A watersports business owner has invested thousands of pounds in new equipment despite the coronavirus pandemic halving his income.

The Covid-19 crisis has resulted in firms up and down the country going bust, with government restrictions leading to them being closed for extensive periods of time.

Simon Mudd’s Essex Kitesurf School, which is located on Shoebury’s East Beach, has been made to contend with being unable to hold group sessions since the initial coronavirus outbreak 11 months ago.

While other business owners have been fearing for the future due to their profits being decimated, Simon is trying to remain positive and has spent £16,000 to improve what he has to offer ahead of being able to return to some form of normality.

Simon, of Poynings Avenue, Southchurch, said: “We are down at least 50 per cent because of havingto be closed for extensive periods of time during the pandemic.

“We have reinvested in the company because we hope that will help us to claw back some of what we have missed out on over the last year.

“No-one knows what’s going to happen this year because Covid has through a curveball at everyone.

“I try to keep spirits high and have invested £16,000 on paddleboarding, kite and wing equipment.”

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Simon, 57, has been in the business for 19 years and was unable to open the business’ doors in March - at the start of the watersports season - due to the Covid outbreak.

Stand-up paddleboarding was among the activities available when Essex Kitesurf School welcomed customers in June, but further spikes in coronavirus cases resulted in the firm being forced to shut again.

However, Simon insists he counts himself luckier than other business owners in these unprecedented times.

He added: “I’m retired but love watersports and running the business.

“A lot of people are suffering because of what Covid has done to their businesses but I haven’t feared for the future of Essex Kitesurf School.

“I have always ensured our overheads have been kept to an absolute minimum in case we ever find ourselves in a difficult situation but, unfortunately, other people aren’t able to run their businesses like that.”

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