PROMPT I business strategies
improving performance and growing businesses
CoViD-19 - A Different Point of View
Since experiencing CoViD-19 UK lockdown in March we had to rapidly rethink the approach to business turnaround. Normally we were dealing with businesses that had experienced a change, loss of customer, management challenges, greater competition etc. This was different the “rule book” had just been rewritten; the phrase 'New Normal' appeared!
All human emotions were experienced by our clients, and us, from denial, disbelief, shock, need to do something, to then getting a plan of recovery together. We started with stabilising many businesses through stringent cost management, securing government support including Furlough, CBILS / CLBILS loans/ Rate relief etc.
All this bought time but does not change the underlying economic challenge. The sector plays such a key factor as to what is needed and for how long. As a leading turnaround business we have the experience to bring about rapid change, but CoViD-19 has rewritten the rule book.
Current Distress in
Hospitality...
Rising Costs and Audit Concerns cause distress in the Hospitality Sector.
PROMPT is already active with hospitality businesses to help them address mounting concerns over the recent Budget regulatory changes to National Insurance and the minimum wage. Our early intervention highlights the immediate and serious nature of the problems facing the sector, as businesses grapple with the combined impact of the cost increases.
Immediate Financial Impact...
PROMPT has already begun collaborating with hospitality businesses to review and revise their financial forecasts. There is a pressing need for businesses to adapt to this new cost base, with many already starting to undertake comprehensive reassessments of their business models and growth strategies.
Audit Complications...
Perhaps most concerning is the immediate impact on audit processes. Auditors, already operating with increased caution following recent publicised errors, are expressing significant reservations about these additional cost burdens. This heightened scrutiny is particularly pronounced in the hospitality sector, where profit margins are traditionally tight.
The implications of this are not just a matter of mere paperwork. Without clean audit sign-offs, businesses face potential damage to their credit ratings – a critical issue that could affect their ability to secure financing or maintain existing credit lines. In fact, this means that businesses are facing financial difficulties even before the full impact of the cost increases takes effect.
Looking Ahead...
We are already taking proactive steps with businesses to address these issues. Key focus areas include:
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Revising financial forecasts to account for the new cost structure
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Developing strategies to maintain and grow sales despite increased operational costs
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Implementing new efficiency measures to offset rising expenses
However, the fear remains that such measures may still not be sufficient to fully mitigate the impact of these regulatory changes, particularly for smaller businesses operating on thin margins.
