Northamptonshire business leaders ‘more positive’ about the second national lockdown compared to the first

As the second national lockdown begins, a high percentage of Northamptonshire's business leaders are feeling more positive about the future now than they did back in April.

Grant Thornton, a business advisory company, held a panel and audience discussion attended by 90 business owners from across the East Midlands region.

At the discussion, 67 percent of business leaders in Northamptonshire admitted to feeling more positive about the future now than they did in April.

Only 16 percent reported feeling less positive as 17 percent said they felt the same.

Many also reported feeling prepared this time around as 76 percent of leaders said they expected another lockdown and already had a plan in place.

In terms of the expected effect the second lockdown is likely to have on their business, 50 percent of leaders said it would have a negative impact, while 40 percent said it would have little to no impact on their business.

Mike Hughes. from Grant Thornton. said: “It has been a stressful period for business leaders but it is great to see that in general they are feeling more positive as we head into the second lockdown.

“With so much uncertainty and little information particularly regarding Brexit and the economy, it is understandable that people are concerned about the recession and the impact this will have on their staff.

“However, based on the data and comments from local business leaders, I believe there are plenty of reasons for Northamptonshire companies to be positive about the future.”

For 38 percent of employers from the county, the recession is the issue most likely to keep them awake at night, but only 28 percent were worried about the second lockdown and Brexit.

Despite uncertainty, positivity remains high among local businesses as click and collect is allowed this time around and as the Government has announced an extension in the furlough scheme until March 2021.

As Christmas approaches, though, owners are urging local shoppers not to ‘default to Amazon’ and continue to support local busineses where possible.

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