UK firms fear twin force of Covid plus Brexit will force them under

More than 250,000 small businesses expect to fail in 2021 as state support dwindles'

Small businesses and manufacturers are bracing themselves for a fight for survival this year, according to fresh survey data, as they negotiate the twin threats of Covid-19 and weaker post-Brexit trade with the EU.

More than 250,000 small firms expect to fold without further government financial support, according to a quarterly poll by the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB).