“The Government will have to support business to a far greater extent or we face Armageddon in 2021. Unless more support is given over Christmas, pubs and restaurants, and other hospitality businesses simply won’t be there to serve people when we finally beat the virus.

“The way to help the economy is by supporting those who create jobs and prosperity, and that is primarily the private sector.

“The public sector spends money whereas the private sector makes it. Both are crucial to a well-rounded society but we must remember that without business there will be no way of paying all this borrowing back. Where will we be then?”

‘Certain sectors are being left to crumble’

Anthony Smith, of Bristol-based exhibition display and stand company ADB Exhibitions, says his biggest concern is a lack of targeted support across industry.

He said: “It is plain to see that different industry sectors are facing different challenges, but both central government and local councils take a one-size-fits-all approach.

“There needs to be proper consultation – or at least a means to talk with council representatives – about individual circumstances. I appreciate the huge undertaking this would be, but certain sectors are being left to crumble while others thrive.”

Mr Smith says in order for the region to exit Tier 3, there needs to be “clear and blunt” messaging on how the restrictions work.

He added: “Many people are still confused as to what they can and can’t do and as a result, Covid is still being spread.”

‘Business is facing a long slog’

Catherine and Graham Rogers, the owners of a North Somerset cleaning franchise OvenGleamers, believe business is facing a “long slog”.

The pair, who have been running their Pill-based company for 10 years, said local people need to understand the only way businesses can trade again is to exit Tier 3 and get the positive rates down.

Catherine said: “We need to appeal to people’s sense of community spirit to help us get out of this because the quicker we can persuade people not to break the rules and spread the virus, the quicker life can be back to normal for all of us.”

She added: “Bristol needs to persuade us as a community to look out for one another. We might need to make the best of the Christmas season, but more importantly we need to explain to people how dangerous this pandemic still is.

“It’s not going away quickly. I’d simply say to Bristol to come together, help one another and let’s keep our city great.”