your contacts too. Stokey is such a special place and that is largely down to its independent local traders and its wonderful community.