Business leaders in Coventry and Warwickshire have welcomed the latest easing of Covid-19 restrictions being lifted that will allow more businesses to open up from Monday (April 12).

The Prime Minister announced that the roadmap out of restrictions was still on course which means that some sections of the economy can reopen such as non-essential retail, gyms, hairdressers and hospitality venues that serve food and drink outside.

Sean Rose, policy officer at the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, said: "Businesses have welcomed the support that they have received over the past year but what they really want to be able to do is trade.

"This latest announcement means more of our local businesses will be able to start doing what they do best again as of Monday.

"That said, there are still many areas of the economy that are still on hold until the next phase of the roadmap and businesses in those sectors are keen to open up as soon as possible.

"However, firms will need clarity around Covid certification as there is much speculation and discussion around what this may mean and which businesses might be affected but without concrete proposals, firms won't know whether they need to prepare for it."

Claire Walker, Co-Executive Director of the British Chambers of Commerce, said: "This is great news. Many firms will be breathing a huge sigh of relief that they will soon be able to reopen their doors to customers. The last year has taken a heavy toll on firms across the country and they will be counting down the hours until they can begin trading and rebuilding their businesses.  

"However, the route back to a full reopening of the economy is still a long way off,withcontinued uncertainty for some sectors about whether,and when,the next roadmap steps will be met and many more firms asking questions, yet to be answered, about when they can open at full capacity or with fewer restrictions."