The Covid-19 pandemic is not surprisingly having an averse affect on businesses in Dorset.

Dorset Chamber’s chief executive Ian Girling says the latest findings of the British Chambers of Commerce’s economic survey on the final quarter of 2020 are a stark reminder that economic conditions remain weak.

Mr Girling said, “Clearly this is a very disappointing picture and a stark reminder of the gravity of the situation.

“From our experience clearly some sectors have, and continue to, face incredibly challenging times under the stop-start restrictions.

“However, we have seen some signs of recovery within other sectors at a pace that is greater than we might have anticipated.

“We’ll continue to do all we can in terms of the delivery of services to support businesses but also lobbying through the British Chambers of Commerce, ensuring the voice of our business community is heard at the highest levels.”

Some 6,203 firms employing nearly a million people – including businesses from Dorset – took part in the survey.

It showed that there was no fundamental improvement in key indicators, which remained well below pre-crisis levels.