SALISBURY is proving that there is a silver-lining following the cloud that descended over the city after the nerve agent attack on a Russian spy and his daughter.

Businesses around the city have united in their support of each other and they are putting their weight behind the Journal campaign to spread the word that Salisbury is open for business – or in the words of the hashtag on Twitter #SalisburyisOpen.

Today’s printed version of the Salisbury Journal carries the details of the first businesses to sign up to the campaign after we offered to spread the word with a full-page advertisement.

We announced our campaign on this website on Tuesday and it was met with plenty of support.

And the variety of businesses who have signed up underlined the great diversity of the service and retail offering in the city.

Among the business to immediately respond were top jewellers Allum & Sidaway, the Cathedral School and chartered surveyors Christopher Green & Associates Ltd.

The city's Business Improvement District has been working around the clock to assist wherever they can. Plus they distributed "Salisbury Is Open" signs across the city to underline the fact that the lifeblood of the city would not be distracted. Following our launch BBC South Today also featured the campaign.

Individuals who gave us the thumbs up included Clare Cooper-Hammond, who wrote on Linked In: “You certainly have my support. I am sure a lot of coffees were sold to journos but we need to keep the rhythm of our usually thriving market city flowing. Shop Local.”

Louise Luton commented on Facebook saying “the independents need some trade. The Old Mill and Fisherton Mill are nowhere near the cordon and are fully open. Come on in!”

Aimee Hannah Blakemore reminded her Facebook followers about the free parking at Culver street car Park all day on Sundays and also after 3pm weekdays.

She added: “Shopping locally helps to support lots of people and their families rather than making huge profits for offshore corporates. I much prefer to support local than shop online and Salisbury has a lot to offer.

“The local support services are doing all they can in light of this extraordinary event and all should be praised for their resilience and community spirit.”

Our call out to any business who thought they could help also attracted a favourable response from local design agency Sprout, in Endless Street, Salisbury.

Creative Director, Carl Groth, has offered use of an attractive 'Salisbury is Open' brandmark (see here) designed by the agency and he's offered Sprout's creative services to those directly hit by the security cordon.

He said: "If any of the affected Maltings' businesses require advertising work for inclusion in the Journal, then we'd be more than happy to offer our services free of charge."

In its campaign the Journal is encouraging people to spread the word online by sharing our posts and pictures.

Bill Browne, Publisher, said: “We want to let as many people as possible know that Salisbury is still a great place to visit, shop and enjoy yourself. So go tell your family, friends and contacts about us and what a great variety of attractions we have here.

“For now it’s about telling people that the city is open for business, but in the future we will develop the campaign to one that underlines the commercial strength and the historic legacy that Salisbury has.

“We are delighted with the initial response and we urge businesses to continue to sign up and remind us what they do. And if there are any other companies who want to play a part do get in contact."

We'll be publishing another page next week. If you are a business and you want to sign up for our page click here:

Today’s Journal advert includes the following contributions:

For all your precious occasions, Allum & Sidaway Jewellers. Allum. & Sidaway www.allumandsidaway.co.uk

Fixing your wallets, purses, handbags, luggage, clothing, footwear, horse tack, riding gear, motorcycle gear, zips, straps, fastenings... Patching and stitching, Alterations & bespoke creations. LR Leather Repairs. www.facebook.com/lrleatherrepairs

Service and Repair of all your garden machinery. We are open 6 days a week. Salisbury Garden Machinery. www.salisburygardenmachinery.co.uk

Calligraphy Workshops and commissions- 2 spaces available this Thursday 1-3pm at Boston Tea Party, Font and Flourish, anne@fontandflourish.com

Here at Pertemps Salisbury we are still working hard to help our clients find excellent candidates for their vacancies and helping our candidates to secure a job of their choice. Pertemps, www.pertemps.co.uk

Sheri Pinkney offers an animal chiropractic service in and around Salisbury treating horses and dogs. Animals suffering from neck, back and pelvic problems can benefit from a treatment which aligns and balances the musculoskeletal system. M.cTimoney Animal Chiropractor. www.horseanddogtherapist.co.uk

Come and take the weight off your feet in our Independent furniture shop with a great range of English made sofas, chairs and beds and lovely home accessories. Pure Comfort Furniture. www.pure-comfort.co.uk

We are ready and willing to take care of all your Chiropody & Podiatry needs! We are fully open and readily peaceable-no problems here! Salisbury Foot Care. www.salisburyfootcare.org

We are a cake maker and cake decorating supplier. The Cake Forge. www.thecakeforge.com

Fab fresh food, gorgeous gifts and amazing artworks all under one roof in this wonderful Salisbury destination. Fisherton Mill - Gallery | Cafe | Studios. www.fishertonmill.co.uk

Buy your Vegan products at Salisbury's only 100% vegan shop, Or fill up on your groceries using our waste free refillable dispensers. Always ready and waiting to serve you! Goodfayre. www.goodfayre.co.uk

Learn about the Games Workshop model building and wargaming hobby with free introductory Painting and Gaming sessions. Games Workshop. http://bit.ly/2peIPgC

Here for you training and recruitment needs. Including free, and fully funded English, maths and ICT qualifications. Alert Training UK Ltd. www.alerttraining.co.uk

Salisbury Cathedral is without a doubt one of the finest Cathedrals in the United Kingdom. It has Britain’s tallest spire as well as the biggest cathedral close and largest cloisters. Built in just 38 years, it is unusual because it is almost entirely one unique architectural style, early English Gothic – it truly is a medieval masterpiece! Salisbury Cathedral. www.salisburycathedral.org.uk

Lots of lovely clothes and advice to help you carry your baby all with free parking and a warm welcome. Slingtastic. www.slingtastic.com

Get moving with Oliver Chandler Estate Agents. For a limited period we have 50% off our sales fee. Making your move memorable for all the right reasons. Oliver Chandler. www.oliverchandler.co.uk

Still out and about repairing and servicing the Coffee Machines of Salisbury so you can still visit and get your daily brew. Ta Moko Espresso. www.tamokoespresso.co.uk

Thanking our wonderful emergency services and Happy to supply unique colourful bespoke event furniture and accessories all over in the south. Purple Door Props. www.purpledoorprops.com

Continuing to flourish at Chafyn Grove! Chafyn Grove. www.chafyngrove.co.uk.

Ready to help Design some new furnishings or to Stage your home for sale. A Box of Tricks Ltd. www.aboxoftricks.com

Christopher Green & Associates Ltd - Chartered Surveyors: Providing residential surveys and valuations in Wiltshire, Hampshire and Dorset. Need a survey or valuation of your property? Christopher Green & Associates Ltd - Chartered Surveyors. www.thatsurveyor.co.uk

Beautiful art exhibition in Waterstones this month, reminding us that Salisbury is full of beautiful things. Artist in attendance doing painting demos on Tuesday 13th, and Monday 19th March. Louise Luton Art. www.louiselutonart.com

Salisbury Cathedral School, 'Your child at our heart'. Salisbury Cathedral School. www.salisburycathedralschool.com

Car accident repair, from major accident damage to those annoying dents, scuffs or scratches. We guarantee to only use genuine parts, products and repair methods. At MG Cannon every vehicle repair, every day is happily guaranteed for life. MG Cannon Limited. www.mgcannon.com

Salisbury's Premier Taxi Company with 20 years experience are open for business and are operating 24/7 for your convenience and can be with you in minutes. Value Cars Ltd. www.salisbury-valuecars.co.uk

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