As the Welsh Government begins to slightly ease the lockdown measures, it’s interesting to see how the small businesses have been coping with Covid-19 up to this point. We have spoken to Paul Levy from Livetech, a digital marketing and web design company based in Llandudno. Talking from an empty office, Paul describes how his staff have adjusted to working from home easily, and how business is continuing amongst the madness.
Whilst the staff have been away from the office in 16 Trinity Square, they had some unlikely occupants take their place. The Great Orme Goats took a fancy to the building, grazing on the hedges and the lawn. This put 16 Trinity on the world map – with images of the occasion being front page on news websites such as Sky, BBC, CNN, and Fox News.
On adjusting to working from home Paul said “we’ve managed to keep on working pretty normally though everything… we’ve got good communications, we have a couple of daily online chats and zoom meetings… it’s worked really well for us”.
This is the story for a lot of businesses who work mainly with technology. Staying connected in a world of internet connections, smart phones, and personal computers isn’t difficult, and it allows for economic productivity to continue.
Paul then goes on to say “the only downside is the impact has been on the clients… because of being in the tourism industry…so they’ve had to close”.
This comes just after another string of closures of hotels in Llandudno, including the Marine Hotel, The County Bay Hotel, Llandudno Bay Hotel, the Belmont and the Queen’s. A lot of these hotels were owned by travel firms which brought coach loads of tourists to Llandudno. Without these, the future of tourism and hospitality is uncertain.
“Everyone has spent more time on their computers, and seen what the internet can do for them”
On the other end, some businesses have seen an increase in productivity and sales due to the Coronavirus lockdown. E-commerce sites, and shops selling outdoor activity products such as bikes have been profiting from people finding new hobbies and interests, and professional services have found the switch to home working fairly easy.
The lockdown has given smaller businesses the time to look over their strategies, and remodel where necessary. Pauls explains that “we do all of their online marketing across different social media platforms, so they’re going to be really ready to go when things reopen again”.
The Welsh Government’s Input
“We don’t know what’s coming, if there is going to be a second wave.. Or what the greater effect is going to be on the economy, if there is going to be a big slow down” is why Paul thinks small businesses should take advantage of the small grants that are being made available by the Welsh Government. This money can be vital in keeping places going during the uncertain times.
Business Wales are offering support for small businesses on their website. You can stay up to date with information and news, find sector specific information, and guidance for both employers and employees.
For mor information on Livetech visit their website: https://www.livetech.co.uk
