'It would have been nice to be back for Easter but we are happy to have a glimmer of hope'

That was the message from Visual Impact boss Steve Robson this week after the government unveiled its Covid-19 roadmap to getting Britain going again.

Steve, who criticised the government's policies before Christmas as small businesses were forced to close as supermarkets stayed open to sell clothes, books among other things.

Read more: Why are small shops on the Isle of Wight the lockdown poor relations?

He joined other Isle of Wight businesspeople in calling for a reversal of the Lockdown 2 decision, but that fell on deaf ears and despite national petitions for more fairness in Lockdown 3, Steve had to close his doors of his two Newport stores again on New Year's Eve.

The big boys got a double leg up as their stores were open and they were well set up to trade online."

Steve said: "When I closed for Lockdown 3 I had much of my winter stock still in season...now I will hopefully reopen on April 12, having missed Easter and with my spring season half gone as well.

"It is hard to afford new stock for the summer when you haven't sold your winter stock.

"But I understand the caution in the plans and no-one can afford another lockdown."

Steve said he thought they would be busy when they reopened.

"I think people will want something new to wear when they are able to go and sit in a pub garden," he said.

Asked about the future of Isle of Wight town centre retail, Steve said he thought the towns would re-emerge in a different way.

"The landlords, council and government could help us by being helpful and realistic about rents and business rates.

A lot of small businesses will be keeping a close eye on what the Chancellor has to say on Wednesday in the budget."