May 2020

Government Support Schemes Survey results

The Coronavirus Support Schemes Survey was designed as a follow-up to the BPIF Business Impact Survey conducted in March. At a time of huge concern and uncertainty amongst all businesses, and a constantly evolving situation, it is vital to ensure that businesses are getting the emergency assistance they require when they require it.

We are in frequent contact with Government and, with the evidence collected through our industry research, have been able to represent our industries and lobby for adjustments to the Government support schemes. Government has listened and continues to recognise the importance and value that trade associations provide in linking business and Government.

This survey on the Government support schemes was designed to collect some feedback and opinions on the main Government support schemes, how companies were able to access them and how effective they were being.

Charles Jarrold, Chief Executive comments;

"Our latest survey confirms the acute importance to the sector of the support schemes when so much of the economy is temporarily unable to operate. 12% of respondees have ceased operations entirely, with a further 73% relying upon the Job Retention Scheme, although there's clear feedback on the need for greater flexibility within the scheme. The CBILs scheme had significant teething problems but is now becoming more effective, although we have significant reservations about debt being offered as support, rather than grants and other direct relief. Finally, with the vast majority of companies not expecting demand to recover any time soon, support schemes must stay in place to avoid large scale company failures and job losses while the economy recovers. Ours is a resilient and innovative sector, but it will need time to recover."

Please click below to download the Executive Summary or Full Survey results with comments.