Just released: Findings – Follow up to our SMEs & COVID-19 survey.

Comparing the findings from our April and October surveys – incorporating over 800 individual responses from our UK Board-level network – to provide some perspective on how SME business sentiment has evolved over the last 6 months across a range of pertinent topics.

To view the report here

The findings are very much in line with what we are sensing from our Board-level SME network, the main headlines being:

• For many businesses the last six months have been better than predicted, maybe because of huge Government support. Some sectors, particularly travel and hospitality, continue to be hit hard.
• Views on next year are slightly more pessimistic, mainly because of a feeling of Government incompetence, the ending of support schemes and lack of a plausible vaccine.
• Confidence in the Government has dropped significantly and many of our respondents were rather vociferous on this topic.
• The furlough scheme has been a big success in helping businesses weather the storm.
• Changes in ways of working are here to stay as a more hybrid home/office environment seems to have become the new normal.
   

Our thanks go once again to all those who contributed their feedback.

We hope you find the report of interest.

Business in need of support? At this difficult time, Directorbank is
open for business and positioned to provide vital support, fast.

As a trusted partner to Private Equity, we are already geared up to source proven,
high-impact Board and senior directors, quickly. Our fully compliant network of
over 5,000 business experts is market-leading.

Developed and pre-qualified by our sector specialists, it offers a wealth of expertise,
experience and knowledge across the UK. Well known to us, many in our network
are seasoned candidates who have weathered storms before, and a significant
portion are immediately available to provide critical help to businesses in a
consulting, interim, non-executive or executive capacity.

If you’d like to confidentially discuss a recruitment requirement, or find out more
about our business and network, please contact us on 020 7255 7940, or email one
of our consultants:

James Searby, Tech and Business Services
Simon Thomas, Industrial
Lewis Buckley, Healthcare
Tim Robb, Retail & Consumer

Directorbank’s response to COVID-19:
In view of the rapidly changing situation regarding COVID-19, we would like to reassure you that business at Directorbank continues as usual. We would also like to update you on the approach we are taking.

We are complying with all guidance and advice issued by the Government and are monitoring daily developments closely. As such, we have robust business continuity plans in place to ensure uninterrupted service to our clients and candidates whilst ensuring the well-being of our team, their families and the wider community.

Our approach is as follows:

• As far as possible we are working from home and are equipped to provide a full service. As a business, we already operate a fully-tested remote working system which enables our consultants, researchers and support team members to connect to our operating platform with the same level of security and protection as office based working.
• Whilst our offices will remain open for necessary meetings, we are switching over to telephone or video meetings as the default solution.
• We have curtailed business travel for the safety of our employees, clients and candidates.
• We have postponed our forthcoming UK Tech & Communications event on 25^th March.

We will continue to monitor the situation closely and will update you with any further changes we make to our approach.

In the meantime, please feel free to contact us if you have any questions or would like more information at enquiries@directorbank.com