Many businesses are hoping that the return of indoor dining will stimulate their own trade, according to a Champion Green survey of SMEs.

More than half of those questioned believe that having bars, restaurants and cafés fully open is important for the local economy. Some 56pc believe the quality of local food and hospitality offerings can affect local shopping habits, with anticipation that tomorrow’s opening up of indoor dining will encourage consumers to stay closer to home for shopping.

More than half of small business owners said they lost money due to turnover falling during COVID-19 lockdowns. The average overall loss was put at 43pc for the year ending March 2021.

However, SMEs remain upbeat with four in five stating they are confident or very confident about their own employment situation in the next three months, while 66pc are confident on the security of their business.

Champion Green provides business advice and marketing support to SMEs and highlights how consumers can make a difference in driving the recovery of small business. Plans for Champion Green this year include a dedicated Champion Green loyalBe loyalty app for locally produced goods and a National Champion Green Week in September to encourage consumer support for local businesses. It is chaired my Marion O’Gorman of Kilkenny Design Group.