ONE QUARTER of businesses in the South East are preparing for a second coronavirus wave, and 48% have not planned for a local lockdown.
This is according to a recent report by Driving For Better Business (DFBB).
It surveyed 150 business owners of small- and medium-sized enterprises and 150 decision-makers in larger companies in the South East to assess how businesses are preparing for potential future lockdowns.
“Every organisation puts in place a business strategy and a plan to deliver on that strategy,” said Simon Turner, campaign manager at DFBB.
“Very few would have entered 2020 with a contingency to deal with the fallout from a global pandemic though.
“Covid-19 caused thousands of deaths across the world and we are only beginning to see the longer-term impact it will have on society, the economy and businesses.”
According to the report, the top three business concerns for the South East are staying in business in the event of further lockdowns, the costs of running a business, and staff absence due to Covid-19.
Nearly half of South East businesses have already implemented flexible working policies to enable working from home, and more than half anticipate an increase in working from home in the future.
“Overall, the findings show that business leaders have similar concerns,” Mr Turner added.
“The economic outlook is uncertain, to say the least, with experts divided over how badly different sectors could be affected.
“One thing is certain though: firms must adjust quickly and take every opportunity to minimise operational costs in order to give themselves the best chance of survival.”
