It has been a difficult few weeks for businesses across Cornwall. Finances are stretched, the future is unclear. Everywhere I look when out on my [one] daily run, I see cafes, pubs and restaurants which are normally beginning to fill up at this time of year and it paints a sad picture. Behind each business is a person and a dream.
Now is a time for landlords to be lenient to those who have paid them rent, on time, for months or years. It is a time for creditors to be gentle and think about the long-term – if you put someone out of business, that gives you one less customer and fifty less recommendations.
It is also a time for businesses to take a hard look at their operations and work out how to come back stronger. Have a think about:
- Can you do more with less?
- Have you checked for monthly subscriptions that you don’t need / use?
- Is your insurance up to date and does it cover you for what you need? You would be surprised how many businesses hold insurance that doesn’t even cover their basics when it comes to the crunch.
- Do you need that office space? It turns out that many people don’t.
- Do you need to spend money on travel / overnight accommodation?
- Are you getting value from your suppliers and advisers? Our local veg shop has been working 24/7 to make sure the vulnerable, and those who can’t get online shopping delivery, have food on their plates. Value is not just about money, it is about service and support when things go wrong. I hope that many people continue to support The Veg Shop in St Agnes when all this is over, rather than heading back to the nearest supermarket.
All that said, Cornwall is a fortunate place to be right now with lots of open, green space and relative calm. But it doesn’t mean that people and businesses aren’t struggling. The Law Collective remains open and available to help provide legal advice to the businesses and people of Cornwall, at a fraction of law firm rates. If you have been affected by coronavirus in Cornwall and need some advice, please contact us.
With thanks to the tireless NHS staff and those who are working hard every day to keep people fed, keep the streets clean and keep us all safe.
The Law Collective, Cornwall, 30 March 2020