"Confidence is high" among small businesses in Swindon, says FSB
The "stay local" government guidance has boosted small traders in lockdown
The Federation of Small Businesses says "confidence is high" as local traders prepare to begin trading again on Monday.
The "stay local" government guidance during lockdown has meant people have used their local shops and independent hospitality venues more.
Many have also adapted their ways of trading by moving online and offering delivery services as well.
Sam Holliday, FSB South West Development Manager , said:
"Small businesses have adapted really well and there's a general census that we can start again now.
"Shops have changed but so have customers so we're going into Monday on a level playing field.
"There are a lot more positive attitudes towards small business because people have had to stay local and I think relationships have grown again.
The roll-out of the vaccination programme could also hugely benefit small businesses as more people are comfortable heading out into town centres.
Businesses who were once feeling gloomy about the future have now gained confidence due to the success of the vaccine programme.
Sam Holliday added:
"Now people are vaccinated they're more confident to go out and they're thinking about spending money again.
"I genuinely think this will make a difference. We saw last August and September the explosion of people who headed back to restaurants and shops and I think it will be very much the same thigs time around".
The pandemic has also seen the downfall of bigger high street brands with the likes of Debenhams and the Arcadia Group, who owned Topshop, fall into administration.
Although this could be seen as a good sign for small businesses with larger competitors taken off the market, Mr Holliday says it's "one less reason to go into the town centre".
He added:
"We've always had big businesses and we've always had small businesses and they actually need each other.
"If you don't have those small independent shops on the high street though our town centres and chopping centres all start to look a bit identical which could force people online.
"I think it's in interest of both the big and small businesses that each other prospers and does well".
The Federation are urging people to continue to support their local businesses, from local corner shops to takeaways and restaurants, as restrictions ease saying "behind the business is someone's livelihood".