More than half of Northern Ireland SMEs expect to recover from the impact of COVID-19 on their business within two years, but many see issues such as supply chain challenges, social distancing measures and over-indebtedness as currently holding them back from doing so, according to research findings published by Ulster Bank.

Ulster Bank commissioned research agency Perceptive Insight to survey more than 200 Northern Ireland SMEs with between 10 and 250 employees across a representative sample of sectors about the impact of COVID-19 on their operations.

60% of Northern Ireland SMEs said “pandemic has impacted them negatively”

60 per cent of firms said that COVID-19 has had a negative impact, but the significant majority (88 per cent) expect to recover within 24 months.

The top issues identified by respondents as currently holding back the recovery of their businesses though include social distancing restrictions, supply chain challenges, a perceived lack of government support, and over-indebtedness.

Indeed, more than a quarter (28 per cent) of companies surveyed said that indebtedness was a problem of some degree for their company, with 10 per cent of respondents saying that this issue was quite significant or very significant.

Almost 40 % of Northern Ireland SMEs said measures to ease their debt burden would support their recovery

And almost 38 per cent of respondents said that measures from the government to ease business debt would help boost their firm’s revival.

When asked what they would like to see the government do to support economic recovery, 33 per cent of respondents said that they would like to see further grant support, and 31 per cent said they would like to see government invest more in infrastructure to stimulate the economy.

23 per cent identified extending the furlough scheme as something they would like to see the government do.

The publication of the results follows the release of findings by the British Chambers of Commerce which show that one in 10 UK firms that took on debt during the pandemic say they may have to cease trading.

“We’re approaching crucial juncture for Northern Ireland economy”

Mark Crimmins, Head of Ulster Bank

Commenting, Mark Crimmins, Head of Ulster Bank in Northern Ireland, said, “We are approaching a crucial juncture for the Northern Ireland economy with the ending of the furlough scheme.

“Many local firms have been dependent on this support as well as support from government-backed lending schemes.

“Ulster Bank, therefore, wants to help stimulate further discussion about what recovery of the economy looks like from here.”

He continued, “What is clear is that the government won’t be able to continue with a widespread furlough scheme indefinitely.

“It is also clear that social distancing restrictions need to remain in the current circumstances to protect employees and customers.

Northern Ireland SMEs “can’t continue to take on debt”

“Businesses also cannot continue to take on debt to make up for lower demand.

“Indeed, strategic solutions to corporate indebtedness may be required to help stop many firms falling into a spiral of unsustainable debt, given that corporate debt in Northern Ireland was already high before the pandemic.

“This presents a very difficult challenge for Northern Ireland and there needs to be a really honest discussion across the economy to come up with innovative answers locally to help mitigate significant business distress and job losses,” he adds.

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