Tiers for fears? How East Midlands business owners reacted to new restrictions

As Nottinghamshire prepares for life under stricter Covid-19 rules, TheBusinessDesk.com spoke to a range of business leaders from across the region about how they see the new rules affecting the economy.

Han van Oudheusden (right)

Han van Oudheusden, Works Social: “Balancing how we collectively deal with stopping the spread of the virus with looking after our own and others wellbeing, whilst limiting the social and economic impact on our personal lives, business interests and society as a whole is no mean feat, with each individual needing to manage their own unique circumstances and priorities.

“As a workspace that supports many local independent businesses, we can and will remain open providing a covid-secure working environment for members unable to work from home. Long champions of the flexible working movement, we understand the challenges working from home can bring including unsuitable set-up, poor internet, inefficiency, isolation.

“We send solidarity to our Scouse pals who are facing stricter measures but we are thankful that today’s announcement means our fellow independents in the hospitality industry can continue to trade. We are blessed with a vibrant community of independent businesses in the city that have worked really hard during the pandemic so they can remain open and safely serve the folk of Nottingham.”

Andy Finn, RDS Global: “It is our belief that extended restrictions would dampen the progress made by businesses in getting the wheels of the local economy turning again. New restrictions would likely significantly reduce hard-won business and consumer confidence. Local businesses have done a great job in getting back to business, despite mixed messaging from the government. Extended restrictions would undo all of that hard work.

“However, extended restrictions might now serve as a much-needed eye opener. There needs to be a more consistent and uniform approach to Covid-19 safety and compliance across the local economy. We have always advocated that there should be temperature checks, consistency in reporting through track and trace and associated other automated reporting links, with a check for compliance in regards to PPE. This has not been provided at central government level and we believe it should be mandated locally, for all businesses and venues across the city.”

Ian Hodgkinson

Ian Hodgkinson, Hodgkinson Builders: “The three tier system that the Prime Minister has announced will be devastating for some small businesses, particularly in the hospitality trade. Thankfully, nothing has been mentioned about restricting construction and house building.

“The recent comments about ‘Building Back Britain’ puts Hodgkinson Builders at the centre of that house building recovery. We hope that the Government remains focused on building being central to our recovery post-Covid-19. If that continues to be the case, then our prospects have never been higher.”

Roger Harcourt, Shakespeare Martineau: “While the latest news is going to hit everyone in Nottingham and the surrounding area hard, the East Midlands has proven itself an innovative and entrepreneurial region time and time again. Communities and businesses will work together to get through this latest round of lockdown measures.

“From a business perspective, high-profile deals are still being done and I have every faith that we have the entrepreneurial spirit and commercial nous to continue leading the way for the UK regions.”

Yen Goo, Paguro Upcycle: “The hospitality and restaurant industry will be massively impacted if they aren’t able to hold any Christmas parties. Retail will also be tough right now as people’s spending power is going down, with the uncertainty of how long this is going to carry on.

Serena Humphrey

Serena Humphrey, F Word: “Well I think Nottingham has had a lucky escape so far, with minimal restrictions. Obviously the biggest impact will be hospitality now that households can’t mix indoors again – but at least they can stay open.

“We did a poll this morning asking: With tighter restrictions being announced today, what is this likely to mean for your business during the next quarter? And the results are overwhelmingly positive: 36% said it wouldn’t make any difference; 42% thought income would drop a bit but wouldn’t be too bad; 15% said income is going to be significantly down; and 5% said their income could be wiped out.

“The worst thing is the uncertainty – business owners need a framework of at least basic certainty to plan, and although there’s no doubt sectors hit by this are having a terrible time. But I’m heartened by just how many businesses we work with who’ve found ways to shore up their income, and there are still plenty who are flying, with strong year-on-year growth.”

Simon Gardiner, Peter James Homes: “We are unlikely to see any changes to construction regulations, and our own construction work and design will not be affected.

“There are rumours about extra mortgage products and new rates being released however, so we are hoping to see an even better response in the property market and mortgage availability.

“With our current Help To Buy offering, and stamp duty holiday being in place, we are confident that now is still a good time to buy for those in the position to do so – there are cash savings available for those seeking to move.”