New Government Covid-19 ruling ‘a complete tragedy,’ say East Mids businesses

East Midlands businesses have reacted with dismay to the Government’s new ruling that gatherings of more than six people will be banned in England from Monday (September 14).

The news came late last night and has caused some confusion as to how many people can gather and where.

Businesses and organisations from across the region see this as another setback.

Helen Skripek, director of the Derby-based caterer, The Butlers Pantry, said: “We were just getting back on track with events up to 30 guests, so this announcement is a disaster for our catering and events business. We woke up on Wednesday morning to our first cancellation email for the end of October and there’ll be many more on their way. Urgent help is needed now for our industry: we’ve built up our family business over 18 years, working up to 16 hours a day and all for this to happen. It’s a complete and utter tragedy.”

Maria Hanson MBE, founder of the Derby-based me&dee charity, said: “We saw this type of announcement coming and pre-emptively cancelled our annual fundraising ball due to be held in November. With Tuesday night’s announcement we will now have to cancel our live auction due to happen on 30th September for 30 people, which is beyond heart breaking.”