Local businesses tell us how they feel about another lockdown
By Ellyn Wright
8th Jan 2021 | Local News
As Cowbridge businesses have to shut their doors today as the "circuit breaker" lockdown comes into effect, Nub News has been reaching out to them to gauge the mood on the high street.
Different businesses will be affected in different ways, but a spirit of resilience and optimism seems to be universally shared.
Let's take a look at how local business owners across various sectors are feeling.
The Pencil Case
The Pencil Case , a children's stationery and school uniform on Cowbridge Highstreet, is owned by Sally Stephenson, who said she felt "pretty let down".
"We're a bit shell-shocked to be honest. The financial support on offer from the Welsh Government won't cover the lost sales," she said.
"There's only £1000 for all businesses who qualify for the small business rates relief and the furlough scheme ends of October 31. The job support scheme from November 1 only covers a third of the hours not worked.
"We're not allowed to offer a click and collect service from our website, so our ability to continue trading online is limited."
Colours of Cowbridge Julie Jeans runs Colours of Cowbridge , an independent women's event-wear boutique. She says the last three weeks of local lockdown has "killed her business". "I just keep thinking 'oh my god, this is so depressing'. It's a dramatic change to everybody's lives," said Julie. "I rely on the ladies of Cowbridge coming into my shop, but I also rely on Bridgend and Pontyclun, and Talbot Green customers massively and they couldn't get to me," said Julie. "I've had to cut my staff's hours by more than half. I'm working with an accountant to get as much support for my staff financially and my business too. "It's good that Mark Drakeford has said supermarket retailers cannot sell clothing because that never made sense to me during the first lockdown, because we were stopped from doing it, so why weren't they? "But I'm worried about what comes next after the fire-break lockdown. I just hope that everyone can stay strong and that we get the help we need financially to carry on. The £1000 relief fund won't even cover rent," she said.The Penny Farthing
Mohammed Elkilany at The Penny Farthing said the last few days had been busier than usual.
"I think people want to make the most of it while they still can," he said.
The Penny Farthing offers freshly cooked breakfast and brunch food, and also runs a monthly themed gourmet night.
"As soon as the Government says we can, we'll re-open. We're already fully booked for our gourmet dinner on November 23," said Mo.
"People come as far from Penarth for that, so we've got two in December scheduled.
"We accept that a lockdown has to happen, because we want everyone to stay well and winter is approaching which makes things worse.
"We've been trying to open our doors as much as possible until now. It is hard and it's going to get harder.
"We'll continue to look forwards and keep moving. The biggest fear for me is the high street dying.
"We need to continue helping local shops as much as we can, rather than defaulting to big online shops. People can support us by making sure they come and see us again when they're allowed to," he said.
Visage
Angharad Bury said she was "really anxious". She owns Visage , which sells women's clothing, jewellery and accessories.
"The whole situation has been a nightmare. You obviously want the world to be safe but it's also massively impacting on your business," said Angharad.
"I've felt like fashion and clothing have already missed a season of selling summer stock, and now it's all happening again.
"With the relief funds, it's not enough for the loss of business. There's also lots of criteria you have to meet that's very specific, and it blocks a lot of small businesses from accessing it.
"We need local people to understand that unless they support all the lovely independent shops here, they won't survive this.
"What makes Cowbridge special is having such a mixture of things you can't find at big chain stores.
"Get behind us on social media. We've got online shops and social media accounts, liking and sharing things helps us get seen. Its something easy for people to do.
"Have a look at what we're offering and perhaps you'll see things you haven't seen before on the high street," she said.
Read the full list of businesses and services authorised to stay open below:
- Food retailers, including food markets, supermarkets, convenience stores, corner shops and establishments selling food or drink for consumption off the premises (including premises authorised for the sale or supply of alcohol for consumption off the premises).
- Cafés and canteens at a hospital, care home, school or within accommodation provided for students.
- Canteens at a prison or an establishment intended for use for naval, military or air force purposes or for the purposes of the Department of the Secretary of State responsible for defence.
- Hospital libraries and libraries at educational establishments.
- Newsagents.
- Building supplies and hardware stores.
- Pharmacies (including non-dispensing pharmacies) and chemists.
- Bicycle shops.
- Petrol stations.
- Car repair and MOT services.
- Taxi or vehicle hire businesses.
- Banks, building societies, credit unions, short term loan providers.
- Post offices.
- Laundrettes and dry cleaners.
- Dental services, opticians, audiology services, chiropody, chiropractors, osteopaths.
- or health services, including services relating to mental health.
- Veterinary surgeons and pet shops.
- Agricultural or aquacultural supplies shops.
- Livestock markets or auctions.
- Funeral directors.
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