{"id":9727,"date":"2021-06-30T10:00:24","date_gmt":"2021-06-30T09:00:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/?p=9727"},"modified":"2026-07-09T15:30:19","modified_gmt":"2026-07-09T14:30:19","slug":"lockdown-easing-small-businesses-on-track","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/lockdown-easing-small-businesses-on-track\/","title":{"rendered":"Lockdown restrictions easing: How small businesses are getting back on track"},"content":{"rendered":"
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\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tMoney Matters<\/a>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t
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\n\t\t\t\t\t\tLockdown restrictions easing: How small businesses are getting back on track\t\t\t\t\t<\/h1>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

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\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\"Sabuhi\t\t\t\tSabuhi Gard<\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/a>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

The stop-start nature of lockdowns and the tier systems implemented across the UK due to the coronavirus pandemic has had an impact on all small businesses over the past year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

While some were able to pivot and thrive, with a move online being part of that, others have really struggled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

According to a recent report by Simply Business, The impact of Covid-19 on Small Business<\/a>, the pandemic will cost small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) an estimated \u00a3126.6bn, “double what owners predicted it would cost them when asked a year ago”.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The report adds: “With six million SMEs in the UK \u2013 accounting for over 99% of all businesses, 33% of employment and 21% of all turnovers \u2013 this \u00a3126.6bn hole in the books of small businesses is a huge blow to the economy.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, now, lockdown restrictions across the UK are being eased due to the rollout of vaccination programmes. And with that, businesses have started to open up gradually and breathe again.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In this article, we look at how some small businesses are getting back on track and they share tips that could help your business during these uncertain times.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Download your free guide, 7 ways to take control of your business, and take steps now to master your business admin <\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Offer a unique service that will delight your customers<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Caroline Nolder, who owns the Turks Hall<\/a> bed and breakfast in Bruton, Somerset, says she’s had to think of innovative ways to attract customers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

She says: “As a small business<\/a>, we have had to look ‘outside the box’ and we have tried offer something different [to lure potential and returning customers] as lockdown begins to ease. In our case, complimentary sherry in the bedrooms to delicious [homemade] flapjacks. We are also offering a 10% discount for direct bookings with us.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“We reopened on 17 May this year, offering a minimum of a two-night stay and an organic continental breakfast: homemade bread, granola, prune, and apricot compote.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“Our garden has become an oasis of peace and lockdown has made us appreciate this wonderful area [Bruton] even more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“Reopening has made us think things through and we decided to keep going with our walk suggestions and helping people find the best locations for walks, running, photography, and being at peace with nature.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you’re running a hospitality business<\/a>, Nolder’s got a few tips to help you attract customers and delight them:<\/p>\n\n\n\n