THE owners of independent businesses in Redditch say they are ‘worried sick’ over the uncertainty in the economy.
With the coronavirus pandemic expected to last for several weeks, or possibly longer, many local firms say they will struggle to pay rent and staff wages.
There is also a lot of uncertainty about how to access the £350billion financial support promised by the Government on Tuesday.
Dawn Ward, owner of Sew Fab on Unicorn Hill, said: “Advice is still very unclear. Do I carry on paying my bills until there’s nothing left?
“This is a family business, run by myself and my daughter, meaning two people in our household face the possibility of not having enough money.”
Dawn alters weddings dresses but many couples are either cancelling or postponing their big day.
Sew Fab is offering free delivery if customers spend £10 or more in the store.
JJ’s Cafe, outside the Town Hall, has seen trade dip.
Owner Jennifer Hooton-Clare said: “Honestly? I’m worried for the next few weeks and I might have to shorten our opening hours.
“We’re hoping that people realise they can make orders in advance as we offer a ‘grab-and-go’ service.”
Lovely Things owner Sue Rowe she had reduced the shops opening hours to Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays from 10.30-4.30pm.
“I am sorry to disappoint my customers but I’m hoping that once things are back to normal, you will all help me get back on my feet.”
Borough Council leader Matt Dormer said he was concerned about businesses in the town.
“We may end up talking ourselves into a recession if we’re not careful,” he said.
“We do need to follow the Government’s advice, be sensible and for vulnerable people to stay at home.
“From a business perspective we are at risk of putting ourselves back a year but we need to keep on doing what we’re doing.
“I am sure many business owners will be looking to work their way through this.”
