Sleaford area business owners express sadness about having to close again under new Tier 4 rules

Sleaford area business bosses are expressing their feelings on news from the government that non-essential retailers will have to close again from tomorrow (Thursday) as Lincolnshire moves into Tier 4 restrictions.
Wendy Hanslip of Bellissimo Boutique. EMN-201230-172019001Wendy Hanslip of Bellissimo Boutique. EMN-201230-172019001
Wendy Hanslip of Bellissimo Boutique. EMN-201230-172019001

The tighter rules are being imposed across the Midlands and North of England to prevent the rapid spread of the new mutated strain of coronavirus, which is believed to be more easily spread.

However, after two lockdowns already in July 2020, local retailers are questioning just how much more they can take.

Lorraine Buckley set up Lorraine’s Childrenswear in Sleaford Market Place in January 2019.

Anxious about the future - Lorraine Buckley of Lorraine's Childrenswear, pictured in happier times when she opened her shop two years ago. EMN-201230-172125001Anxious about the future - Lorraine Buckley of Lorraine's Childrenswear, pictured in happier times when she opened her shop two years ago. EMN-201230-172125001
Anxious about the future - Lorraine Buckley of Lorraine's Childrenswear, pictured in happier times when she opened her shop two years ago. EMN-201230-172125001

At the end of just her second year of trading she is consider whether to reassess her business model to survive.

She said: “I’m not yet sure what support will be available to businesses that have had to shut, but I am hopeful there will be some support as I feel some businesses may not survive another forced closure.”

Chancellor Rishi Sunak has already extended his furlough scheme for laid off staff until the end of April 2021.

But 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.

Sophie Hare of Hare and Beauty when she reopened from lockdown. Now she will have to close her salons in Ruskington and Heckington again. EMN-201230-171847001Sophie Hare of Hare and Beauty when she reopened from lockdown. Now she will have to close her salons in Ruskington and Heckington again. EMN-201230-171847001
Sophie Hare of Hare and Beauty when she reopened from lockdown. Now she will have to close her salons in Ruskington and Heckington again. EMN-201230-171847001

“I’m not sure what the future holds for me, but the people of Sleaford are very supportive so I hope I can continue after the tier system eases.”

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. The larger stores, including supermarkets don’t seem to be able to control customers once inside their stores.”

Wendy Hanslip of neighbouring Bellissimo Boutique understood and accepted the need “to do all that can be done to counter this terrible virus”.

But she 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: “Every business is under threat and especially small traders, however 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.

“However, whatever happens, Bellissimo Boutique, is here to stay.”

Hair and beauty salons will also have to close their doors according to the new restrictions.

Sophie Hare, who runs Hare and Beauty salons in Ruskington and Heckington, employing 12 staff, said they had closed early and were able to listen to the government announcement about the tiers.

She admitted she was not surprised, with the growing numbers of new Covid cases being reported nationally.

She said it was annoying but there was nothing she could do: “It is a shame as numbers are coming down in Lincolnshire and from a business perspective, but it is the right thing to do to try and squash this before it gets out of control.”

Sophie added: “You work hard in the time we are open and do a lot longer hours to fill what we have lost, but then we are closed again. It is almost pointless having tried. It is two steps forward and 10 steps back financially.”

She admitted that clients were getting fed up of the stop-start series of restrictions and easing and it could be mentally draining for some who miss social interaction.

Although unsure of figures, she was sure she has lost thousands of pounds over the space of this year.

All employees will be furloughed again, but she said having to make four staff redundant this year “screams volumes” about the impact on wage bills. With two salons to pay for, outgoings have still not matched costs during some months.

She reflected: “It is not very nice having to let anyone go, as you build a bond with anyone you work with and it is sad as you know they are going to struggle to get somewhere else.”

After all the disappointments she hoped, with the second vaccine being approved, the government could eventually set a target date for things to get back to normal.”