Hertsmere businesses urged to complete Covid survey

Owners and managers of dozens of companies have already completed a short online survey set up by Hertsmere Borough Council on how the pandemic has impacted their work, financially and in other ways.

However, renewed calls are being made for businesses of all sizes and sectors to complete the survey before the end of this financial year and help the council get a clearer picture of how companies stand and identify where support is needed.

So far, nearly 80 businesses have responded to the survey; the vast majority are small (90 per cent have under 20 employees) and a large proportion (30 per cent) are in the leisure or hospitality trade. Nearly three quarters (73 per cent) of respondents describe their business as "struggling" and two-thirds (63 per cent) describe loss of turnover as their biggest concern.

Portfolio holder for community and economic development, Councillor Meenal Sachdev, said: "The responses we’ve received have painted a stark picture of the terrible effect this pandemic has had on companies, especially small businesses and those involved in leisure or hospitality.

"In many ways this is to be expected given the unprecedented and ongoing restrictions, however, my heart goes out to all those people working so hard to keep their businesses afloat and maintain livelihoods at this time."

Cllr Meenal Sachdev

Cllr Sachdev continued: "Whatever your circumstances, however large or small your business, we want to hear from you. We cannot promise we can solve the problems caused by this global crisis, but we can help ensure you’re accessing the support and guidance available.

"Your responses will also help us form a meaningful and sustainable recovery plan for the borough. With your input, we can ensure Hertsmere continues to be as vibrant and prosperous a place to live and work as it can be, post-Covid."

The survey can be completed here by March 31.

Click here to find out about financial support available to businesses in Hertsmere. .