Published: Tuesday 30 June 2020
A business survey in Kensington and Chelsea has revealed that a lack of customer demand is the biggest concern for business owners, as they reopen after lockdown.
The survey, conducted by Kensington and Chelsea Council, had more than 300 responses and 72 per cent cited this is their top worry.
More than half of respondents (59 per cent) said having to close their business had caused the biggest impact during the coronavirus pandemic.
Other findings include:
- 45 per cent of respondents said a lack of customer access had the biggest impact
- 33 per cent said that they were ineligible for financial support from government
- 52 per cent said getting customers and clients back would be the most significant aid to their recovery
- 24 per cent said getting their workforce back would be the biggest aid to their recovery
Since lockdown began, the Council has supported 147 businesses who had not been able to access financial support from government, with its own £500,000 Business Interruption Fund.
Now as lockdown eases, it is introducing a number of new measures to encourage shoppers, visitors and workers back to the borough. So far this has included closing Portobello Road – home to the world-famous Portobello Market – to traffic on market days and announcing the potential for a pop up cycle lane on Kensington High Street.
As the phased easing of lockdown continues and more and more businesses are allowed to open, understanding what support our business community needs is vital.
The Council is working to ensure that business owners and the self employed have access to all of the support available to them, through business forums, partner organisations and Council channels.
Businesses can access information and guidance for reopening on the dedicated portal at webtest.rbkc.gov.uk/reopening-business.
For all other business advice and support, you can visit webtest.rbkc.gov.uk/covid19-business.
The Council’s new e-newsletter ‘Business Matters’ provides direct updates and announcements to ensure businesses have the latest information to hand. Subscribe online now.