The effects of COVID-19 on the world are clear to see as evidenced in the growing number of its victims all over the world. Not so clear to see yet (at least as of now) is the economic ruination this will spell for world economies. This is especially more so of a small city like Brighton and Hove. By David Fakey.
While Brighton and Hove’s residents have commendably stayed indoors during the nationally imposed lockdown, it is sure to affect both the local business and the bustling £7.1 billion economy of Brighton and Hove city.Hove Labour MP Peter Kyle has voiced his concerns about the negative impact the COVID-19 pandemic will have on the local economy due to its dependence on certain industries.
Mr Kyle said the city is “particularly vulnerable to the impact of an epidemic of this kind. Our economy is dominated by three sectors: hospitality and tourism, higher education, and commuting to London. We also have the highest numbers of micro-businesses and sole-person businesses per capita in the country.”
With Brighton’s chamber of commerce reporting that in 2018 90.5% of businesses in Brighton and Hove being small and local, the outbreak is sure to take a heavy toll on the city’s local businesses and economy.
The outbreak of the COVID-19 has also meant that the warm weather which usually brought along shoppers and tourists to Brighton and Hove has gone to waste. The usually packed pubs, nightclubs, beaches, tourist attractions such as i360, seaside shops and the Brighton Pier have been left deserted.
Following government’s advice for people to stay at home and only go out for essential shopping or work: local Brighton businesses have had to close due to a lack of customer activity. The lack of business and activity hasn’t gone unnoticed by residents of Brighton and Hove city.
Brighton resident Anton Johnson said: “Easter and the summer is always a busy period, but it’s been so empty. I feel sorry for the seaside and souvenir shops because the tourists and the people are their business. Without them, they can’t make any money.
COVID-19 has also posed another problem for local businesses as criminals have taken advantage of the dire situation to steal and burgle stores.A Sussex Police spokesman said: “We are seeing commercial properties and retail units at a greater risk of burglary, with criminals looking to profit during the COVID-19 outbreak.”
Despite the uncertainty this period poses, the government recently announced £350 billion bailouts for the UK economy, with loans for small business available during this tedious time.
