MANY small businesses around Swindon have been hit hard by the lockdown caused by the coronavirus pandemic.

As sales slump and client numbers crumble, start-up bosses around the town are fearing for their futures as the crisis looks set to last for months.

Tara Cozens runs TLC Property from her Cricklade home and marked the one-year anniversary of her company on Wednesday.

She said: “I think I picked the worst possible time to start a property business. First there was a lot of uncertainty over Brexit which caused problems for the market because people held off on moving house.

“Things improved after Christmas and I was really busy for a while, it was moving in the right direction, then this pandemic happened and it’s having an even bigger impact.

“People are, rightfully, being advised not to move house, so this means properties that have already sold are going through but moving-in dates are being held off and we can’t do any viewings for new customers.

“There are ways to adapt but that only goes so far. I’ve done virtual house tours but people like to set foot in a house before they decided whether to buy it.

“Maintenance issues in existing properties can’t be fixed if the person in them is ill. It’s had a knock-on effect on everything, it’s very frustrating but we all need to stay safe and healthy so that it will pass.

“Luckily, it’s just me with no other staff here so I haven’t had to worry about furloughs. I’m doing OK for now but it depends how long this lasts, it will make a huge difference if it lasts for six months or more.”

Jamie Martin of Correct Careers Coaching in Swindon was similarly concerned. He started his own limited company, which does not qualify for government help.

He said: “The situation has impacted me quite a bit financially and socially and I’m concerned about the longevity of it because cashflow will be a problem.

“The longer it goes on, the worse it will be for many businesses, it’s a heartbreaking situation.

“I can cope but I’ve seen a drop in clients because most of what I do is face-to-face and a lot of events have been cancelled. It’s harder to meet new clients and maintain relationships with current ones, even with the help of technology.

“People aren’t making unnecessary extra purchases and my business is not essential, it’s sales and career coaching. You have to be adaptable. I started social media coaching sessions and more networking.”