As the country is about to enter the third week of “lock-down”, almost every business has been profoundly affected. Those who suggest it is “business as usual” are either being a little economical with the truth or blissfully unaware of the realities all sectors of the market are facing.
However, we know that the effects of the restrictions are not equal. Some businesses have been hit hard with mandatory closure. Some have had to adapt and re-purpose; pubs offering take away food is a great example of this. Others are adapting to working from home and even more businesses are adapting their model to work with home deliveries and supply by internet. Although very much in the minority, there are some businesses who have seen a huge rise in demand for their goods and services – food retailers, food manufacturers, logistics and pet supplies are all showing increased turnover.
Oldfield Smith & Co is a support business and it has been our privilege to work with a very wide variety of traders of all sizes and in all sectors of the business community. We have been speaking with our clients regularly since the coronavirus outbreak began and have been supporting them with objective, considered and professional advice about their options. Our aim is to assist businesses trade through these challenging times and we are doing this by:
- highlighting grants, concessions and funding packages available to businesses and supporting our clients in applying for these
- working constructively with tenants of properties under our management to find funding solutions in cases of genuine hardship
- supporting landlords with balanced, practical advice on the collection of rents and service charges
- liaising closely with contractors and suppliers to ensure that essential services are maintained
- processing financial transactions as quickly as possible to keep money flowing to businesses we work with
- supporting government advice by switching immediately to remote working to protect our staff, their families and our community
- risk-assessing our work to ensure we continue to operate safely, within government guidelines and the principles of best practice
As a small, locally based practice, we have always prided ourselves on our ability to adapt and develop. Although our offices are closed to visitors, we are very much open for business and ready to help.
If you have surplus property to rent or sell, or if you have a lease over property which is no longer required by your business, call us now on 01825 762222. We ARE still doing deals and there is an active market, despite the obvious challenges.
In the same way, if your business now requires more space, either short term or as a result of a fundamental change, call us now. We have a range of options which could be available on short-term, flexible agreements – ideal for key workers and businesses needing accommodation as part of the fight against coronavirus.
We are here to help – safely, remotely and professionally.
