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Axminster s business community is hoping for help with their economic recovery
- Credit: Barrie Hedges
Hard-hit traders in Axminster have their attention fixed on Chancellor Rishi Sunak’s Budget today as he announces his financial route out of lockdown.
A survey of businesses by the Totally Locally Axminster traders’ group shows that optimism over the town’s future is being tempered by concerns whether crucial support will be available to help them get through the recovery stages.
As chief executive of one of the town’s most high profile businesses, River Cottage managaing director Stewart Dodd said that businesses would be unlikely to return to pre-Covid revenue levels until 2022. He spoke for most with his assessment of the critical factors for local businesses, including a furlough scheme extension until July 31 to support a phased return to work. He believed both the reduced VAT rate of five per cent and businesses rates relief should be further extended to the end
Tim Dixon
Traders in Axminster are determined to bounce back after lockdown
- Credit: Barrie Hedges
Axminster traders have been hit hard by the third lockdown but they are showing ingenuity and determination to keep going as best they can.
And the prospects are bright in a town in where there is, against all odds, plenty of evidence of investment in the future.
The assessment comes from Totally Locally Axminster, the traders’ group that has emerged over the past 18 months to run a series of ‘shop local’ initiatives while also filling empty shop windows with positive messaging.
Totally Locally co-ordinator Barrie Hedges said: “No-one should underestimate the huge impact the pandemic is having on the independent businesses that are the bedrock of a town like Axminster.