AHEAD of the reopening of shops on June 15, a Salisbury-based business is seeking to reassure fellow businesses that social distancing "doesn't have to be expensive".

Bonallack and Bishop Solicitors in Rougemont Close have continued to provide legal services during the pandemic online and over the phone.

But with lockdown measures being eased, the practice has been looking at ways to safely reopen their premises without breaking the bank.

Feeling like they have achieved that, staff are now sharing their tips in a bid to help those struggling to make changes to their business or who are worried about the financial impact these could have.

Jane Bishop, practice director, said: "We're fortunate to have a big office in Salisbury, our other offices are a bit smaller and it's a bit more of a challenge, but we have done a number of things which were very affordable.

"The first thing we did is we put a flip chart and I hand-wrote on it 'please respect social distancing'. It's very simply but actually very powerful because if you walk in somewhere and that's the first thing you see, people are going to stop and read it."

Another measure implemented by the firm spares clients who only need to sign documents from entering the building in the first place.

"We put a table outside near the front door so clients can sign documents and we can see them through the window," added Mrs Bishop. These can then be left in a post box by reception or outside the gate.

Using tape on the floor, introducing a one-way system and putting up perspex sheets worth £30 each in the reception area are among the extra measures brought in at a very modest price.

"With these very simple measures it's not expensive. The key things for me are look at your business model, how you can continue to deliver services in this new normal and accept the constraints of your building.

"If you have a tiny building there's not much you can do about it, but you can find a solution. If you remain positive and determined you can make it work."