80% of British small businesses believe they have shown resilience at its best throughout the pandemic.
79% noted that they have had to adapt their business throughout the pandemic, but 75% feel optimistic about their company's future.
As we say goodbye to lockdown restrictions, new research from Sky Connect, Sky's new B2B telecoms business, celebrates the strength and adaptability of British small businesses with a third revealing that the secret to their resilience over the past year is sheer hard work and motivation. The majority of the UK's SMEs (80%) - which make up over 99% of the business population - believe they have shown resilience at its best throughout the pandemic.
In fact, SMEs have fared better than larger businesses with Local Data Company research revealing that the independent retail and leisure market was more resilient than chains. With 66% of small businesses agreeing that they are more resilient than larger businesses.
Over this past year, businesses across the UK have had to deal with a lot of change, with almost a third of British SMEs saying they have felt anxious and 79% noting that they have had to adapt their business. However, during this incredibly tough time for small businesses, over half have lent a helping hand to another business in need, with London's SMEs being the most generous across the UK (69%).
Kevin O'Toole, Managing Director, Sky Connect said: It's been a tough year for British small businesses. But it's testament to their resilience that many of our smallest businesses are among the most adaptable - and the most optimistic about the future. It was no surprise to me to see that they've bounced back better than larger firms. At Sky Connect, we believe that small businesses should be provided with as much support, and the best tools as possible to grow and recover."
Mike Cherry, Federation of Small Businesses National Chair, said: Sky Connect's research shines a new light on how small businesses have coped through COVID and the public health restrictions. The resilience of the country's 6 million small business owners has never been more on display than it has during this pandemic. Small firms helped each other, engaged in their local communities and did their bit to get through to the other side of the crisis. After incredibly tough times, confidence and optimism among small businesses is now bouncing back. They are ready to innovate, reinvent themselves, connect to customers and drive the recovery.
Thankfully, 75% said they feel optimistic about the future of their business as we come out of lockdown and almost a third (32%) of UK's small businesses say that they have felt more resilient thanks to the strength of their staff over the past year.
In fact, the UK's most optimistic industries are manufacturing (87%), healthcare (85%), and construction (81%). But even the hardest hit sectors are positive about the future, with 80% of food service, 73% of retail and automotive and 71% of travel agent SMEs currently feeling optimistic for their businesses.
Bronwyn Lowenthal, Founder of London-based sustainable womenswear brand Lowie said: The pandemic has been one of the biggest challenges for the business since Lowie was founded nearly twenty years ago. But we used our passion for what we do to work hard, push us through the tough times and adapt to a fully online business during lockdowns. The work we put in to reach customers online has benefited us long-term and we're now feeling very optimistic about the future of the brand as we continue to improve our ecommerce offerings and create beautiful handcrafted designs we know our customers will love.
Kyle Parchment, Founder of Birmingham-based vegan food delivery service Jam N Vegan said: While the pandemic presented challenges for us and many local businesses, we were determined to keep the business running at all costs and continue to provide the community and our loyal customers with tasty and sustainable vegan meals to help see them through the depths of lockdown. Witnessing the incredible positive response from our customers, who have truly rallied around us during this difficult time, has made us more and more optimistic for the future and shown that hard work really does pay off.
Sky Connect is a new entrant in the UK B2B telecoms market focused on partnering with small businesses to provide them with a better broadband experience, offering purpose-built business products, exceptional service, and simple pricing with no hidden fees. Created with reliability in mind, Sky Connect offers Connection Pro', an automatic 4G back-up service, as well as VoiceEdge' - the UK's most feature-rich* inclusive digital phone service for small businesses, helping them to manage their calls from anywhere and everywhere.
To support small businesses in bouncing back from the pandemic, Sky recently launched SME100, a £2 million+ support scheme for UK SME's. The scheme offered 100 small businesses £20,000 of free TV advertising across Sky Media's channels, as well as a free 12-month superfast broadband and digital phone package, courtesy of Sky Connect.
For more information on Sky Connect and the survey results visit: https://businessconnect.sky.com/smepandemicresilience.
For more information please contact
Charlotte Mitchell, Head of PR & Communications, Sky Connect: charlotte.mitchell2@sky.uk
Sky Connect press office: skyconnect@fightflight.co.uk
Survey methodology
Sky Connect commissioned a Censuswide research survey of 2,000 UK SME decision makers on 13th to 24th May 2021. The research highlights the resilience of SMEs across the UK during the pandemic and how optimistic they are feeling about their future.
*Most Feature Rich: Based on a comparison of any of Sky Connect's business broadband and voice packages
Two thirds of British SME's agree that they have shown more resilience during the pandemic than larger businesses
22/07/2021
| LINK: | https://www.skygroup.sky/en-gb/article/two-thirds-of-british-sme-s-agr... |
| See more stories from sky |
Europe Stories
20/09/2021
Circular economy: Bringing the intellectually ambitious concept to life
Chances are, most things that currently surround you have been produced following the principles of the linear economy. From the clothes that you wear to the ph...
20/09/2021
Sky celebrates the return of Never Mind the Buzzcocks with a star-studded LIVE Identity Parade'
To celebrate the return of the iconic pop culture panel show, Never Mind the Buz...
20/09/2021
Sky and Love Nature expand content partnership into Germany and Italy giving customers access to Sky Nature
Love Nature, a wildlife and nature brand with linear and streaming channels avai...
20/09/2021
Nokia and DigitalC to provide internet connectivity to thousands of underserved homes in Cleveland, Ohio using Private LTE
Nokia and DigitalC to provide internet connectivity to thousands of underserved ...
20/09/2021
Tongbo Opens CODA Audio Facility In Beijing
More than a hundred industry partners and members of the media recently attended the opening of the CODA Audio Beijing Operations Centre. The Centre which took ...
20/09/2021
Germany's Studio Babelsberg to expand, invest in new technologies
Studio Babelsberg is one of Europes biggest studio facilities, with 21 sound stages By Jenny Priestley Published: September 20, 2021 Studio Babelsberg is on...
20/09/2021
Netflix, Aviva Investors partner to expand Longcross Studios
The partnership is expected to significantly increase the breadth and calibre of production facilities, said the two companies By Jenny Priestley Published:...
20/09/2021
ARRI launches multiple challenges to validity of lighting effect patents in view of myriad prior art
ARRI launches multiple challenges to validity of lighting effect patents in view...
19/09/2021
VuWall Reduces Video Wall Integration Time and Increases Operator Efficiency With TRx Version 3.1
VuWall Reduces Video Wall Integration Time and Increases Operator Efficiency Wit...
18/09/2021
Sky and NOW launch official trailer for Succession Season 3
Ahead of its much-anticipated return to TV screens, Sky and NOW today launch the official extended trailer for Succession Season 3. A Sky exclusive in the UK an...
18/09/2021
How to create Virtual Sets with Mistika Technology
Published On: September 17th, 2021 -- -- -- -- width=1920 height=1080 class=wp-image-0 lazyload data-orig-src=https://www.sgo.es/wp-content/uploads/VS...
17/09/2021
Nokia and Indosat Ooredoo launch 5G network in Indonesia
Nokia and Indosat Ooredoo launch 5G network in Indonesia Press Release Nokia and Indosat Ooredoo launch 5G network in Indonesia Nokia's latest 5G AirSc...
17/09/2021
The awards are still on! Best in Market nominations open
Submission deadline extended to 7th October By Jenny Priestley Published: September 17, 2021 Updated: September 20, 2021 Submission deadline extended to 7...
17/09/2021
Dutch government relaxes travel and social distancing restrictions
IBC Show organisers say decision means they can stage event as close to business as usual' as we could hope for in the current environment By Jenny Priest...
17/09/2021
It must have been a difficult decision: Industry reacts to NAB cancellation
TVBEurope hears from key industry figures about the decision to cancel NAB Show 2021 By Jenny Priestley Published: September 17, 2021 TVBEurope hears from k...
17/09/2021
Eurovision Sport and IMG ensure widespread coverage of centenary UCI Road World Championships
Eurovision Sport and IMG ensure widespread coverage of centenary UCI Road World ...
16/09/2021
Our Fashion Week Round-Up of Fashion & Beauty Work Across Technicolor Creative Studios
Discover Luna Rossa Ocean, the New Fragrance by Prada Mikros MPC teams provided ...
16/09/2021
September 2021 Update to Emtree(R) Now Available on STN
The latest version of the Emtree thesaurus launched in Embase on STN on September 12, 2021. Emtree remains a great resource for the latest terminology in biomed...
16/09/2021
Sky Studios and Birmingham Repertory announce final writers for Sky Comedy Rep
Partnership between Sky Studios and Birmingham Repertory Theatre aims to discover and develop new comedy writing talent from across the UK Over 750 people app...
16/09/2021
Cross-industry CEO Alliance backs EU plan to cut carbon emissions by 55% by 2030
Home News & Press Releases Spokespeople Assets Blog Contact us Cross-industry CEO Alliance backs EU plan to cut carbon emissions by 55% by 203...
16/09/2021
New Digital Services from Schneider Electric use Condition-Based Maintenance to Pinpoint Operational Risks and Create Business Resilience in Ireland
Home News & Press Releases Spokespeople Assets Blog Contact us ...
16/09/2021
New Digital Services from Schneider Electric use Condition-Based Maintenance to Pinpoint Operational Risks and Create Business Resilience in the UK
Home News & Press Releases Spokespeople Assets Blog Contact us ...
16/09/2021
Schneider Electric launches GenieEvo Connected - Air-Insulated Switchgear with Scalable Connectivity
Home News & Press Releases Spokespeople Assets Blog Contact us ...
16/09/2021
Schneider Electric reaches number 1 spot for sustainability in its sector by ESG rating agency Vigeo Eiris
Home News & Press Releases Spokespeople Assets Blog Contact us ...
16/09/2021
Rohde & Schwarz work to promote technology and solutions in the Americas following NAB withdrawal
Rohde & Schwarz work to promote technology and solutions in the Americas followi...
16/09/2021
Riedel Intercom Systems Give Brooklyn's Renowned BRIC Arts Media Agility in Managing Productions and Events
Wuppertal September 16, 2021 Riedel Intercom Systems Give Brooklyn's Renow...
16/09/2021
It's A Sin wins New Drama at the National Television Awards
It's A Sin won in the New Drama category at the National Television Awards. Star of the show, Olly Alexander said when accepting the award: Thank you so ...
16/09/2021
Is Your New Smart Oven Really Smart or a Handy Door Through Which Hackers Gain Entry?
By Tim Pearson, Senior Director, Product Marketing I recently visited a friend&...
16/09/2021
ITN pays tribute to former ITV News editor Geoff Hill
ITN today pays tribute to former ITV News Editor Geoff Hill, who has passed away following a long period of illness. A highly talented and passionate journalis...
16/09/2021
From Company 3: Company 3 London hires world renowned Colourist Jean-Clment Soret and Executive Producer Ellora Soret
Company 3 have announced the hire of world-renowned Colourist Jean-Cl ment Soret...
16/09/2021
Well-oiled machine in the Formula 1 circus
Well-oiled machine in the Formula 1 circus Broadcast Rental feels at home on Circuit Zandvoort From 2016 Broadcast Rental company has had strong ties with the...
16/09/2021
LEGENDARY CEO, PRODUCER, AND WRITER SHONDA RHIMES TO KEYNOTE BRIGHTCOVE PLAY 2021'
All Press ReleasesShare All Press Releases LEGENDARY CEO, PRODUCER, AND WRIT...
16/09/2021
Banijay Italia Scores First International Version of Star in the Star
Banijay today confirms Canale 5 has commissioned Banijay Italia to produce a primetime run of Star in the Star. This marks the first international adaptation of...
16/09/2021
Arts Alliance Media Powers San Sebastian International Film Festival for the Seventh Consecutive Event
Arts Alliance Media (AAM), the global leader in digital cinema software and supp...
16/09/2021
The Poisoning: an AFP documentary podcast on the Navalny saga
Alexei Navalny is arguably the most divisive figure in Russian politics, and certainly President Vladimir Putin's most determined and well-known opponent. H...
16/09/2021
When disaster strikes, head to the cloud
Imagine Communications Michael Rebel explains why replicating a primary playout centre in the cloud can helps broadcasters if disaster strikes By Contributor ...
16/09/2021
SONY WORLD PHOTOGRAPHY AWARDS 2022 JUDGES AND UPCOMING EXHIBITION DATES ANNOUNCED
The World Photography Organisation is delighted to announce the judging panel fo...
16/09/2021
MovieLabs publishes Ontology for Media Creation
The conceptual framework and set of defined terms enable both people and software to communicate with greater data interoperability By Jenny Priestley Publish...
16/09/2021
DAZN possibly' interested in acquiring BT Sport
Kevin Mayer told the RTS Cambridge Convention Mayerits really quiet in terms of talks around a potential acquisition of the broadcaster By Jenny Priestley Pub...
16/09/2021
News UK to launch new TV channel
talkTV will offer a mix of programming including hourly news bulletins, sports and entertainment shows as well as current affairs, debate, opinion and documenta...
16/09/2021
Allen Broome appointed MediaKind CEO
Broome has been with the company for the last two years leading the research and development team as CTO By Jenny Priestley Published: September 16, 2021 Up...
16/09/2021
Ciarn Hinds & Clare Dunne, Miriam Mullins, Jack Woolley, Catherine & Aidan Corless, Wallis Bird, Culture Night and The Three Amigos
On this Friday night's Late Late Show Stars of the new hit TV drama KIN, C...
16/09/2021
REMI to the rescue for Broadcast Management Group
REMI to the rescue for Broadcast Management Group posted: 16/09/2021 REMI refers to remote production via centralized IP technology, enabling decent...
16/09/2021
EE and ITV unveil latest store opening on the cobbles of Coronation Street, in new partnership
EE and ITV unveil latest store opening on the cobbles of Coronation Street, in n...
16/09/2021
ITV Studios inks co-production deal with Tencent Video for the landmark natural history series A Year on Planet Earth
ITV Studios inks co-production deal with Tencent Video for the landmark natural ...
16/09/2021
ITV detective drama, Grace, begins filming in Brighton
[Left to right - Zoe Tapper, John Simm and Richie Campbell] ITV detective drama, Grace, begins filming in Brighton ITV detective drama, Grace, begins filming ...
16/09/2021
Barco announces start of Share Buyback Program to replenish pool of shares for stock options
Barco announces start of Share Buyback Program to replenish pool of shares for s...
15/09/2021
VEON's Beeline wins three Ookla Speedtest awards for its mobile network in Uzbekistan
Beeline Uzbekistan awarded Best Mobile Network, Fastest Mobile Network and Best ...
