The impact of the second lockdown on local businesses could mean some “won’t reopen” warns Harrogate’s Business Investment District (BID) .
The lockdown will come into place on Thursday and forces all non-essential shops and hospitality to close.
Many of Harrogate’s businesses have been using recent months to recover from the previous lockdown and have now been left uncertain of their futures.
Harrogate BID has said the main aim of its members is to protect their businesses and the local economy but has made it clear the long-term impact of this could mean some businesses can’t reopen.
Harrogate BID Acting Chair Sara Ferguson said:
“Every business that I know of has been dreading the prospect of another lockdown, as there’s a real chance many won’t reopen if they are forced into a long period of enforced closure.
“Over the last few weeks there has been a rising level of optimism, half term has brought plenty of people into town. If this ‘circuit-breaker’ doesn’t bring the R rate down then what? Is it extended for another month?”
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The lockdown is expected to end on December 2 in the hope many can still enjoy Christmas with friends and family.
The festive season brings an annual boost to trade for the hospitality sector.
Anthony Blundell, assistant general manager at the West Park Hotel in Harrogate, is hopeful this year will bring the same.
He said:
“Hospitality needs to be up and running for December. It is the biggest month of the year for the whole sector. We can flex and adapt to whatever is thrown at us but not all businesses are as resilient and it could be really devastating.”
