IAN Wood is the exception to the rule when it comes to coronavirus in 2020.

Scores of businesses up and down the UK rightly feared for the future when restrictions were initially placed on them by the UK Government in March.

Most in Wales can now add anger, disappointment and a sense of helplessness to that fear with Wales about to enter a second lockdown period on Friday.

The “firebreak” lockdown announced by the Welsh Government on Monday may only be a “short, sharp, shock” according to First Minister Mark Drakeford, who was “adamant” it won’t last beyond the two-week period set to end on November 9, but there is still much trepidation.

On the Herefordshire border, Ian has and continues to roll with the Covid-19 punches.

The barber, from Presteigne, closed his shop and took the business mobile in March. And while this new lockdown will force him to re-adjust once more, he is taking the bull by the horns once more.

“I was rebuilding after the last lockdown as I changed my business structure, so I’ll will just have to start again,” said Ian, who is sorting out some rebranding at the moment and hoping to come back after November 9 as the ‘Barbervan of Presteigne’.

“I used to have a shop in Presteigne, I’d been in town for two years and barbering for three, but gave it up due to lockdown in March.

"I’m now mobile but did park up in Presteigne occasionally before I got kicked off where I’d intended to go.

“So I’ve been fully mobile since June. I’m sorting out some rebranding at the moment so I will be the ‘Barbervan of Presteigne’ at some point and the mark two mobile barber shop is fully ready.”

Ian understands why so many businesses are worried about the future, especially if self-employed or if they have employees to look after, but while many wait and see what happens to them he decided being proactive and diversifying was the best way to go.

“I went mobile so I wouldn’t have to worry about rent and business rates because of lockdown,” he added.

“I diversified by working with my brother and because I’m mobile it’s easier to socially distance and I was already qualified to work. I do a few days a week but I will be able to do that more now over the next few weeks.”

And while businesses across Powys and indeed the rest of Wales approach the next two weeks and winter in general with a mix of scepticism, cynicism and panic, Ian understands completely why the Welsh Government have introduced it – because he’s seen people clearly not following guidelines.

“Yes, this lockdown will affect my business, but I’m more concerned with keeping my health,” said Ian.

“I’ve seen people around ignoring social distancing and not wearing masks properly or at all.”