As we emerged from the latest national lockdown this week, the news that Coventry has been placed into Tier 3 was greeted with a mixture of optimism and dismay across the area.

For non-essential shops in the retail sector it means they can open their doors again and the high street can start to bring in some long-awaited revenue in the run-up to the festive period and beyond.

Hairdressers, gyms and leisure centres are getting back to business after another period of closure and grass roots sport is also kicking off again.

But for other businesses, particularly those in the hospitality sector, the future is still looking very uncertain with no concrete news on when they are likely to be able to reopen.

So it’s very likely that hotels, pubs, bars and restaurants which normally experience their busiest time of the year over the festive period will remain closed.

However, despite these latest setbacks, it’s important that Coventry businesses stay positive for several reasons as we approach Christmas and head into 2021.

Support groups across the area are working harder than ever with businesses to help them receive the support they badly need and give them advice about what steps they need to take.

Tier three areas will receive extra funding which could be a lifeline for businesses battling through the pandemic until some normality is resumed.

Subsidies for employees who are unable to work due to business closure have also been extended.

It’s important that businesses check what help is on offer and how to access it as any additional funding is likely to be very welcome during the months ahead.

There’s also the hope that if Covid cases continue to fall in the area, Coventry will also drop into a lower tier.

Case numbers continue to change daily, so as the government reviews the tiers (firstly on December 16^th), moving into a lower tier would ease restrictions and allow more businesses to re-open or provide more services.

There’s no denying that this Winter will be the toughest-ever for many businesses in Coventry.

But a new year brings new hope that with a vaccination roll-out on the horizon, businesses will be able to look forward to a brighter future sooner rather than later.

To find out more about the support which is available, please visit https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus/business-support