What will post-lockdown look like for small businesses

As we slowly emerge from lockdown, both for the team here and for many of our clients it is time to start returning to the office and getting back to some sort of normality.

But what will the 'new normal' look like for small businesses? Will firms keep their offices and some degree of flexible working or will we revert to long hours and old ways?

Along with many of our clients, although pre-lockdown some of our working practices were remote, the way we operated had to change overnight as a result of social distancing.

Do we still need offices?

Many of us have continued to operate and provide our services from home during this time and I know some businesses are not planning on reopening premises because practices have changed so radically.

Depending on which sector you operate in, working remotely can be almost as effective and infinitely more time efficient. There's the obvious reduction in overheads when you stop having an office and that's before you add up the cost of commuting and having multiple cars in your household – sometimes primarily to get to work.

But there's more to it than that. In my opinion, you just can't put a value on the banter and social aspect of being in an office – at least for some of the time. Communication is far easier and I've really missed the interaction of my colleagues.

Training and supporting members of the team is also easier face-to-face and this is an integral part of our office life and how we learn and develop. 

I think many firms will continue with physical premises, but many will be far smaller than previously and hot desking will be more common. 

A blended approach featuring home and office working is what I predict will become the norm for many, although many sales-based teams for example may still need to be office-based.

Flexible working for carers

For years, many owners of small businesses (me included), have struggled to juggle the demands of running a firm alongside managing childcare – especially for the long summer break.

Now is a great opportunity for workplaces to become truly flexible and inclusive, whether a member of their staff is caring for a child or an ageing parent, it has proven to be more than possible to work differently.

I have lots of friends who have 'top and tailed' with their partners to enable a balance of work and childcare and there has been understanding from the majority of employers in extending greater flexibility to their staff.

There's no reason why some degree of this can't continue once schools re-open, as long as the needs of the business are met.

What will clients want?

Many of our clients have been forced to adapt and are now happy to have video meetings, but I'm sure there's still a need for some face- to-face or telephone contact.

Over the past few months, I have been trying to call a handful of clients each week just to check in and find out where they may need extra support during this time. It's been a struggle for all of us in different ways and I think personal contact is more important than ever.

I think a balance of remote and physical contact is necessary for us all and our clients are no different. The positive aspect of lockdown has been the acceleration of adopting up-to-date technology in our everyday business and that can only help us all to be more productive as we re-open.

I'm hoping the coming weeks and months will see us keeping the benefits that have arisen out of this challenging time and we'll better appreciate the little things about returning to the office, like catching up with team mates.

I also think we'll all remember the businesses that supported us and I hope we'll continue to support our local communities more.

We work in partnership with many businesses, charities and individuals across West Sussex and beyond. Please feel free to get in contact with one of us for an informal chat about your business finances on 01403 337490.

Why Giltinan and Kennedy?

At Giltinan and Kennedy, we're always striving to improve our service to clients and our quarterly complimentary business reviews or Business Support Sessions for new clients, save you £200 per meeting.

The no-pressure meeting (currently by phone or video call) will cover how we can support you with robust and up-to-the-minute business and financial planning.

And if you recommend us to a friend and they go ahead and work with us, we'll make a £50 donation to the NHS.

Working with me and my hand-picked team, you have access to my many years' experience as a financial accountant and small business owner.

We can:

• ensure you save on tax costs and pay competitive fees for your accounts
• provide a complete, objective, service, with the benefit of calling on our wide range of professional partners
• be proactive, ensuring we are up to date with the latest changes and legislation
• offer a fixed fee tax return service to help you budget.

Why me?

Especially in these challenging times, I understand the pressures you face and I tailor my services to meet your changing needs.

As well as general accountancy and extensive tax skills, myself and another partner also have individual specialist skills which enable us to provide you with a comprehensive, first-class service.

This means that you can stop worrying about your finances and instead be reassured that your accounts and any tax work will be carried out by my qualified and experienced accountants. They will never be delegated to unqualified staff or subcontracted, as is increasingly the case with other practices.

I provide a high quality service at a reasonable price, within budget. There are no hidden extras and we agree all fees in advance.

Email me here, direct message or call me on 01403 337490 to see how we can support you.