Just as businesses were starting to get back on their feet after the most difficult year of trading, they have been knocked down with the crushing news of a second lockdown.

While all say the health of the nation is a priority, Thanet traders admit this latest announcement is a devastating blow, with many only just picking up the pieces from before.

From pubs to shops and gyms, to cinemas and salons, businesses across the district will shut their doors on Thursday, with only essential retailers such as supermarkets remaining open.

Philip Thorley, director of Thorley Taverns, which operates 20 pubs across Thanet, says he’s not surprised there is another lockdown.

“There’s been talk of it for a long time,” he said.

“It’s a shame that the hospitality industry, which has been very strict with protocols the whole time, is having to close, where others, such as supermarkets, have dropped their guard.

“Public Health England said only 1% (of cases) came out of hospitality last month, but we’re being shut down anyway.

“But this is what’s happening and if it is good for the health and benefit of the country, then I welcome it.

“If shutting in November is going to mean our customers and staff can celebrate Christmas then it is a worthwhile measure.”

Mr Thorley says the “outstanding” furlough scheme, which has been extended and will continue to run at 80%, has allayed fears for the firm’s 300 staff. But he admits shutting down for four weeks is a “logistical nightmare”.

“It will, however, be easier this time due to having experience from March,” he said.

“One of the difficulties is we have a lot of stock that we won’t be able to sell now.”

'We survived three months before so hopefully we can get through this' - Deanne Cheshire

Under the rules, which come into effect on Thursday, all non-essential businesses must close, households will be unable to mix unless in the same ‘support bubble’ and people must continue to work from home.

Schools, colleges and universities will remain open, although some, including Garlinge Primary, are shut, due to confirmed Covid cases.

Self-employed Kingsgate hairdresser Deanne Cheshire, who works across Thanet in people’s homes, says this time she is more prepared.

“I’ve at least had three days to try to cram some clients in before I stop. Last time it happened overnight; it was awful,” she said.

“The concern is when December comes, how I’m going to fit all my November clients in.

“At least last time I had a blank diary to fill when lockdown was lifted.

“My other main concern is if a tier system is brought in. Because of the type of job I do, I may not be able to open straight away. It might be some businesses are shut for longer.

“The self-employment grant is the same as before, but I’ve been told we won’t get this until January.

“For some people this will be a real struggle, especially with Christmas coming up.

“I feel more positive than last time, though. We survived three months before so hopefully we can get through this.”

Just before the new lockdown was announced, it was agreed gyms could remain open in areas under Tier 3 – the strictest level in the government’s tier system.

But they have also been told they have to close.

Peter Eyre, who runs Elite Fitness Studio in Broadstairs, is unhappy they are being included.

“We have a lot of older clients who come to us under the guidance of doctors or physios, or they are referred to us,” he said.

“After lockdown, and five months of not being able to come here, some were unable to walk or were housebound.

“Some come to us because they might be building up strength before surgery; others are coming here to do exercise, which helps them avoid surgery, like hip or knee replacements.

“A lot of people rely on the gym for their mental health, but also to help them manage conditions such as diabetes.

“Yet we’re being included with cinemas, theatres, as though we’re a leisure facility.”

Mr Eyre says it has been a positive three months since they reopened, with the whole operation now Covid-secure.

“It seems like everyone has spent thousands remodelling their businesses, only to be shut down, regardless of how safe they are,” he added.

“Supermarkets aren’t being as safe; the precautions aren’t as stringent anymore, yet we’re very safe and following guidelines.”

Independent shop owners are also feeling the pressure, and in a bid to get in as much business before closure, some in Broadstairs have been opening 9am to 9pm since Monday.

Sally Parkes, who runs Flowers by SP and Home by SP in the town, says it is a horrendous situation.

“Just as we got all our Christmas stock in and were hoping to regain what we lost earlier this year, another lockdown is announced,” she said.

“We don’t have financial support; we have to do what we can and we’re going to have to get creative. Luckily in Broadstairs the community is our backbone and we are getting a lot of support.”

'It’s a very anxious time for small business owners and businesses in general' - Katie Barber

Mrs Parkes says there will be a lot of online focus in the hope it will keep businesses afloat.

Katie Barber runs Albion Stores in Margate.

She says the situation is depressing but feels inevitable.

“I totally understand our health, and protecting people, is more important than staying open, but it’s frustrating that it got to this point,” she said.

“If measures had been put in place previously we wouldn’t have got this far, such as the lack of being able to track and trace and the lack of identifying where the virus was spreading.

“Now we’re in desperate measures and it shouldn’t have got this far.

“It’s a very anxious time for small business owners and businesses in general.

“We’re already struggling from the impacts of the first lockdown.

“We were able to weather the storm. We did really well online and things picked up in July, but then everything dropped quite significantly.

“People are cautious about whether they’ll have a job and if they can pay the bills.

“The one positive is as a small business, we’re used to adapting and remodelling.”

Fiona Crawford, who runs Baby Sensory and Toddler Sense groups for children in Thanet, says the impact on little ones over the last lockdown has been evident.

"A lot of babies were not socialised at all - parents weren't able to take them to groups, have cuddles with grandparents or meet up with other mums," she said.

"Being able to come back and provide these sessions has been wonderful. It's so good for their wellbeing.

"After a horrendous time with the very long lockdown, I feel that we have a viable business and although four weeks being closed will hurt us very much, we will ride this through."

Ms Crawford says in future the government needs to be more decisive.

"We need proper leadership and decisiveness; everyone knew there was going to be a second surge and yet decisions weren't made," she said.

"The two week circuit-breaker at half term would have been much better and easier to manage."

She added: "All small businesses have been through years of austerity, we don't have savings.

"We're in a very sticky situation and we're under enormous pressure."

The team at Under 1 Roof Kids Thanet in Ramsgate, which launched just last month, says they are devastated at having to shut the play centre.

The venture is the brainchild of sisters Zahra and Parisa Tarjomani, who between them run Princess World, Regency Performing Arts and Regency Productions, and Matt Milchard, founder of Just Kids Parties.

“Thank you to every single one of our customers who have supported us throughout this very difficult and uncertain time and we can’t wait to welcome you back when we are able to do so,” they said.

“Sending all our love to our fellow local businesses.”

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