With the UK now well into a vaccination programme that many hope will enable the economy to start reopening, ongoing cashflow issues and a decline in consumer demand means that one-in-twelve (8%) small businesses do not expect to survive the pandemic. 21% of UK SMEs say they are ‘not sure’ if they will survive long enough to take advantage of any change in the current restrictions. 

The data reveals that COVID-19 is likely to widen regional disparity, with London firms forecasting a decrease of 3.8% in profits by March 2021, compared to before the pandemic. Comparing this to the East Midlands (-11.6%), West Midlands (-9.3%), Yorkshire and the Humber (-8.0%) and the North West (-7.1%), it is clear that tailored, regional support will be vital in helping these important business hubs recover. 

Unsurprisingly, mental health issues are a growing concern for small business owners. Two-fifths (39%) of women running small businesses reported a decline in their mental health since the COVID-19 outbreak, compared to 26% of their male counterparts. Women were also less likely to seek support when it came to maintaining mental wellbeing, with 41% stating they would not ask for help – 5% more than that of male business owners (36%).

Susan Davies, Head of Business Banking, Santander UK, commented: “Small businesses have proven their resilience so far, and their hunger to survive and thrive is palpable. With the growth of remote working, small businesses across the country will be at the forefront of our economic revival, but 2021 will be a crunch year for many, with a lot riding on a successful vaccine rollout. 

“While there is no ‘silver bullet’ solution, extensions to VAT deferrals, the furlough scheme and business rates relief could provide businesses with additional breathing space. We have been working tirelessly to support small business owners throughout the pandemic - from online workshops, ecommerce training and mental health support – and we will continue to help them find solutions to the huge challenges they are currently facing.” 

Just two-in-five (42%) small businesses report that they have not had to halt any part of their operations since the outbreak of the pandemic, with respondents seeing their profits slump by 16.5% on average. 

SMEs run by people from ethnic minority backgrounds experienced the most significant decline in business activity, with almost half (47%) seeing a dip since the COVID-19 outbreak. According to the data, 67% of businesses run by ethnic minorities were operating ‘well’ at the start of last year, compared to just 20% when the pandemic hit. The difference (33%) was less extreme in non-ethnic minority run businesses, where respondents experienced a decline in performance from 58% to 25%.

One-in-five (18%) SMEs have started or increased sales through online platforms as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, however 63% stated that selling their product or services online or through social media was not an option. The disparity makes clear that there are a significant number of businesses that are simply unable to generate revenue, reiterating the importance of additional support through Government lending schemes and tax reliefs. 

There is doubt cast on the future of the high street, as 29% of small businesses are set to leave city centre hubs this year. Almost one-in-five (18%) SMEs that are currently located on the high street say they plan to relocate, while a further 11% think it is looking likely that they will have to permanently close their business.

In addition to the £4 billion of financial support provided through the Government-backed Bounce Back Loans (BBLS) to SMEs since the scheme launch, Santander UK has harnessed its business insight and sector experts in order to provide vital non-financial support across the UK.

Santander’s business support programme ‘Survive and Revive’ includes initiatives such as webinars and mentoring, free advertising on Santander Marketplace and toolkits all of which have helped businesses to survive the COVID-19 pandemic. A full list of the initiatives can be found below: 

• Mental Health support: As well as providing SMEs with helpful tips and guidance on maintaining mental wellbeing, we have partnered with Thrive, an NHS-approved tool, to help prevent and manage stress, anxiety and related conditions. We are also partnering with MIND, the mental health charity, to enhance customer-facing colleagues’ knowledge and awareness of mental health, including how best to respond to and support our customers.
• Business Mentoring: Running a business is no small feat, and we believe that learning from successful business owners and entrepreneurs is the best way to help SME owners avoid pitfalls. That’s why we successfully paired 200 mentor/mentee relationships in 2020 and will continue this programme into 2021 and beyond. The Women Business Leaders' Mentoring Programme is open for applications now.
• Webinars: We have partnered with sector specialists and trade bodies to provide unique insight into a range of issues across different sectors. With topics ranging from ‘Supply Chain Resilience’ to ‘Managing Margins During Volatility’ and ‘Innovating for Growth’ our webinars get to the crux of many issues facing small businesses during the pandemic. 
• Elavon: We’ve teamed up with Elavon to offer a range of card acceptance services to help businesses to adapt to changing trading environments. Elavon is also offering eShop enabling businesses to build their own website, with the functionality to trade online and promote their business too. 
• Local relationship teams: Our business relationship teams span the UK and support SMEs in myriad ways – from offering advice on managing cashflow and repayment holidays, to supporting businesses to find local support through our network of relationships with local enterprise partners.  
• Santander Marketplace: As part of our business support programme, we launched Marketplace, which offers free advertising for UK businesses to help them and the wider UK economy to get back on their feet.