Although virtually all Covid-19 restrictions have now been removed, anyone contemplating starting a new business, especially a bricks and mortar one, needs to be wary of current economic conditions. Higher energy and fuel prices will not just mean increased costs for your business, but less spare cash for consumers to spend.

Your plans will also need to factor in the current high rate of inflation, increased borrowing costs following four Bank of England base rate increases since December 2021, plus staffing shortages.