This is our monthly small business column from the regional chair of FSB (Federation of Small Businesses) Northern Ireland, Brendan Kearney
Brendan has been self-employed for the last 44 years mainly across the catering industry. For the past seven years he has led a private medical insurance brokerage and currently employs 14 people. Brendan has been involved with the FSB over the last 20 plus years at various levels between branch, policy and regional levels within the organisation
It seems like the never-ending story; another month passes and still no sign that we have come to the conclusion of this torrid period of history when the world faced a pandemic that ultimately stopped us in our tracks. There have been many new words and phrases added to the vocabulary lists over the last eighteen months: “social distancing”, “zoom fatigue”, “pivoting” and “you’re on mute” to name a few. A new one has been added to our mix in the last few weeks - “the pingdemic” - characterising the large numbers of people are having to self-isolate after the track & trace app “pings” workers who have been close contacts to someone testing positive for COVID-19. Even those without the app are at times over cautiously self-identifying as “close-contact” to someone who has tested positive. It results of course in many businesses having to run at reduced capacity or close their doors altogether.
Over the past couple of days we have heard in the media about many local hospitality venues who have had to close because of this – leaving a trail of unfulfilled bookings, spoiled stock and disheartened business owners. Self-isolation is a valuable tool in the control of the virus spread but it seems that steps must be taken to address the rules around isolation particularly for those who have been double-vaccinated and testing negative. The Summer was a beacon of hope as a point of reopening and recovery but with the increasing number of cases and the issues around self-isolation, it has been difficult for small businesses to muster hope and positivity.
We look at England’s so called “Freedom Day” on the 19th of July with relaxation of all restrictions and while many consider that to be the way forward, it would seem that it may come with consequences. The Northern Ireland Executive have ratified a number of easements of restrictions to take place on the 26th of July and these are less radical than England’s changes and we hope the next step will be including live music being permitted indoors and conferences and exhibitions to resume. For some these seem minor and incremental allowances but these “baby steps” represent progress towards normality in perhaps a more measured fashion to prevent even more increases in case figures.
Business owners here are keen to remove restrictions as soon as possible. While most sectors are now open, the mitigations in place do significantly impact profitability. Because of social distancing, fewer people can be in premises, while staff resource is required for table service, managing track and trace and ensuring compliance with face coverings. While business owners are keen to see the back of these mitigations, they also don’t want any relaxations to be reversed. Backward steps must be avoided as we know that throughout the pandemic that it has been SMEs who have felt the brunt of economic downturn.
Small businesses are facing issues with staff shortages with many contributing factors to the reduced pool of labour, so the additional stress that self-isolation is causing is no doubt something business owners will hope the NI Executive will look at in the coming weeks as the situation becomes increasingly more untenable.
Another concern causing strain on the small business owner at the minute is around the issue of banking. We have heard from existing businesses who have had some business bank accounts closed as well as businesses unable to open new business accounts. This creates difficulty in an environment where we are trying to encourage the “start-up” and entrepreneurial spirit of Northern Ireland but practical barriers exist to this. Similarly, over recent weeks we have heard that due to decreased footfall that a number of branches of local banks are closing, leaving some towns without any physical bank presence. We understand the need for bank activities to remain viable, but we urge that banks consider their offerings now for small businesses who need the convenience of cash deposits and access to online services hindered with rural broadband issues.
With all of this creating “choppy waters” for business, we are full of admiration for the attitude of our members and small businesses who strive to keep afloat whatever is thrown at them. FSB Northern Ireland have dealt with hundreds of enquiries over the past eighteen months with businesses just wanting to find a solution to their problem so they can continue to plan, reopen and grow. We are about to embark on a national campaign “Recovery Ready” to highlight the resilience of the small business sector and to highlight some of the key benefits and supports that FSB can provide to their members. Whatever stage you are at in your reopening journey, remember that support is available and FSB will continue to bring forward issues and solutions to decision makers on your behalf so we all can “steady the ship” together successfully.
Please feel free to contact us with topics you would like this column to cover or for general feedback on the small business issues FSB Northern Ireland should be working on by emailing [email protected] or contacting your local Development Manager [email protected]. The special Covid Hub on www.fsb.org.uk has relevant resources and information available for all small businesses and the self-employed. Our members have full access to the legal hub and 24/7 employment & legal helpline for guidance and advice.