It says the restrictions will have a chilling impact on the region’s economy and its ability to recover into the new year and is very disappointing news for the many businesses for who the run up to Christmas is a vital time for earnings.
Commenting on today’s government announcement regarding the tiered restrictions which will follow the current coronavirus lockdown, Business West managing Director Phil Smith said: “Business West is disappointed with today’s news that most of the West of England region around and including Bristol has been placed into the highest level of restrictions, Tier 3 which will effectively continue the national lockdown for this area, with only Bath & North East Somerset in Tier 2.
“It is better news for the rest of the region including the counties of Wiltshire and Gloucestershire and Swindon, who have been placed in Tier 2, however restrictions here will stop many businesses from being able to operate fully.
“Grant support via the business rates system continues to be available for premises required to remain closed in Tier 3 areas, but that is small comfort compared to the lost earnings for those businesses.
“The full detail for other support is not clear, but many supply chain businesses and those mandated to close look like not being eligible for any further grants that have not yet been announced.
“The restrictions will have a chilling impact on the region’s economy and its ability to recover into the new year – and is very disappointing news for the many businesses for who the run up to Christmas is a vital time for earnings.
“The outlook for our hospitality and leisure sectors in the Bristol area is a very significant worry for political and business leaders across the region.
“ We urge everyone to redouble their efforts to comply with social distancing, to allow us to get the virus under control and start to ease restrictions before Christmas and into the new year.”
