Cambridgeshire shop trying hard to cope with 'stressful times'
A small business group is calling for more support for independent firms
A shop worker in Cambridgeshire believes customers "tightening their belts" could be why business is tough to come by at the moment.
Greetings card shop in March has seen sales drop by around 75% compared to the run-up to Christmas last year.
"I think everybody is just tightening their belts after Christmas, the increased running costs with additional staff; it's a stressful time," Nick Lambert, director at Greetings, said.
"We try our best to look at the future and busier times ahead, and hope it all works out."
Since an £8.4 million programme to regenerate March town centre, some businesses have questioned whether it will boost local trade.
Mr Lambert feels a lot of other small businesses also feel the pinch at this time of year.
"The town's a bit of a ghost town; it's tough," he said.
"We've learned to incorporate what we make at Christmastime into paying to keep the shop going in January, so you have to account for that, but you're looking at the figures thinking 'how am I going to make it another day?'"
'Tax timebomb'
The Government is thought to be preparing a support package for pubs after an outcry over the impact of a major hike in business rates.
But analysis from the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) shows smaller firms in retail, hospitality and leisure face an average 52% rise in bills.
“Striving small businesses in retail, hospitality and leisure – from bakeries and coffee shops to garden centres, gyms and dry cleaners - are on the brink unless the Chancellor makes a decisive intervention now," Tina McKenzie, FSB policy chair, said.
“The tax timebomb that’s currently ticking will see three years of soaring bills, threatening our high streets and the jobs and services they provide.
"The Chancellor has to be realistic that without action on business rates relief, the burden will become too much to bear for some, who will either shrink or close down altogether.”
The Treasury has previously said changes made in the Autumn Budget will create a fairer, more modern system for businesses.
Mr Lambert's family have been running Greetings for the last 20 years, and hopes business can move on up.
"You just hope you've budgeted right and hope no scary bills come your way to put the nail in the coffin," Mr Lambert added.