Is the economic landscape changing?

Economy continues to grow

The BBC recently reported that the economy grew by 0.8% in May 2021, which was the fourth consecutive month of growth, but it also flagged a slowdown of growth from April’s 2%. (Source: Office of National Statistics.)

Late payments on the up

A recent study from data held by QuickBooks has highlighted an increase of late payments in the SMB market. Statistics are showing almost nine out of ten businesses had an overdue invoice in May 2021, with an average debt being in the region of £20,000.

Current Government support

Restriction on winding up a company

At present, there is a restriction on companies being wound up with a petition in the Courts before 30 September 2021. Whilst this has been pushed back several times during the pandemic, 1 October 2021 may well see some of this debt recovered using this process (correct as at the date of publication).

Furlough

The Furlough scheme is being reduced – again putting further cost strains on businesses.

· From 1 July 2021 – the Government will pay 70% and employers pay 10%.

· For August and September 2021 – the Government will pay 60% and employers 20%.

· It is not expected that the Furlough scheme will continue past 30 September 2021.

· Monthly cap at £2,500.

Landlord restrictions

At present, there is a rent moratorium on commercial properties which has been recently extended to 25 March 2022.

This moratorium stops landlords from taking tenants with rent arrears to Court. The Government is urging landlords and tenants to resolve their dispute independently. If it cannot be resolved, then the parties will need to enter into a binding arbitration.

The arbitration matter is new legislation, still in its infancy, but it is expected to frustrate landlords, many of which have not received rent now for several months.

Insolvency statistics

The director led Creditors’ Voluntary Liquidation process doubled in comparison to year on year figures but was also 11% higher than June 2019. This may be a sign of increased insolvencies or it may have been as a result of the delay of lifting the Covid restrictions to 19 July 2021.

Present insolvency numbers are low so the Government can certainly look back at the support mechanisms they have put in place to ensure the economy does not grind to a halt.

However, as there are shoots of hope returning back to some normality, if no further lockdown restrictions are imposed, the Government will be reluctant to extend these support schemes further.

Cashflows are straining as the world we once knew begins to open up, but if you seek support early enough, your business options are broader.