VIEW FROM THE CHAMBER

This is usually a time of excitement and anticipation for children, last-minute preparations, food shopping and checking of lists for the grown-ups. Once again, it’s a bit different this year, although Christmas is still going to be better than 2020.

The Scottish Government has advised everyone to limit contact to three households in the time up to and after Christmas, but has stopped short of imposing restrictions on Christmas Day plans.

The changes in our behaviour due to the new Omicron variant have hit hospitality and retail hard; with bookings being cancelled and shoppers staying home to reduce their contacts in the lead-up to the most important day of the year for many of us. New legal restrictions on businesses to help control the spread of Covid-19 have now taken effect in Scotland.

Firms are now legally required to take measures to minimise transmission amid concerns about the Omicron variant. Shops and hospitality outlets have to work to reduce crowding and queueing, erect screens and barriers and enforce the wearing of face masks. Scottish ministers have offered £100million of support to firms and called on Westminster to provide more.

As we have been right through the pandemic, Lochaber Chamber of Commerce is supporting our member businesses with the information and guidance they require. Our Covid Business Information hub at www.lochaberchamber. co.uk has all the up-to-date information available about help for business, including links to current Government guidance, details of additional top-up for hospitality businesses through the Strategic Framework Business Fund, and details of funding available for businesses to make key ventilation improvements to premises through the Business Ventilation Fund.

We hope everyone will be able to enjoy Christmas with their nearest and dearest, and we will continue to support and speak up for the needs of our business community over this festive period and beyond.