Scottish Chambers of Commerce Coronavirus Business Recovery Survey

Scottish companies seek guidance as government support schemes take effect

• 87% of firms said lost income is their highest concern if the economy does not begin to open back up over the next two months
• The number of companies fearing imminent collapse has reduced showing signs government support is taking effect
• More than half of businesses (58%) surveyed said they would need a week or less to get back up and running under a partial or complete end of the lockdown.
• 69% of firms say they need clear government guidance & support to help them come out of lockdown: Over half of responses indicated the need for further direct financial support (54%)
  and half of responses also highlighted a need for contingency plans for potential further lockdown

Scottish businesses hit by the Covid-19 lockdown could be ready to hit the ground running once they are given clear guidance from the Scottish Government on returning to work, according to a new survey by the Scottish Chambers of Commerce.

The poll shows that while the vast majority of businesses in Scotland continue to fear for their survival, there are signs companies are benefitting from access to a range of government support
schemes.
More than half of businesses (58%) surveyed said they would need a week or less to get back up and running under a partial or complete end of the lockdown. However, the vast majority (69%) said they would need clear advice and guidance from government to make a recovery. This need outstripped calls for further financial support, which was still deemed necessary by 54% of
respondents.

Up to 87% of businesses have said loss of income is their chief risk to survival while a further 63% cite declines in cash flow as their most significant threat.

Over one in five businesses (22%) said they face imminent collapse in the next two months while 43% fear they won’t be able to survive if lock down conditions persist.

These figures represent a small decrease in risk compared to previous survey data which found that catastrophic declines in income and cash caused by lock down conditions meant almost half (48%) of companies faced collapse in the upcoming quarter.

Dr Liz Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Chambers of Commerce said:
“Scottish businesses are bruised and it is still the case some are likely to fail. But those that are ready and able to get back to work are showing some signs of confidence they could make it through.
“What is clearly needed now is guidance, specific to sectors, on how to return to work in a way that is safe for employees, customers and the wider population.
“This survey shows that support from the range of schemes launched by both the Scottish and UK governments are having an impact. However, as well as need for guidelines there is still demand for continued support to ensure that businesses lead us out of this economic collapse as soon as conditions permit. Direct support to ensure employment doesn’t collapse is important but
government should also be focused on areas such as infrastructure investment, childcare and skills development as a means of supporting business in the recovery period.”

The survey showed that the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme was by far the most used scheme with 65% of businesses in Scotland surveyed having accessed it.
Dr Cameron added: “Recent moves to extend the popular furlough scheme were welcome but there are still concerns for businesses, particularly those in rural areas or those reliant on tourism, whether the extension is enough. There’s still the risk the scheme will run out before businesses have enough income to pay staff.”

Commenting on the extension of the CLBILS scheme, including extending the lending limit to £200m, Dr Liz Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Chambers of Commerce said:

“This is welcome news. The Treasury has continued to listen to the concerns of business and is making sensible changes to business support schemes.

“These vital changes will make a real difference to companies, in particular larger firms. Access to finance is a priority for businesses of all sizes and the changes to this scheme, coupled with the other lending support schemes available will make sure that companies get the help they need to see them through this economic crisis.”

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*Please note that any information on specific events was correct at the time of print and may have since changed, please check direct with the relevant business for the most up to date information.

Commenting on HM Treasury guarantee of Trade Credit Insurance, Dr Liz Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Chambers of Commerce said: 

“This is excellent news. By backing Trade Credit Insurance (TCI), the Treasury is protecting thousands of Scottish businesses from spiralling costs of premiums or even the loss of this key business-to-business transaction support scheme.

“This support will be hugely welcome to businesses, many of which have already been nearly crushed by the collapse of income caused by the coronavirus lock down. By assuring TCI, the UK Government reduces the risk of supply chain collapse and underpins confidence across all markets. “

The Scottish Chambers of Commerce has welcomed the UK Chancellor Rishi Sunak’s announcement today to extend the Coronavirus Jobs Retention Scheme to protect jobs and livelihoods.

Dr Liz Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Chambers of Commerce said:

“This is great news. Businesses and employees across Scotland will be extremely relieved by the Chancellor’s decision to extend the furlough scheme to October rather than face a cliff edge with its originally planned withdrawal at the end of June.

“This direct employee financial support has been a lifeline which has enabled many jobs to be retained rather than businesses having to face making massive redundancies. As we begin to consider a ‘return to workplace’ plan to restart the economy, flexibility in these schemes will be paramount to protecting jobs until businesses are able to trade normally once more.

“We look forward to seeing further detail on the proposed employers’ contribution. We would ask that this takes into consideration, particularly for SMEs, their ability to pay contributions depending on how quickly their income recovers as lock down eases. Trading conditions will differ depending on location and sector and the flexibility of the furlough scheme must take these factors on board.

“We will continue our engagement with the Treasury to make sure business support remains flexible and accessible for Scottish businesses.”

Calling upon the UK Chancellor to extend the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme and reaffirm support for Scotland’s industries and sectors, Dr Liz Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Chambers of Commerce said:

“As each of the four nations of the UK attempt to resume business operations and economic recovery, the Treasury must reaffirm its commitment to supporting Scotland’s industries and sectors by extending grant support schemes and industry stimulus packages.

“In particular, the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme must be extended beyond its current cliff edge. The furlough scheme has helped save millions of jobs in recent weeks and a longer programme of support will be necessary in light of continued restrictions put in place to ensure the spread of the virus is kept to a minimum. Extending the scheme will ensure that there are jobs to go back to as restrictions carefully ease in the coming weeks and months.“

The Scottish Chambers of Commerce has welcomed the publication on guidance for employers in England on how to work safely during the coronavirus pandemic. SCC calls on the Scottish Government to align its advice for businesses ahead of publication of guidance for some Scottish firms expected later this week.

Dr Liz Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Chambers of Commerce said:

“These guidelines are targeted only at businesses operating in England but we hope they will be useful to guide Scottish businesses and their employees as to what they need to put in place to make certain we are all following the same rules, ensuring the safety of all of us.

“It would have been preferable for all the nations within the UK to be adopting a co-ordinated approach to returning to work, but it has become evident that this is not now going to be the case.

“While the Scottish Government prepares guidelines, initially focussing on the manufacturing, construction and retail sectors this week, the lessons learned over the last 24 hours show that business and our employees need clarity and detail. We need guidelines to clearly state what business have to put in place and within what timeframe.

“We went into lockdown at speed, however it will take major change and planning to come out of it. We need guidance ahead of lock down easing so that we can ensure the safety of our employees and the sustainability of jobs and livelihoods.”

Commenting on the Prime Minister’s address this evening (10th May) in which he set out a conditional plan for the next phase of the response to Covid-19, Dr Liz Cameron OBE, Chief Executive of the Scottish Chambers of Commerce said:

“The health and safety of all is our major priority. The Prime Minister Boris Johnson has presented a road map, subject to review, as to how and when certain sectors of our economy could return.

“Companies will do everything they can to protect employees and customers, maintain social distancing and operate successfully so we need clarity on when more sections of the economy are permitted to re-open in Scotland.

“We urge the Scottish Government to update their framework for decision making to set out a return to work, as soon as it is possible, so that businesses in Scotland do not fall behind their counterparts in England. There is also a risk that variations in the approach between the nations will inevitably cause confusion for business owners and employees.

“We recognise the unique balancing act of decision making our politicians are currently undertaking to reflect different conditions and data on the spread of the disease. However, if we don’t have clear line of sight out of lockdown, businesses will struggle to survive and struggle to protect livelihoods.”

Commenting on the First Minister’s announcement today that funding for Scottish businesses from the Pivotal Enterprise Resilience Fund is to be increased, Dr Liz Cameron OBE, Chief Executive of the Scottish Chambers of Commerce said:

“This is a good announcement today by the First Minister to double the Pivotal Enterprise Resilience Fund from £45 million to £90 million.

“The volume of applications to this fund was high, demonstrating that for many SME’s, working capital and cash in the bank could be the difference from surviving to going under.

“As ever, the speed of decision making and getting the money into our bank accounts is critical.’’