Midlands businesses 'could disappear for good' without Government support
Businesses could "disappear for good" across the West Midlands and Staffordshire without further Government support, leaders have warned.
Chiefs have said the hospitality sector – alongside non-essential retail – have been left facing "even more hardship" as a result of closing due to Tier 4 measures.
It has led to them calling for more support from the Government in order to help ensure businesses can survive throughout the difficult period.
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West Midlands Mayor Andy Street said: "The obvious consequence of the new restrictions is further closures of businesses, including in the retail and fitness sectors.
"This will be desperately disappointing for those businesses that would normally be entering what is traditionally a busy and profitable period.
Instead, after enjoying the Christmas and early sales rush, they now have to worry about survival."
Hope
Mr Street said his "hope and expectation" was there would eventually be an agreement by the Government to offer more support for businesses across the region – which will help them survive the impact of Tier 4.
Councillor Ian Ward, leader of Birmingham City Council, added: "I'm optimistic the Government will do something as well. If they don't give out more support, they will have wasted the money they have spent supporting businesses. If they don't get through to the spring then that money will have been wasted."
Councillor Patrick Farrington, leader of Stafford Borough Council, said it had been a "blow" to enter Tier 4 but said he would lobby the Government to ensure businesses can survive.
Councillor Farrington said: "Our primary concern must be to continue to do everything we can to ensure the safety of our community, protecting our NHS and preventing hospitals being overwhelmed, and the long term survival of our businesses.
"I will be asking the Government to guarantee those businesses who are already struggling, and now face even more hardship because of the Tier 4 restrictions, will get the financial assistance they need quickly. "
It comes as the chief executives from the Black Country Chamber of Commerce and Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce also called for further business support.
