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What do small business owners need to know during COVID-19?

The COVID-19 outbreak which is gripping the UK during the current time is proving a testing challenge for all business owners. The immediate question for small business owners is what they can do to cope during this immensely difficult situation? In this blog we will look at options available to small businesses, which will hopefully provide answers to questions some of which you will be able to implement.

The pandemic is causing business owners to make changes from top to bottom and many have had to adapt to new solutions on a weekly basis conforming to the Government’s guidelines.

How to support your staff during COVID-19

Although you may not be seeing them on a daily basis at the moment, maintaining staff morale during COVID-19 is of paramount importance. Staff and employees will invariably have questions they may want answering. Even by just providing a mobile number to reach out to a senior member of the team can go a long way to appease worry or confusion during this testing period. Many businesses are setting up WhatsApp groups or weekly Zoom conference meetings to reach out to their team. With so much uncertainty, it will also encourage people to network.

How best to reassure your customers during COVID-19

Providing reassurance to your customers during the coming months is so important. If your business model or opening hours has had to change as a result of COVID-19 it may be worth reaching out to them via an email explaining these changes internally, and what they can do in instances of requiring your services. If you are providing hardware or another service which requires deployment, why not explain any changes materialising your end, which could result in increased lead times to fulfill orders. Are your couriers working as normal? Factor in all the little bits to maintain that trust and rapport with your customers whilst maintaining the best service possible.

Small business owners need to follow Government advice

At the moment follow the official Government advice relating to COVID-19, rather than what social media outlets are suggesting. So much confusion can stem from information portrayed on social media so be wary not to be influenced by “click bait” or propaganda. There have been instances of videos circulating on social media which have attempted to cause scare mongering in an attempt to gain likes or re-tweets. We recommend following Government announcements and monitoring updates on Gov.uk. Keep afloat for updates relating to small business owners on daily news bulletins.

How is COVID-19 impacting your existing suppliers?

Reach out to your existing suppliers. Keep them up to speed of changes your end. Equally you may find they are encountering similar problems as yourself during COVID-19 which is resulting in them struggling to fulfill orders. If your suppliers are unable to supply various aspects of your agreement, look at things logically and look to source alternative means to see you through COVID-19.

 Business rates relief during COVID-19

The British Government have stated they do not plan to charge business rates, on businesses trading in the hospitality and leisure sector in addition to the retail sector and plan relief for 900,000 properties. For more detailed we suggest visit https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus and following the necessary steps to source more detailed information.

Business support during COVID-19

If you need to talk to your government about business support during COVID-19 you can reach the UK line on 0300 456 3565. The number has been set up to provide support and advice on how best to cope during COVID-19. This number is available between Monday to Friday, 9am to 6pm. Alternatively you can email enquiries@businesssupporthelpline.org. Please note any information in this blog is subject to change without prior warning and is correct at the current time of publication.

How can contactless payments save your business during COVID-19?

From 1st April 2020, the UK will be increasing the contactless limit to £45 with the sole intention to minimise and limit people wanting to pay by cash during this testing period.  The reason behind the decision was to help restrict the number of physical touch points. Why has the contactless limit in the UK been increased to £45? Quite simply it was deemed a necessary measure in order to minimise the number of physical touch points where infection of COVID-19 can be transmitted.

Members of the public have been advised to be cautious when using cash points and ATM cash machines because of the hygiene associated with them whilst making cash withdrawals. It has been stressed that when handling cash, you should avoid touching your nose, eyes and mouth until you can wash your hands.

If your business needs to accept contactless card payments the process is straight forward. Most reputable payment providers should have your business set up in a couple of days and it if you opt to take mail order telephone orders it will enable you to process payments over the phone without the need of the customer being present.

Providing a list of frequently asked questions on your website during COVID-19

With so much changing on a daily basis it may be a worthwhile suggestion for your small business to prepare a list of responses for questions your customers are likely to ask during this testing period. It allows small business owners to provide answers in greater detail whilst providing reassurances to anyone interested in your services and products. It should be easy to write and you can amend whenever necessary. Also update this on any social media platforms you use.

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