Bosses are feeling optimistic about the future but pandemic recovery set to be slow

New data from Deloitte showing that 58% percent of British finance directors are feeling optimistic is likely to be good news after a tough year of pandemic restrictions and economic turmoil, and a welcome change as we begin 2021. However, the outlook is not entirely positive, with the Bank of England expecting full pandemic recovery to take at least 18 months. Additionally, with Deloitte’s data gathered before the third lockdown was announced, many businesses are still seeing a period of instability.

Future Strategy Club explores whether the world of business will revert, or evolve. Many have already had to pivot their business model to remain nimble during the pandemic, and may have to adapt once again in line with new rules and restrictions.

Many teams had to downsize as a result as the pandemic – research from Future Strategy Club also shows that 29% of firm owners streamlined their teams, and it may be that businesses will now need to fill the gaps to adjust. Freelance workers can help with this, bringing in seasoned experts for short-term projects to help businesses adapt and allowing for more flexibility.

Justin Small, Founder of FSC, discusses how freelance workers can help business during these difficult times:

“Business owners and managers will have faced innumerable challenges over the past few months, as supply chains have been disrupted, trading temporarily ceased, and employees have had to adapt to working from home. Now is the time when business leaders do not just need advice on how to see their firms through these unprecedented times, but require a hands-on approach.

“An outside consultant can bring a fresh perspective to businesses looking to adapt to the new normal, and integrate a new, more flexible ethos to firms who are looking for the best way to accommodate new business models, and a more flexible working approach for 2021. Consultants talk to other consultants and these peer-to-peer conversations help to share the knowledge of those experts who have dealt with previous crises, such as the 2008 crash, that can now be applied to help small firms weather the pandemic.

“We put together a post-Covid survival handbook earlier this year and the advice contained within it is more relevant than ever for small businesses looking to survive. A highly skilled CRO or transformation expert could be the difference between growth and capitulation, but you no longer have to pay through the nose to get this help.”