As the Prime Minister confirms that retails will not open until April 12th, the national discount scheme, My VIP Card, has new data that shows this is simply too long for many of these small and local shops to survive. 1 in 4 (25%) small businesses surveyed revealing that they are already on ‘borrowed time’ and are struggling to stay afloat now and waiting another 7 weeks would be fatal.

further 28% of businesses surveyed stated that the first 3 – 6 months of post-lockdown trading will be to pay off debt. The discount scheme is urging shoppers to remember and support local businesses as much as they can during the ongoing Iockdown and to shop locally once they reopen on April 12th as it will be a vital period for so many shops and services in all our local communities.

The national discount scheme recently launched a national campaign, ‘Everyone is a VIP to someone’ to support small business owners and raise awareness of mental health issues in the UK. Small business owners have had a tough year and the scheme has been actively supporting thousands of businesses through the pandemic by offering free membership and promotion to our national network of members.

Many local shops and services have adapted their solutions to offer online, click and collect or takeaway services and My VIP Card allows a ‘one stop shop’ to find all the amazing offers and discounts available in your local community and beyond. The national discount card gives local shoppers access to thousands of discounts, helping them save on average £500 a year while supporting their local high street.

Maddy Alexander-Grout, Founder of My VIP Card, added, “I am disappointed by the Prime Ministers announcement today as I feel that asking local retail to remain closed another 7 weeks is just too long. We completely support a cautious easing of lockdown, but I have personally spoken to hundreds of local business owners and many are really struggling to survive now and can’t wait until April to reopen.

My VIP Card is here to support small businesses across the UK by raising awareness and actively encouraging shoppers to benefit from local discounts. If you need support or know a small business that would benefit from becoming part of our network, then please get in touch.”