Life as it used to be remains a frustratingly distant prospect, but the industry has adapted to the so-called ‘new normal’ and is better positioned to make the most of what 2021 ushers in.

And whatever else it brings, there will certainly be ongoing volatility as the pandemic plays out.

When the latest English lockdown ends on December 2, big population and retail centres such as Birmingham and Manchester will be in tier three where the strictest measures will be in force. Areas formerly in tier one are now, in the main, coming out into tighter tier-two rules.