THE Adver is backing Swindon's businesses as non-essential retailers have been given the green light to gradually re-open.

Many of the town's homegrown companies have struggled during lockdown as trade dwindled and extra costs rose while they tried to adapt to these difficult circumstances.

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Soon these companies' troubles may begin to ease, as the government announced that car showrooms and outdoor markets could operate again from Monday while other shops and businesses can begin a phased return to trading from June 15.

New guidance will be published for the retail sector detailing the measures they should take to meet the necessary social distancing and hygiene standards.

Phil Smith is the managing director of Business West, which has offered support and advice to hundreds of businesses during lockdown.

Commenting on the announcement, Mr Smith said: “Clarity and guidance on plans for a phased reopening of the retail sector will be welcomed.

“Businesses will be taking a safe, proportionate and risk-based approach to returning to work, in close consultation with their staff.

"For many this will be an entirely new way of operating as they apply guidance to the practical realities of their business.

“HSE and local authorities should support businesses as they seek to comply with the new rules - and reserve new enforcement powers for the tiny minority of businesses who are wilfully disobeying or ignoring their obligations.”