THE Bracknell News is backing local businesses in a bid to support them during what has been a difficult time for many.

This week we spoke to Rory Pratt the owner of Pratts Pods - an independent repair specialist based in Wokingham - who said business has been “busier than ever” during lockdown.

Mr Pratt officially started the business just over seven years ago and explained it began as a repair shop solely for iPods.

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Now, the company repairs a wide range of electrical devices mostly phones and tablets but also computers, Macs, Apple watches and games consoles.

The company is in the process of moving to a new shop which will be located on Elms Walk in Wokingham town centre.

Mr Pratt said he hopes to open the new shop on Tuesday, August 4.

Lockdown has affected many businesses across the country but Mr Pratt said: “Lockdown has been absolutely incredible for us”.

He added business has been “busier than ever”.

At the beginning of lockdown, the company started offering a collection and delivery service to customers.

This process involved the company buying a new van to collect and deliver devices to customers.

Mr Pratt said the service has been “brilliant”.

He added the service is available for customers based in Reading to Bracknell.

The company has also had to make various changes to the way it operates such as sanitising devices before and after repairs take place.

Staff members were also furloughed at the beginning of lockdown but most have since returned to work.

Mr Pratt explained his company is focused on “quality”.

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Pratts Pods’ website explains: “No matter what your device is or how it is broken we can offer you great quality service and a fast turnaround because we understand just how frustrating it can be to have an item in disrepair.”

It continues: “Everything that we do here at Pratts Pods is done with the highest quality products and with the latest repair equipment to ensure the highest standards of repair that will last.

“Whether your device is years old or the most up to date we will have a technician that can and will help you.”

Mr Pratt said he is planning on having customers inside the new shop from next week but plans need to be finalised.

For more information on Pratts Pods and their work visit prattspods.co.uk.