Federation of Small Businesses' Phil McCabe - Covid19 - facing up to the huge challenge ahead!

BRITTAN is official "a nation of shopkeepers" and has been ranked the world's 4th best thanks to our budding entrepreneurs, but all that is in jeopardy, due to the effects of the Coronavirus Pandemic. For many small business owners in the UK, 2020 has been devastating, but for all the headlines, many are overlooking the forgotten the many humble grass roots businesses that keep the nation running.

The Covid19 lockdown in the UK has been exceptionally hard, with many business owners say it's like:- "looking down a barrel of a gun" and the "perfect storm" as many struggle to get help from the UK Government.

In the UK many small businesses are now facing up to the huge challenge of re-starting in the worst recession on record, but without help, many more businesses will fail and that's where the FSB comes in. Yet, the saga has still to come to a conclusion as many industry experts believe a double-dip recession is on the way, and now the clock is ticking down faster than ever for many UK businesses...

This is a quick statement by Phil McCabe who is the Development Manager, FSB Merseyside and Cheshire, looking at what they are doing to get SME's help, as it is paramount that the UK's Government act now to help protect the UK's future. Please remind your MP's to help support small businesses, as they are the force behind the recovery, yet many have had next to no support!

Do you think Prime Minister Boris Johnson must 'act decisively' to not only head of another spike in cases and also to stop millions of redundancies, as thousands of small businesses risk bankruptcy? With Brexit acting yet again as a distraction, many worry that any chance of fast action might not be forthcoming in time, so it has never been as important to support local businesses as it is now!

Please remember that local businesses help your local area, by keeping money within that area, allowing for reinvestment of that money in services you depend on.  For more information about the FSB's mission to:- "help smaller businesses achieve their ambitions," please visit:- FSB.Org.UK.

SHONE Productions and the team at The Auditorium at M&S Bank Arena have worked hard to ensure that the magic of the Christmas panto is not lost in Liverpool this year. Jack and the Beanstalk will take place at The Auditorium at M&S Bank Arena, running from Friday, 18 December until Sunday, 27 December 2020, with special measures in place due to COVID-19.

Starring Leanne Campbell (Radio City) and Comedy Favourite Bippo, Jack and the Beanstalk will be the usual family fun, but with a socially distanced audience and other changes throughout the building to keep everyone safe. Leanne has produced a video to highlight the measures, downloadable here including:-

► Reducing the seating capacity has been reduced from 1,350 to under 500.

► 1 Metre + Social Distancing In The Auditorium.

► Social Distancing and 1 way system will be in place around the venue, foyer and auditorium.

► Hand Sanitiser Stations available throughout the venue.

► The auditorium will be deep cleaned after each performance and treated with anti viral spray.

Producer James Shone said:- "We have loved bringing our pantos to the Auditorium at M&S Bank Arena and the thought of letting so many people down was heart breaking. With so many other venues announcing that they are unable to stage a panto this year I am delighted that we have been able to work with the venue so that the people of Liverpool can still enjoy Jack and the Beanstalk."

Panto classic Jack and the Beanstalk tells the story of Jack, his brother Silly Billy and his mother Dame Trott as they attempt to beat the evil giant in the sky and save the village. This promises to be a spectacular pantomime featuring a superb cast, live band, brilliant scenery and costumes, amazing special effects and lots and lots of laughs!

To book tickets go to:- MandsBankarena.Com. Tickets on sale from Wednesday, 16 September 2020.