Chichester BID backs calls for special support measures for businesses

Chichester BID has backed calls for special support measures for retail, hospitality and leisure businesses.

The current tiered system is placing 'irrevocable pressure' on hospitality businesses but also those in retail and leisure sectors, the BID said.

UK Hospitality had already warned that the Tier 3 system will result in 94 per cent of hospitality businesses becoming unviable by March 2021. In the Tier 2 system, which Chichester is currently in, 75 per cent of hospitality businesses could become unviable by March 2021.

A Chichester BID spokesperson said: “Additional help is required so that businesses in Chichester can survive and recover from the new tier systems put in place.

"We need to work together to help protect the future of high streets everywhere and to avert further unemployment."

Sector specific measures require 'sector specific support'. and a manifesto put together by Croydon BID, British BIDs, ATCM and The BID Foundation outlines a range of packages which will provide a vital lifeline for hospitality, retail and leisure businesses alike.

The manifesto follows 'intense and thorough' talks with businesses, BIDs, local authorities, destinations and industry bodies to provide options of support to help the UK economy ‘Bounce Back Better’.

The Chichester BID spokesperson added: “At the very heart of communities is the retail, leisure and hospitality businesses and this is no different in Chichester.

"This campaign helps us get behind these businesses, offer as much support as possible and help to keep them afloat.”

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Matthew Sims, founder of the ‘Bounce Back Better’ campaign and CEO of Croydon BID, said businesses are 'approaching a cliff edge' and need the government to 'provide a parachute in sector specific measures to stave off mass closure and job losses'.

He added: "The government has provided assurances it will do whatever it takes to support British businesses and help them to bounce back from the coronavirus pandemic.

"Now, more than ever, we need the chancellor to stand by his promise to do whatever it takes.”

The Bounce Back Better manifesto has asked the government; for a one-off grant for retail, leisure and hospitality businesses; to pause national insurance employer contributions for furloughed employees; an extension of 100 per cent business rates for holiday for 2021/22 and an extension of the VAT reduction scheme.

Bill Addy, chairman of the BIFD Foundation and CEO of Liverpool BID Company said: “The government has the chance to act now and lessen lasting damage to economic growth and jobs.

"The UK’s economy recovery rests on local businesses continuing to trade and generate employment opportunities.

"This manifesto asks the government to extend existing measures and introduce a one-off funding injection that together will stem the bleeding out businesses are facing."

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