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Coronavirus has managed to disrupt most businesses up and down the country.

From government advice to stay away from pubs and restaurants, to bigger companies having to send staff home, the pandemic is proving to be a tough time to be in business.

But that hasn’t stopped one new company from ploughing on with launching its new venture.

On Saturday, March 14, a brand new “zero-waste” shop opened its doors for the first time and the owner is determined not to let Covid-19 ruin her entrance to the world of business.

The shop called Pollinate Risca, which champions reusable containers, has walls lined with produce from pasta and rice to herbs and spices and customers bring in empty jars and boxes to fill up, weigh and pay for what they need.

The sustainability-focused shop, found on Tredegar Street in Risca, has been open every day since its launch, despite the fears around the current situation.

They’ve even put in special measures to keep coronavirus at bay - such as giving customers hand sanitizer when they walk through the door, and washing spoons and scoops after each use.

Owner Claire Read said: “It was a little bit scary at first but I decided we would open and see what happens.

“It’s been busy since we opened. We’re offering something people need on a local level - we try to keep it local, we’re not a big chain.”

The 35-year-old from Risca added that despite what we’re seeing in the supermarkets there’s been no panic-buying going on so far - mostly due to the nature of the shop.

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Claire said: “It’s making people think about what they’re buying, because they have to weigh everything out themselves and think about what they actually need.”

And it’s that local angle that Claire thinks has actually helped them off to a good start, following a lot of public interest during the build up to the launch.

“When we first decided on the business, none of this was happening,” said Claire.

“I left what I was doing in October and this was going to be a new challenge - but it’s now a bigger challenge.

“A little bit of coronavirus isn’t going to stop me,” she added with a laugh.

She also explained that she’s already had to adapt the business slightly because of the current situation.

“I’ve started doing delivery boxes with a few essential bits for locals who have lower immune systems or who can’t leave the house as much,” she said.

And in the long run, she said that they might turn to deliveries when the coronavirus outbreak is in full swing.

However, for now, she’s remaining optimistic and plans to keep the shop open as long as possible for people to get their essentials.