Closedown sadness for business owners

The tighter rules, of Tier 4 then rapidly moving into a third lockdown, are aimed at preventing the rapid rise in coronavirus cases, but retailers are questioning just how much more they can take.

Lorraine Buckley set up Lorraine’s Childrenswear in Sleaford Market Place in January 2019, but is considering reassessing her business model to survive.

She said: “I am hopeful there will be some support as I feel some businesses may not survive another forced closure.”

Self-employed Lorraine said: “For my business this is extremely unsettling news. Without the footfall I get from being open I will really struggle.

“Last time I had to close I did a click and collect type system, but that was only successful with the balloon side of the business and I fear the clothing side will keep on deteriorating so much so that I will have to rethink my business layout.”

She said: “I understand the need to close non-essential shops, but I also think the smaller shops can manage customers better with sanitation 
on entry and exit and control the number of customers inside.”

Wendy Hanslip of neighbouring Bellissimo Boutique said: “We believe that we were able to trade safely within the previous tier status. We do however also accept that we have to comply with government guidelines, but our hearts go out to our fellow traders in the retail and hospitality trade in Sleaford who face a further lengthy closure which threatens the very existence of many local traders both large and small.”

Wendy added: “Bellissimo Boutique is so lucky to have a loyal core of customers who have supported us so far and I’m confident that they will continue to support us come what may. It is however going to be incredibly tight and like many other businesses we face a difficult future.”

Sophie Hare, who runs Hare and Beauty salons in Ruskington and Heckington, employing 12 staff, said it was annoying but there was nothing she could do: “It is the right thing to do to try and squash this before it gets out of control.”

But after reopening and doing longer hours only to have to close again, she felt: “It is two steps forward and 10 steps back financially.”

She estimated that she had lost thousands over the last year and has had to to make four staff redundant, which she said “screams volumes” about the impact, with outgoings still not matching costs at times.

The Leader of North Kesteven District Council, Coun Richard Wright said: “I accept that this is a source of great disappointment for many, not least those businesses and sectors forced once more to close, but it is an essential measure given the situation at this time.”

Going forward into 2021, he said they will do everything they can to support the most vulnerable residents.

If your business has been ordered to close or remain closed due to restrictions the council says it will be in touch with you directly to verify your eligibility for a grant and to process payments.