Small businesses don’t have to weather this storm alone

By Joanna Swash, CEO, Moneypenny

As we emerge from lockdown and businesses begin the challenging process of recovery, although there is uncertainty, there is also a great deal of optimism amongst small business leaders.

Be the Business research recently showed that over two thirds (68%) of SME decision makers felt their business has been fairly, or very, resilient during the crisis.

SMEs are moving into recovery mode, but we must be ready to support them.

One way we can do this is by acting as a mentor and sounding board for small business leaders as they develop their recovery plans.

This is the reason that, although this is a busy time for all businesses, I made the decision to become a mentor on the Be the Business Mentoring for Growth programme.

I believe that we are all part of the wider business community and society, and it is critical to ensure that small businesses don’t have to weather this storm alone and that we come through this difficult time together.

Over the past few months I’ve spoken to many inspirational leaders who are all working incredibly hard to navigate the challenges of these times.

I’m now part of group of experienced executives from some of the UKs best known companies that are working with SMEs to help get them on the road to recovery.

This can involve acting as a sounding board as they innovate in response to rapidly changing business regulations, or by just helping talk through tricky business decisions.

Being open and having two-way communication channels are now more vital than ever as we all look to new ideas, new ways of working and overcoming challenges.

My mentee and I both have customers in the auto sector and it’s valuable to share ideas about the sector’s recovery after the imposed Covid closure.

We’re both looking to the future and what it might hold for the auto sector.

We must all take steps to aid business recovery and work together.

Business leaders need to step forward and do what they can to help each other through the next few critical months.

The Mentoring for Growth programme provides the perfect opportunity to be able to support these businesses, give something back to the business community, and gain new insights on some common business challenges.

For more information on the Mentoring for Growth Programme please visit here.