Hot Business News Today

Hot Business News Today

Small business confidence grows as shops reopen in England and Wales

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Originally written by Anna Jordan on Small Business
Small businesses are feeling much more confident as shops reopen in England and Wales, according to the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB).
The group reports that its UK Small Business Index confidence measure has risen to 27.3 in Q1 2021, up from -49.3 in the last quarter. The index is at its highest level since Q3 2014 when it hit +41.00 and is in positive territory for the first time since Q2 2018.
Figures also show that close to two-thirds (58 per cent) expect performance to improve while fewer than a third (31 per cent) are expecting it to worsen.
More than half (51 per cent) of the almost 1,700 business owners surveyed believe their revenue will increase over the next three months. That’s the highest proportion since the summer of 2015. Fewer than one in four (24 per cent) expect sales to fall. The same figure stood at 84 per cent at this time last year.
Even more (53 per cent) aspire to grow their businesses over the next 12 months, the highest since Q3 2019, marking a 22-point percentage jump since this time last year.
It’s not all positive, though. Research from Nucleus Commercial Finance also

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Hot Business News Today

April 12 reopening – which small businesses can reopen in England?

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Originally written by Timothy Adler on Small Business
Shops, pubs and restaurants and other small businesses have been reallowed to reopen, as of April 12.
However, the rules on social contact still apply: indoor settings must only be visited alone or with household groups; outdoor settings are limited to either six people or two households.
This includes non-essential retail; personal care premises such as hairdressers, beauty and nail salons; and indoor leisure facilities such as gyms and spas (but not including saunas and steam rooms, which are due to open on May 17).
>See also: Small business confidence grows as shops reopen in England and Wales
The majority of outdoor settings and attractions have also reopened, including outdoor hospitality, zoos, theme parks, drive-in cinemas and drive-in performances events.
Hospitality venues can open for outdoor service, with no requirement for a substantial meal to be served alongside alcohol, and the 10pm curfew has been scrapped. The requirement to eat and drink while seated will remain.
>See also: Covid-19 roadmap – when can I reopen my business in Scotland?
April 12 reopening for small businesses

Clothing shops
Homeware shops
Toy shops
Vehicle showrooms (other than for rental)
Betting shops
Tailors
Tobacco and vape shops
Electronic goods shops
Mobile phone shops
Auction houses (except for auctions of livestock or agricultural equipment)
Market

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