Busineness leaders, including those in Wimborne, fear that the present economic climate, is not only worse than the pandemic, but also that high streets could collapse.

Fiona Harwood, chairman of Wimborne BID said: “Our businesses have been through so much in the last few years, and there’s nowhere left for them to turn. Without immediate government support we will see many viable businesses closing their doors. This is why Wimborne BID is supporting the Business SOS campaign on behalf of our businesses.”

The newly formed #BusinessSOS campaign, founded by organisations representing over 150,000 retail, leisure, hospitality and tourism businesses believes mass closures and redundancies are inevitable if government does not swiftly implement measures that alleviate the critical pressures that businesses, like households, have been facing since April 2022.

The campaign warns of mass closure and redundancies if immediate and effective action isn’t taken.

#BusinessSOS has a three-point-plan to support ailing businesses:

1. Reduce VAT

• Headline rate reduced from 20% to 12.5%
• Business energy bills reduced from 20% to 5% to match domestic billing

2. Business Rates Relief

• 100% rate relief until 31 March 2023

3. Energy Rate Relief

• A discounted kwh price on all business energy bills

Matthew Sims, founder of #BusinessSOS campaign said: “The new Prime Minister has days to save the high street as we know it.

“The impending announcement on how the government will tackle the energy crisis facing businesses will either ensure businesses can remain trading or set in motion mass closures and redundancies.

“To say the energy crisis is worse than the pandemic is not an understatement, it is the reality facing businesses today and why the clock is ticking for the new government to provide clarity and introduce measures providing tangible and immediate relief.”