The impact of COVID has been very diverse with some businesses seeing record growth, launches of new products (for example https://www.copperrivetdistillery.com/product/russells-hand-sanitiser-5-litre/)  versus other businesses who have been locked down and no trade for c18 months.

Finance Leaders have had to evolve with cashflow management remaining number 1 concern throughout the pandemic – with detailed scenario planning essential to managing a business day to day. Finance leaders understand the impacts of government initiatives like the furlough scheme which is ending soon and various business grants, whilst counting the cost of restrictions on staff and customer interaction and funding investments in kit to enable working from home.

Most businesses have seen significant online growth and drive through e-commerce, many retailers for example have left the high street, GAP for example has announced complete digitisation in the UK with all high street shops closing. Businesses are now looking to the future and how to maximise opportunities with focus on current business models – “Resilience” has become the new buzz word.

A strong bounce back is predicted with hopefully a warm summer season transferring buying trends to eating out, hospitality also supported by the EURO 2020 and consumers also experiencing excess savings due to less travel requirements and reduced opportunity to spend disposable income during lockdown.

It is going to be essential for businesses to keep relevant for the future in hopefully post COVID lockdown era, requiring investment in new technology, upskilling of staff and also maximising wider resource pools with staff working remotely.

ACE Interim Solutions provide a data led strategic plan for our clients freeing them up to focus on the core business deliverables, we work collaboratively to drive business growth and maximise opportunities.