Does this mean an immediate return to normality? No. Does it mean all of the financial losses suffered will be recouped? No. But it does at least mean a change of course into, hopefully, calmer waters.

Health, safety and homeworking

Employers still have a legal responsibility to manage COVID-related risks, in the same way they had non-COVID health and safety risks to manage before the pandemic and continue to have now. Measures like regular cleaning and ventilation and keeping unwell staff and customers away from the premises are not much different to pre-pandemic times, though testing and isolating will remain in our immediate futures.

It is no longer a government instruction that people work from home if possible, so it is something for employers to assess on their own particular circumstances and to canvass opinion on with their staff. The choices - back in the office full-time, homeworking full-time, or a hybrid of the two – will have pros and cons for many, while others will have no choice depending on their line of work.

Businesses stepped up in a time of need

However the future of work looks for businesses, we should be buoyed by the response of our local business community during these times, from providing urgent help during the especially dire first few months of the pandemic to ongoing support through multiple lockdowns and constant uncertainty. Whether it was manufacturing and donating surgical scrubs, aprons and hand sanitiser to healthcare providers, developing ventilator parts and body temperature monitors, or delivering food and essential items to vulnerable people, the community looked after the community.

The latest economic picture

The economic shock will be felt for years, although the latest research on the impact of the pandemic on Buckinghamshire reveals an economy that is slowly recovering, with measurements like cash reserves, turnover and out-of-work benefits claimants all moving in the right direction. Journeys to retail and recreation centres are now only 10% below pre-pandemic levels, hinting that improved footfall could yet bring some modicum of salvation. In a sign of how complex a recovery this will be, we are seeing an increase in both the proportion of businesses that are trading and businesses that have permanently ceased trading.

We want to see you grow, rather than just survive

I will end with a slice of the ‘old normal’: Buckinghamshire Business First was, is and always will be committed to putting Buckinghamshire’s businesses first. And that means seeing you grow, rather than just survive; seeing you hire rather than let people go; seeing you innovate rather than stay idle; seeing you flourish rather than stagnate.

Even in these challenging times, there are always new ways to get more for your business. It can all start with a conversation, so do reach out to our Business Advisers who can help you take that next step.

Visit bbf.uk.com/business-support, email BusinessSupport@bbf.uk.com or call 01494 927130.

By Philippa Batting, Managing Director, Buckinghamshire Business First