For thousands of entrepreneurs across the country, the pandemic has meant their dreams of starting new businesses had to be put on hold.
Milliner Sarah Ross (www.sarahrossmillinery.co.uk) was poised to launch her first range of showstopping hats in March 2020, with occasions such as weddings and Ascot in mind.
However, just as her products were about to go on sale, lockdown was announced, with all social events cancelled, meaning her plans ground to a halt.
After spending years training and honing her skills, Sarah, 49, from Oxshott in Surrey, was forced – along with thousands of other SMEs – to put her plans on hold.
‘I was due to launch just before lockdown was announced. I had worked through winter to prepare for it. I was supposed to have some pieces go on sale in a shop, and I had orders cancelled for Ascot as well.
‘Customer-wise, it was completely on hold. I still …