“As the coronavirus is escalated to the pandemic phase, we need to stand resolute
as a company to give as much stability as we can to our staff and their families. We
are having to adjust our ways of working and living in order to minimise the impact
on society and delay the onset of the virus. Leaving aside the affect these
necessary measures will have on individuals and families, there are key questions
that, as business owners, are on everyone’s minds.After just starting to emerge from three years of uncertainty due to Brexit, we find
ourselves in further unchartered waters in terms of what we are facing and there is
no way to tell what lies ahead. We have been promised huge support from the
government and even more has been announced since the recent budget.
All Small/Medium businesses should make the most of what is available from the
government including tax deferrals and claiming back SSP if staff are having to take
time off due to Coronavirus. Banks have made noises already that they are there to
support and this help should also be taken full advantage off.
Being a supplier to the construction and demolition industry, we feel it is imperative
that we take all the necessary precautions with our staff, in our offices, depots and
on the road. To date we have maintained a full workforce following simple human
distancing rules, using sanitisers and washing hands and improved general hygiene.
If individual companies take all the necessary precautions and implement effective
business continuity plans, the hope is that business and in particular the construction
sector can get through these challenging times and be in a position to bounce back
swiftly once the storm passes.