A BUSINESS group has warned that many companies will be prevented from being able to operate fully under the new Tier 2 local authority restrictions for Wiltshire.

Business West, part of the British Chambers of Commerce, represents more than 21,000 businesses in the South West including a network of Chambers of Commerce members in Bristol, Bath, South Gloucestershire, Wiltshire and Gloucestershire.

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.”

Ruth Lambert, Development Manager for the Federation of Small Businesses, said: “These have been trying and difficult times for so many, and with the festive season upon us it’s never been more important to see trading resume once again.

"Many small businesses will be issuing a sigh of relief that they can operate in Tier 2 in what is the busiest month of the year for many. However, the challenges are prevalent for many in the hospitality sector and we must encourage people to support them in this time of need”

"These past nine months have been among some of the most difficult that small firms have ever had to endure and that hardship looks set to continue.

"Small firms in all Tiers will want reassurance about how long these measures will remain in place, and the longer term measures we can expect to face in the New Year. In order to safeguard jobs and livelihoods, the Government must set out a roadmap as soon as possible. 

"In the Spending Review yesterday, we heard very little about the importance of business and private sector job creation and it was also a missed opportunity to help company directors and the newly self-employed who have been left with little or no support all year.

"Small firms and the self-employed in particular will be desperate for the Government to introduce new measures to address the gaping holes in support that remain untouched.

"Meanwhile we would urge the public to continue to shop local, shop small and shop small online where possible. Small businesses for many are the beating heart of our communities and we must band together to make sure we save small firms and jobs from being lost right across the nation."