Many Orkney businesses remain optimistic about the future

Business Gateway Orkney survey findings published online.

Despite Brexit and a global pandemic, many of the business community in Orkney remain largely optimistic and confident moving forward in the long term.

That was one of the findings of a Business Gateway Orkney “Mini Business Survey” to gauge the impact of COVID-19 and Brexit on local businesses.

A total of 178 businesses completed the survey which was designed to “take the pulse” of the business community as Government restrictions are relaxed. The survey findings are available here: www.orkney.gov.uk/BusSurvResults

Business Gateway Orkney manager Wendy Pickles said a wide range of sectors were represented with most (83.7 per cent) remaining at least partially open from March 2020-April 2021.

She said: “Not surprisingly, the pandemic has had a negative impact on business turnover overall, with 73.6 per cent of respondents highlighting that this is the case for their business. The furlough scheme has benefitted 36 per cent of businesses over this period, with 17.9 per cent of respondents still using the scheme.

“It is encouraging to note that although a large percentage of businesses have been negatively impacted by the pandemic, only 11.8 per cent have made employees redundant to date. In terms of financial support, 72.5 per cent of businesses were successful in applying for COVID related grant support and 66.4 per cent of these businesses considered these funds essential to business survival.”

As well as the pandemic, Brexit has presented further challenges to local businesses, with almost half (44.6 per cent) of respondents highlighting that their business has been affected by the withdrawal of the UK from the EU.

Wendy continued: “It is worth noting, however, that despite the challenges of the last year, many local businesses still have confidence in positively moving forward with their business in both the short (46%) and particularly longer term (68.2%). This confidence is reiterated by 59.2% of respondents indicating that they are planning to invest in business development during the next 12 months. The survey also welcomed specific feedback and business insight and the responses received will help inform consideration for future developmental support options.”

A number of key themes from the survey will be further developed.

“Whilst this was not an in-depth business survey a review of the open comments identified several themes which will be explored further with the business community and with partner agencies. For examples skills and training were noted as areas of concern seeking help, advice and support. Challenges in staff recruitment were noted (adjusting for the significant number of respondents that do not employ staff this issue is of concern to several employers). Employers can advertise their vacancies on the Orkney.com website to reach a wider audience.

“A short summer season restricted to mainly UK visitors and a limited return of cruise visits raises concerns over another difficult winter for some (particularly businesses dependent on volume tourism). The supply chain disruption: mainly construction materials but labour supply also cited as a challenge.

“There’s interest in adopting renewable energy technology and environmentally sustainable practices but businesses felt they need help to seek additional financial incentives and better information to guide and assist uptake. There remains some concerns around levels of general digital connectivity and progress towards 4/5G rollout and, finally the end of furlough and possible future redundancies are felt to present a challenge still to be overcome.

“These are all areas we can explore further with the aim of assisting businesses not only to navigate out of what has been, and continues to be for some, a very difficult time, but also some long-standing matters that should be investigated. Businesses are encouraged to contact Business Gateway anytime to discuss their plans or enquiries for assistance.”
Contact the Business Gateway Orkney on 01856 886666 or business.gateway@orkney.gov.uk