Creating a resilient business in a post COVID-19 world

Business resilience planning has never been more important. As lockdown measures continue to lift and we start to look ahead to life after COVID-19, it’s important for businesses to take action now to review their operations fully, adapt where necessary and plan for a robust future.

Business resilience planning is much more than just looking at the cash reserves you have in place, our Reset, Review, React model helps you plan for the future to ensure your business can adapt to the 'new normal' and will continue to do so in the years to come.

Reset

Whatever stage your business is at as we emerge from lockdown,  scenario and business planning are key in setting post-lockdown strategy and building business resilience.

Have your customers changed since the lockdown started? Have new markets and opportunities opened up? Are your stakeholders still bought into your business now and in the future? These are just some of the questions that you will be considering as you re-evaluate your position.

It’s also important at this stage to look at your short-term cash flow forecasts and identify any pinch points that may be coming up. Monitoring costs closely will be key to successfully navigating the months ahead.

These steps should then be supplemented with a robust business plan. 

Review

Next, it’s time to consider conducting a risk assessment of your operations to identify the key drivers of sales along with costs and any working capital considerations.

At this stage you’re looking at everything from reviewing your sales strategy to adjust to changes in your customers’ buying behaviour, to reviewing the health of your existing suppliers and identifying new options to help your business grow. A full review of your working capital will help to identify any payment issues whether that’s customers paying you, supplier terms or other costs.

React

Finally, it’s important to ensure your business resilience plan sets you up for long-term growth and success. That’s why it’s important to fully assess the funding impact of not only trading during COVID-19, but the impact on your business long-term.

It’s important to be aware of any liquidity headwinds that may be heading your way, whether that’s the Government support schemes unwinding, payment and capital holidays coming to an end, or the interest and payments that will be due on government loans.

There are a range of liquidity options available, depending on your situation.

How we can help

Are you looking to build a more profitable, resilient and valuable business?

Our dedicated Business Resilience Team brings together insight and experience from a range of specialists across our corporate finance, business consulting, and restructuring teams; providing all of the advice and insight you need to ensure your business is prepared not only for emerging from lockdown, but to be fit and agile for the future.

Get in touch

Our team are ready when you are. To start the conversation, get in touch with Graham Alexander: Graham.Alexander@jcca.co.uk or any other member of Business Resilience Team featured below.

 

 

Graham Alexander, Partner & Head of Corporate Finance     
E: Graham.Alexander@jcca.co.uk  T: 07788 567942 

Alan Hamilton, Corporate Finance Director
E: Alan.Hamilton@jcca.co.uk T: 07464 657673                                                                                           

   

Richard Bathgate, Restructuring Partner
E: Richard.Bathgate@jcca.co.uk T: 07725 827541