Tough times ahead for Sheffield's small businesses

Creator Hair has been a mainstay on the busy West Street for 29 years.

Despite having a deep-rooted client base, owner Mark Pearson has concerns if the salon cannot reopen until late June or July.

He said: “I think everyone’s finances will be so tight by then that they may not be able to get haircuts. They won’t be a priority.

“It’s just a case of it can only go on for so long – that’s the fear for me – going into late June or July.”

Mr Pearson admitted that even after re-opening, social distancing measures will reduce the number of customers entering the salon.

He added: “We have 35 units between two floors, 12 stylists and seven auxiliaries. I’ve been in the last few weeks and took a tape measure but there’s areas that are bottlenecks. It’s impossible sometimes to have the distancing.

“We’re going to have to look at practicality. But it’s hard when you’re doing things such as shampoo or highlights, as you have to get up close to the client. I know the nail bars have put up Perspex, but for hair salons there’s just so many things we have to think about.”

Popular vintage store Cow is also preparing for future easing of restrictions and the possibility of customers returning.

Manager Lucy Murray said: “Over at Cow we’re all doing as well as possible aside from running out of things to do at home! We are lucky enough to be on the furlough scheme proposed by the government at this time.

“We are already putting safety measures in place for our return to the shop including masks, gloves and a protective screen for the till. I’m confident our business will get through these tough times and we’re really hoping all our lovely neighbours and all the amazing local business do too. It’s such a shame to see people struggling as the small businesses are really what make Sheffield great.”

So Famous Burger opened on January 8 and invested at least £700,000 into starting up.

A company spokesman welcomed the various options made available from the government but highlighted the difficulties in receiving grants as a recently opened business.

He said: “Financially it has ruined us.

“Loans wise we have been refused as we lack trading history.”

He added: “We will re-open as the fight has to continue. Giving up is not an option.”