Newspaper kiosk in Sudbury steps up operations as demand for delivery service rises by 40 per cent since coronavirus pandemic began

The co-owner of a newspaper kiosk in Sudbury says the business has seen a significant rise in demand for its delivery service during the coronavirus outbreak.

S & K News has stepped up its operations to fulfil a further 40 per cent of orders for its goods, which include a range of newspapers, along with various food and drink items.

Terry Knight, who runs the business in King Street with his wife, Becky, and two business partners, said that, initially, the team had anticipated reducing their level of trading.

“We took the decision between us that we were going to close the kiosk and just focus on delivery,” he said. “But we were inundated with customers.”

During their busiest period, the business has delivered between 800 and 1,300 newspapers in a single day.

To meet the rise in demand, Mr Knight said the business had successfully adapted in a reasonably short space of time.

“It’s a major juggling act,” said the father-of-one. “It was difficult for the first few weeks, but things have plateaued out a little.”

Reflecting on the rewarding aspect of their delivery service, Mr Knight said that children of elderly parents had expressed their gratitude for providing the service.

“It takes the pressure off them and they know that their parents are occupied for part of the day reading a newspaper,” said the 39-year-old, who added that keeping abreast of the news while staying indoors enabled the elderly and vulnerable to remain connected with important social issues.

“If they can receive a newspaper, then they can see what’s going on in the world,” said Mr Knight, adding that the team had been left humbled by the thank-you letters they had received from the community.

He said: “It makes it all worthwhile.”