Kilkenny Group Evelyn Moynihan

Online retail helps Kilkenny Group weather the Covid-19 storm

 

With 17 shops spread throughout Ireland, the initial impact of the Covid-19 lockdown on design and craft retailer Kilkenny was sudden and severe.

Most of the shops are in prime high-street locations and are reliant on heavy footfall for their trade, especially from tourists. With the global tourism industry decimated and the domestic market isolating at home, the outlook did not look good for the Kilkenny Group, its 350 employees, or the companies and craftspeople who make the homeware, wellness, jewellery and fashion products that the shops sell. Kilkenny Group Logo

Evelyn Moynihan, Director of Marketing and Business Development at Kilkenny Group, explains: “Kilkenny is all about championing Irish design and craft, about 72% of what we do is Irish made or designed. We stock just under 300 Irish designers and makers in our stores and online, and Covid-19 has had a huge impact on our business.

“We temporarily closed our shops and restaurants on the 16th of March. It was obviously a very difficult decision but it was the only one we could make for safety of our staff and customers.”

Customer insight

Kilkennyshop.com was now the group’s only means of generating sales revenue. Fortunately the Kilkenny team had the capacity to pivot and ramp up online sales as a result of their participation in Enterprise Ireland’s Online Retail Scheme last year. The company received funding through the scheme to improve the performance of the Kilkennyshop.com website and develop a better understanding of their online customers.

Evelyn says: “The Online Retail Scheme helped us put a proper structure and way of working in place so that we were set up for growth:

“We used the funding to complete key steps like conducting a UX (user experience) and UI (user interface) audit of the website, and to outline a clear digital marketing strategy for our business. We also used the funding to complete a strong inventory consolidation for our eCommerce business.”

Kilkenny responded to the Coivd-19 challenge by redeploying staff working from home to support their online and telesales operations. The group’s started operating split shifts for warehouse staff over six days rather than five in order to ensure that it operated efficiently and also meet strict social distancing guidelines.

“We’ve gone from eight employees working on our online team prior to Covid-19 to now having 18 employees working across our online and telesales operation,” Evelyn says. “These are long-term staff members, so they know our products and our brands and are really passionate about the Kilkenny business. It’s fabulous to see that care and attention being put into our online and our customer service phone lines.”

 

Online growth

The Kilkenny Group’s ability to adapt has been rewarded with a dramatic increase in online sales. Evelyn says: “We’ve seen huge growth online – more than 400% since the 16th of March, which has been great for our business. Telesales has been an interesting new channel where lots of people are ringing up and ordering gifts to be sent out to their loved ones. Some of the cocooners who maybe aren’t as confident shopping online, are using that channel.

“Prior to the virus, online was circa five percent of our total business. Now, when we look out for the rest of this financial year, we believe that it will finished at 15% of our business, which is great to see.” says Evelyn Moynihan, Director of Marketing and Business Development at Kilkenny Group

 

The Covid-19 Online Retail Scheme

The Covid-19 Online Retail Scheme, which has €5.5m available, is open for traditional retailers who want to invest in their online offering and grow their markets in Ireland and internationally. It is offering an 80pc grant rate – meaning companies can apply funding of up to €40,000 against a project spend of up to €50,000.

Stephen Hughes, Head of Consumer at Enterprise Ireland, says:

“The Covid-19 Online Retail Scheme is not just for large retailers – there’s no reason why smaller niche, regional or local companies can’t use it to grow their online business and end up trading internationally, if they have an ambition to do so.” 

The Kilkenny Group is now making plans to reopen shops later this summer in accordance with the Government’s phased easing of Covid-19 restrictions – but continuing to grow online sales remain a priority.

Evelyn says: “International sales are a key area of growth that we’re setting ourselves for the rest of the year towards 2021. There are so many people with strong Irish connections or roots – we know from the shops that the market’s there and we know the products that they like.

“Although no one could have predicted the impact of Covid-19, the investment that we made and the work we did with Enterprise Ireland last year was critical for us to be ready to take on the growth that we see now in our business today.”

Learn how the Covid-19 Online Retail Scheme can support your retail business online growth.

 

 

Inish

Online investment helps drive business for Inish Pharmacy

Paul O'Hea, Inish Pharmacy

With three stores in rural locations, the importance of community is ingrained in the culture of Inish Pharmacy.

The company’s employees work hard to understand the needs of the people who shop in their pharmacies in Buncrana, Carndonagh and Muff in Inishowen, Co Donegal. The customers are, after all, also their neighbours, friends and family.

However, the Covid-19 pandemic has had a massive impact on how Inish Pharmacy does business. As an essential business, their shops are open but social distancing measures have been implemented for the safety of both customers and staff.

Not surprisingly, footfall is down, and shop sales have fallen considerably. Were it not for the performance of Inish’s online shop, the company and its employees might be facing an uncertain future.

 

Online growth

Inish Pharmacy director Paul O’Hea says: “Online has gone through an exceptionally busy period. There’s a huge demand for healthcare but people don’t want to go out or can’t go out, so they’re shopping online. Prior to the coronavirus, online was probably 25 percent of our sales, but in the last couple of months there has seen a huge increase.”

Having been trading online for a number of years, Inish Pharmacy already had an established customer base – but it was only at the beginning of 2019 that the company started to discover their online potential. Inish received funding in February 2019 from the Online Retail Scheme, a grant administered by Enterprise Ireland on behalf of the Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation to help retail businesses improve their online capability.

Inish developed a strategy to improve customer experience and optimise conversion rates in their online store. They conducted analysis of international best practice for online pharmacies and completed 1,600 customer surveys on their offering. The company also ran website upgrades in tandem with the project.

Paul says the changes and improvements that Inish made have been key to the company being able to meet the current demand for their health-care products.

 

Responding to Covid-19 demands

Paul says: “One of the things the Online Retail Scheme helped us do was take a big overview of a lot of our processes internally. We revamped a lot of our processes to allow us to expand order fulfilment quickly. That has been really helpful because in the current environment, when order volumes really increased in a very short period of time due to Covid-19, we were able to expand our capacity quickly to keep up.

“And it’s not just processing orders. At the minute we’re buying in new products from different suppliers and we’re able to react quickly and get these products ordered, on the system and online so that they’re available to our customers. We have been able to adapt, and a big part of that was because we spent time as part of the Online Retail Scheme planning for expansion and then putting things in place to allow us to do it.”

Excellent customer service is a hallmark of Inish Pharmacy’s operations – for customers locally in Donegal, or online throughout the rest of Ireland, the UK or further afield. The company is rightly proud of its 4.9 out of 5 rating on Trustpilot. Standards are high and Inish has invested in its people to ensure they are maintained during the current crisis.

Paul says: “Our warehouse staff has gone up from five up to 13 people since the coronavirus hit. Three people have been redeployed from shops to the warehouse and we’ve had to take on five additional staff as well.”

 

The Covid-19 Online Retail Scheme

The Covid-19 Online Retail Scheme provides even greater incentive for traditional retailers to invest in their online offering. Companies can apply for a grant of up to €40,000 against a project spend of up to €50,000.

Stephen Hughes, Head of Consumer at Enterprise Ireland, says:

“There is €5.5m available in the scheme with an 80 percent grant rate, which is almost unheard of for such a large level of support – it’s unprecedented.

For now, Inish Pharmacy remains focused on providing the best service they can for all of their customers during the Covid-19 pandemic. But the company also has plans to scale up the growth they have experienced since participating in the Online Retail Scheme.

“We have had good growth and we have expanded our customer base and we want to take that up to the next level,” Paul says. “I think people’s buying habits will change as a result of the coronavirus – a lot of people will have got used to buying online more than they have ever done before.

“In 12 months’ time, I would like to think that a lot of the customers that are shopping with us for the first time now will have become regular shoppers.”

 

Learn how the Covid-19 Online Retail Scheme can support your retail business online growth.

 

 

Supporting great people in difficult times

Developing employee engagement now will pay dividends long into the future

Up until the pandemic, the biggest challenge facing many firms was attracting and retaining talent. That hasn’t changed, says Ryan Williams, CEO of Conscia, a training provider which specialises in employee engagement.

Conscia is the architect of a series of online modules designed to help companies maintain employee engagement throughout the Covid-19 crisis.

Each provides practical steps to take, plus easy to use templates and frameworks, to help companies maintain their employee value proposition (EVP).

Those that succeed in doing so will not only optimise productivity throughout this current, difficult time, but will be well placed to capture the opportunities of the post-pandemic surge.

Those that neglect employee engagement, however, risk damaging their reputation as an employer of choice long into the future. “It’s about asking yourself, how you want your company to be remembered after this pandemic,” says Williams.

Your EVP is an invaluable retention tool and should be robust enough to support employees in good times and in bad, he points out.

“The market for talent will be equally as competitive when we come out the other side of this as it was when we went in,” says Williams.

“Though some sectors will suffer more than others, the fact remains that if you needed a software developer before this, you will still need one after it, so it is important to get the best talent that is out there.”

The top priority for employers right now is communication.

By this stage new work practices will be established, either from home or, socially distanced, in the workplace.

“The novelty of the early stages has well and truly worn off, the buzz of setting up meetings on MS Teams and Zoom has ebbed, and people are starting to feel this will never end. The risk is that employers stop communicating when in fact it is vital to over-communicate now and throughout this process.”

 

Deliver your communications with confidence

In a period characterised by uncertainty and anxiety, it’s important to display “honest confidence” he says.

“Be honest and transparent and deliver your communications with confidence, even if it is bad news, such as, perhaps, having to take a pay cut to get through this. People can cope if they realise there is light at the end of the tunnel.”

Empathetic leadership is essential.  “You need to communicate your company’s vision and mission with empathy. It’s about understanding that your people are going through challenging times.”

Weekly ‘all hands’ meetings online are an opportunity to show that everybody is part of what is a communal effort.

“Be very honest about what you do and don’t know. The rumour mill can be difficult to manage so share the good, the bad and the ugly with honest confidence.”

Decision making in a time of crisis should be quick and decisive, with resources allocated speedily. Employee polls are a quick and effective tool for effecting change, offering maximum transparency and ‘buy in’.

Regular, scheduled and consistent communications help keep fear and anxiety at bay. Use video as much as possible. “People want to see their leaders.”

Be cognisant of the impact not just of your words, but of your tone and body language too. “Lean forward, be expressive, use your hands,” he says.

As well as large town hall type, and team meetings, make sure to set aside time for one to ones, to check in with people and see how they are doing.

Recognise and reward output. “Celebrate team wins and individual efforts more than in ordinary times. People are doing fantastic things right now so make time for shout outs in meetings and promote them on your social media too.”

Fostering ‘water cooler’ moments online helps to replicate the everyday interaction of the traditional workplace. “Don’t lose your social cohesion.”

 

Building trust and loyalty

At every step, focus on building trust and loyalty. “Very many companies have spent years building up their culture. Don’t lose it. Find new ways of maintaining it instead.”

Social distancing will likely continue for some time, as will working from home. “We are all living with uncertainty at present, so ‘What does this mean for me?’ is the key question people have. While you can’t control this, you can help by removing as much of the uncertainty for employees as possible.”

 

Provide purpose and stay positive

The current situation provides a great opportunity for learning and development. “This doesn’t have to cost you money,” he points out.

“It could be online learning opportunities, or a situation where an experienced member of staff helps train up others on a new software tool, such as cucumber. It could be a buddy system, where someone experienced is matched with someone who may be feeling overwhelmed.”

Spare capacity could be given over to executing planned projects that had previously been put off. “We have one client company, for example, who built an entire logistics platform in eight weeks, a project it had long wanted to do,” says Williams.  

Such initiatives help provide purpose, an important component in employee engagement.

Set short term goals for long term results. “Focus on bite sized projects to help people navigate through.”

Finally, stay positive. “Remember, this is different from the financial crisis because it is the same for everybody. From Ireland to China to the US, the base line has lowered for everyone. So, while there is uncertainty, and a need to paint as honest a picture as possible, it’s also important to look to where the opportunities will be post-pandemic.”

 

To find out more about building employee engagement during the Covid-19 restrictions see here.

Market Watch Germany – Webinar – Enhance your digital presence for the German market

Enterprise Ireland’s offices in Germany have launched a series of Webinars: Market Watch Germany. Every Wednesday at 14:00 BST/15:00 CET a new theme will be addressed to help Irish companies exporting to Germany navigate the challenges and opportunities presented by Covid 19.

The third webinar in the series; Website Optimisation: Enhance your digital presence for the German market, took place on Wednesday 29th April

The team was joined by consultant Suzanne Dirks, Ed ​Kelly, Creative Director and Emmet Dunne, Managing Director of Digital Agency Kooba providing expertise on:

  • how to leverage your website in terms of layout and localisation

  • how to increase traffic to your website by creating an enhanced user experience

Finally, Eoin O Siochru from Enterprise Ireland’s Internet Marketing Unit discussed the supports available to Enterprise Ireland client companies to drive these activities.

 

jenny melia

Support where it’s most needed for HPSUs

The innovation and dynamism of Enterprise Ireland-supported high potential start-up (HPSU) firms are vital to future economic growth, and it is absolutely essential that HPSUs that were progressing prior to Covid-19 receive the support they require to get through the Covid-19 crisis.

“These firms and their founders are the future leaders of the economy and our focus is on ensuring that they have sufficient fuel in the tank and the right resources in place to get through the next three to six months and be ready to take advantage of the upturn when it comes,” says Enterprise Ireland Divisional Manager for HPSUs Jenny Melia.

HPSUs do face particular challenges in the current environment, mainly due to their early stage of development. “Many of them are not yet revenue generating and are continuing to fundraise to drive business development,” Melia explains. “This can mean that they do not qualify for some of the Covid-19 supports available at the moment. It can also be the case that they haven’t been in business long enough to have built up a relationship with a bank.”

According to Melia, the three main problems faced by these fast-growing firms relate to cash flow, investment, and talent retention.

“In a lot of cases sales have just stopped,” she says. “They have no cash coming in from that source and that can turn into a double whammy if investors back off. There is a softening of sentiment in the investment community at the moment and that is presenting problems. Holding onto key skills is another real pain point for a lot of companies. We were nearly at full employment in the economy just a few weeks ago and they had to work very hard to get the right people. They are in danger of losing them now and these skills will be critical to support future growth.”

Support is available to deal with these issues, however. In the first instance, Melia advises firms to avail of the Enterprise Ireland Covid-19 Business Financial Planning Grant scheme, with supports of up to €5,000 to help companies prepare financial plans with the assistance of an expert.

“We are asking start-ups if they have assessed the impact of Covid-19 on their business and if they need assistance and financial support to do that,” she points out. “We are already seeing a great deal of interest in the scheme. This will help start-ups develop a stabilisation plan, which should look at resetting their business plan e.g. reducing the cost base and lengthening the financial runway to tide them through the next 3-6 months and prepare for the upturn including raising new investment.”

The next step is to work with existing investors and shareholders. “Companies should discuss the possibility of bridging finance with their investors,” says Melia.

“Enterprise Ireland is also willing to co-invest as part of this investment. That is a new departure for us. Typically, when we invest in a company it’s to fund a growth plan for the next two or three years. In this case, we are absolutely willing to play our part alongside existing funders and investors in ensuring HPSUs get through the current financial crunch. Companies should speak to their Development Advisor about this.” advises Melia.

There is also the loan scheme from Microfinance Ireland. “This is open to start-ups with fewer than 10 employees, and the amount on offer has been increased from €25,000 to €50,000. The interest rate has been reduced to 4.5%, with a moratorium on interest and repayments for the first six months. I would encourage start-ups to look at the scheme to see if it is suitable for their needs.”

The Covid-19 Wage Subsidy Scheme is a valuable source of assistance in helping to hold onto talent. “The scheme was initially aimed at firms suffering a reduction in turnover but, recognising the particular circumstances of start-ups, Revenue introduced another criterion, which was a downturn in the level of investment companies had projected. Some companies are not aware of this.”

Enterprise Ireland is also organising a series of webinars to provide advice and support to HPSUs. “We have a number of former HPSU founders that have come through a number of recessions and downturns and have very valuable advice to offer.”

Companies should also leverage the advice available through their own networks, she adds. “They should contact their Enterprise Ireland Development Advisor, their investors, business angels, suppliers and customers out in the market and so on. These are the things that entrepreneurs do anyway, and they are more important than ever now. We firmly believe that there will be opportunities out there for firms when the crisis ends, and our focus is on helping our clients to be ready for these opportunities when they arise.”

 

Market Watch – How Covid-19 is impacting the Asia Pacific region

Just as it has affected every corner of the globe, Covid-19 has made its presence felt in the Asia Pacific region. But according to Enterprise Ireland’s regional director for Asia Pacific, Mary Kinnane, while there is no doubt that it has had a disruptive impact on economies, businesses and lives, the level and magnitude of the impact differs by country and even sector.

 

  • While countries have been impacted in different ways, there is no doubt that Covid-19 has disrupted business and lives across the region.
  • Providing solutions for clients and showing commitment is crucial for Irish exporters.
  • Many sectors have been badly hit but there are still signs of growth in a variety of areas including life sciences, health care and education solutions.
  • The region has shown resilience and is likely to be one of the first areas to emerge from Covid-19 restrictions.

 

China and South Korea were amongst the first countries hit by Covid-19, and life there is slowly but cautiously getting back to normal,” Kinnane says. “More and more businesses are now operating as before with public facilities reopening, while other countries in the region are still undergoing lockdowns and strong containment measures.

“Adverse economic impact, at least for this year, is evident as seen from the revised GDP growth projections from the IMF earlier this month.  And the world economy is now projected to contract by -3% from the previous year, with growth projections for China at 1.2%, Japan at -5.2%, Korea at -1.2%, ASEAN 5 at -0.6%, and Australia at -6.7%.”

Although Irish exporters will undoubtedly be affected, Kinnane say showing unwavering, commitment during these challenging times to customers and partners is particularly important.

“Saving face is an important aspect of business culture in Asia so carefully managing the knock-on effects for your customers and partners is advisable,” she says. “If your business is adversely impacted by Covid-19 and consequently if you cannot fulfil orders, contracts or deadlines, then be clear with your customers and suppliers, but also try to provide alternative options and support. This will be perceived as a measure of your seriousness and commitment for the long term.

Enterprise Ireland has made available new funding and capacity support programmes to help companies through Covid-19. says Kinnane.

“We are acutely aware that our support is ever more critical so our network of offices from Beijing to Sydney are providing virtual introductions to buyers and partners, market research on trends and emerging opportunities and challenges along with other in-market business continuity and development supports.says Kinnane

“We also see that some Irish businesses are taking this time to develop market entry and expansion strategy for some Asian markets with a medium- to long-term view.  We are aiding those businesses to achieve the objective, using our market knowledge, insight and networks in local markets.  Customer targets in ANZ & the ASEAN region are proving quite receptive to remote new enquiries with this being somewhat more challenging in the north of the region where facetime and relationships really matter.”

While travel restrictions have been problematic for tourism and many businesses have been heavily hit by uncertainty, the regional director says there is increasing attention on the life sciences/healthcare sector with more favourable government policies likely to underpin increased investment in the sector. Cloud based SaaS systems, teleworking tools, and paperless processes are also seeing an increasingly rapid roll-out with opportunities well suited to the innovative and agile solutions provided by many Irish businesses.

In addition, various Asian companies have announced their intention to develop antibodies or vaccines to combat Covid-19, so Irish businesses with strong expertise in pharma servicing, regulatory consultation, clinical trials and supply chains are actively probing for new and enhanced opportunities in the region.

“Many companies tended to take a conservative approach relative to their western peers to remote work, “says Kinnane. “But Covid-19 has prompted companies, particularly in China, South Korea and Japan, to re-assess the value of remote-working. And there is now more leniency and openness in corporate culture to embrace the practice with a more strategic and long-term view. Hence, it’s timely that Irish companies now look to the east to capture untapped opportunities. But they may need to be prepared to conduct business for a prolonged period under current conditions and be more creative and resourceful than ever in developing and maintaining customer intimacy.”

The regional director says it’s projected to be one of the first regions to emerge from the Covid-19 challenge, with economies faring relatively well. So as economic and business activities begin returning to normal, it’s imperative for Irish businesses to provide best-in-class services and products to their existing and potential customers in order to exhibit commitment and capability to perform in times of crisis.

“Companies are currently reviewing their supply chains so if there are prospective customers and partners that Irish businesses have wanted to work with, this can provide a context to approach or re-approach them,” she advises. 

“The overarching message from APAC is that of a region demonstrating real resilience with economic fundamentals remaining strong, and the opportunities for world class Irish companies being very compelling.  Our teams, from Beijing to Sydney are fully operational, ensuring a continuity of service with clients and networks and have a range of business supports and funding options to support exporters.”

 

Learn more about supports available to businesses impacted by Covid-19 at Enterprise Ireland’s business response.

 

The funding landscape – surveying the options

Funding Landscape

With entire business sectors forced to either cease trading completely or go into a period of near hibernation as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, many companies are faced with a situation where income has slowed to a trickle while outgoings cannot be eliminated entirely if the business is to survive and emerge from the crisis intact.

 

Look Inside the Business First

These factors make a company’s state of readiness for access to funding, from all sources, critically important. When surveying the funding landscape, John Power, director of specialist financial advisory firm SGL, says the best place for companies to start is internally. That potential source encompasses existing debtors and customers who may be willing to pay in advance for a discount and also maximising terms with creditors which may include payments to Revenue.

“Firms must still submit their returns on time, but Revenue is not going to apply penalties and interest for late payment,” says Power. “Revenue has really stepped up to the plate here. Companies should appreciate that flexibility and use it while they can.”

 

Investigate State Support Schemes

He also points to the range of supports on offer from the State, including the €450 million Covid-19 Working Capital Loan and €200 million Future Growth Loan schemes available through the Strategic Banking Corporation of Ireland (SBCI) and the €180 million Sustaining Enterprise Fund through Enterprise Ireland to help companies in the manufacturing and internationally traded services sectors to adapt their business models and return to viability. A Rescue and Restructuring Fund for worst-case scenarios is also available.

“The SBCI Working Capital Loan Scheme offers loans of between €25,000 and €1.5 million over three years with a maximum interest rate of 4%,” says Power. “The funding is available on an interest-only basis for the first three months, and that will help companies get through the initial period of the crisis. Also, the first €500,000 is unsecured. That’s very important for service-based companies who may have limited assets to use as security.”

Enterprise Ireland also has a new €5,000 Covid-19 Business Financial Planning Grant to help companies prepare financial plans for their internal needs and to better prepared to present a strong lending proposal to banks and the SBCI. There are also a number of strategic consultancy grants and other supports available to help companies maintain and enhance their competitiveness.

Smaller companies also have other options. “Microfinance Ireland has stepped up with loans of up to €50,000 over three to five years at an interest rate now reduced to 4.5%, with no repayments required and no interest charged in the first six months,” says Power.

 

Engage with your Bank

Bank finance is, of course, an option worth pursuing but can be difficult to get in the current environment. “Banks look principally at two things,” Power explains. “Capacity to repay and security. And they need both before they will advance a loan. I hope that banks take a forward-looking view or else look back on 2019 performance when assessing companies’ ability to repay loans. If they just look at the first quarter of 2020, it will make things very difficult.”

 

Credit Guarantee Scheme

Companies which can demonstrate capacity to repay, but fall down on security, can always utilise the Credit Guarantee Scheme, he adds. Managed through the SBCI, the scheme guarantees 80% of the value of the loan in return for a half a percent premium on the interest rate. “This gives the banks the security they require in many cases,” says Power.

 

Sustaining Enterprise Fund

For companies that have been unable to raise finance through either the SBCI or the banks there is the Enterprise Ireland Sustaining Enterprise Fund. The purpose of the €180 million fund is to sustain companies which have been impacted by a 15% or greater reduction in actual or projected turnover or profit, or which have seen significant increase in costs as a result of the Covid-19 outbreak.

In order to qualify, businesses must provide a Business Sustainment Plan outlining how the company will be stabilised and return to viability. Qualifying businesses will be offered a repayable advance of up to €800,000 to support the implementation of the plan.

Very importantly, there is a three-year grace period on repayments. The advance must be repaid by the end of year five.

“I am pleased to say that the new Sustaining Enterprise Fund is now open for businesses who are unable to raise adequate funding from the market,” says Enterprise Ireland CEO Julie Sinnamon. “My strong advice to companies is, if you haven’t already done so, to prepare an assessment of your financial requirements and progress funding applications to the banks and the Strategic Banking Corporation of Ireland (SBCI) immediately. Enterprise Ireland’s new Business Financial Planning grant will help companies to prepare a Business Sustainment Plan.”

Other supports available through Enterprise Ireland include the new €2 million Covid-19 Online Retail Scheme which offers grants of up to €40,000 to retailers employing over 10 people to develop a more competitive online offer. Companies can also avail of the new €2,500 LEAN Business Continuity Voucher to help them access the expertise to identify the key measures needed to ensure continued operations.

 

managing liquidity covid19

Managing liquidity through the Covid-19 crisis

managing liquidity covid

Cash really is king for businesses contending with the Covid-19 crisis. Many of those still trading have to meet ongoing payroll, rent, utilities and other costs in the face of rapidly declining demand, while many others have been forced to close either as a result of government directive or adverse trading conditions and are looking at ways to reopen when the crisis abates.

The challenge for all of these companies is how to manage their liquidity through the coming weeks and months to ensure they are in a position to take advantage of the recovery when it does come.

Interestingly, recent events have served to prepare Irish companies for the shock. “We have been talking to a lot of companies in our role as an outsourced CFO,” says Barry Doyle, director of specialist financial advisory firm SGL.

“They have learned to deal with a lot of problems as a result of the Brexit crisis and they are better prepared as a result. With Brexit, the issues were reduced margins, foreign exchange issues and other disruptions, and they have been preparing for them.” says Doyle.

Of course, the scale of the impact of the Covid-19 crisis is greater by an order of magnitude. “This will mean a shutdown for many companies and a full loss of income for a sustained period,” Doyle points out. “They are seeing zero revenues on one hand while they face continued expenditure on staff, suppliers, customers and so on.”

 

Understand the Data with a Cashflow Forecast

Dealing with that situation begins with data. “The starting point is a detailed cashflow forecast,” Doyle advises. “That’s key to understanding where you are.” And what you need to do.

He describes cash and communication as the key elements of the approach to be taken once the forecast is complete.

“If working capital is the lifeblood of the business, cash is the oxygen,” he notes. “Companies have got to have working capital available to them to kickstart them after the shutdown.”

 

Engage with Creditors and Debtors

And that’s where the communication comes in. “You have to talk to your customers to identify what receipts are likely to come in. Are they still open? Are they still in a position to pay bills? Talk to your suppliers to see if they can extend credit to you. Part pay bills if necessary.”

Doyle says the best way for businesses to look at this situation is as akin to hibernation. “They have to squirrel away cash for when spring comes, so they can take advantage of the bounce that will come then. Many companies have seen this coming and have been working with their customers to get as much cash in as possible. Companies who haven’t done this should run an aged debtor analysis to see what might be out there. It might be a case of seeing who they can target for payment when business reopens, or it might be identifying customers to work with to find a way through the crisis.”

 

Wage Subsidy Scheme to Retain Staff

Cash will still be needed for payroll and other costs, of course. “Nothing is as important as your staff,” Doyle points out. “Your employees are a critical resource in business.”

He believes the Government Wage Subsidy Scheme can help companies avoid the damage of layoffs and advises them to avail of it where possible. “We are working with client companies to help them retain key staff and look after them during the crisis,” he adds.

 

Access Government Supports

Doyle’s Co-Director John Power describes the various State initiatives, including the Enterprise Ireland Stabilise and Rebuild Fund, Business Financial Planning Grant as a “huge boost”. Companies should monitor Government support developments and banking facilities offered from main banks and SBCI, to support their Working Capital needs to help them bounce back and restart their businesses quickly when working restrictions are eased

“The decision by Revenue to defer interest and penalties for late payment of VAT has also been very helpful,” he adds. “Revenue is not withholding Tax Clearance Certificates for late payment and that means companies will be able to continue to get paid by public bodies during the crisis.”

Power concludes by noting that businesses now have to become much more disciplined in terms of cost controls as well as in credit control. “In good times it is possible to be a bit more relaxed,” he says. “But companies now have to be a lot more disciplined when it comes to credit control. That means calling in debts as they fall due or even offering discounts to customers for early payment. They have got to build as much working capital as they can. Cash is king. That’s never been truer.”

Covid-19-An-Employer’s-Guide_

Covid-19: Know your responsibilities as an employer

Employers and people managers around the country, especially those in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) have legal obligations relating to the coronavirus crisis.

In conjunction with Enterprise Ireland, The HR Suite has produced ‘Covid-19: An Employer’s Guide’, a detailed document that outlines everything business owners and managers need to know about their responsibilities towards employees during this challenging time.

Caroline McEnery, Managing Director of the HR Suite says,

“Some of the relevant legislation is new and the changes in it are unchartered for both employers and employees. Other legislation was already in place, but most people wouldn’t have had to worry about it before so it wouldn’t have been on their radar.”

 

New legislative changes

The main points employers need to be aware of is emergency legislation introduced by the Government related to employee wages and payments.

Companies who can show their turnover has reduced by more than 25% due to Covid-19 may qualify for the Wage Subsidy Scheme. This provides a temporary wage subsidy of up to 85% of take home pay up to a maximum weekly amount of €410 per week to affected companies to help them continue to pay their employees.

Separately, employees who lose their jobs qualify for the new Covid-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment of €350 a week for up to 12 weeks.

A new Illness Benefit, paid at the same rate, is also available — for two weeks to any employee medically required to self-isolate and for up to 10 weeks for any employee diagnosed with Covid-19.

“The good news is that the process of processing the payments and benefits is very  straightforward,” says McEnery. “It’s really important that you communicate all the above information as empathetically and sympathetically as you can to people who are already in a very emotional place.”

 

Relevant existing legislation

Among the older laws employees may now find relevant is the Redundancy Payments Acts 1967-2014. Under this act, people who are temporarily working fewer hours than they normally would can claim for a payment called Short Time Work Support. It is paid at the same level as Jobseeker’s Benefit (€203 a week), but on a pro rata basis for the days the person is not working.

Layoffs are also covered under the Redundancy Payments Acts. Employers can place employees on a period of temporary unpaid layoff if they believe they will be able to have them back in paid work again when the crisis passes. Employees who have been temporarily laid off qualify for the Covid-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment, as outlined above.

“The only difference now is that if an employee were laid off previously, they could apply for redundancy after four weeks. That option is paused until the end of May [2020] and will be reviewed again then,” said McEnery.

 

Stay informed and communicate

With the Covid-19 situation remaining fluid, McEnery says employers should keep up to speed with what is happening and make sure their employees are in the loop too.

“Review your plans every two weeks in line with the latest Government and HSE guidance, while taking into account what is happening in your business,” she says, adding that employers should also make sure they keep communications channels open with their employees and make sure they are informed of any changes they should know about.

Download the ‘Covid-19: An Employer’s Guide’

Conor Fahy, Enterprise Ireland

Market Watch – A view from the Middle East, India and Africa

The Middle East is expected to return to business sooner than Africa and India with the tech industry being the first to recover.

Key Takeaways

  • Companies need to closely monitor the changing business environment and be prepared to quickly pivot their offer or business model if the market demands.
  • Business is severely affected in the region even though the spread of the virus in Africa and India is weeks behind Europe.
  • Borders have been closed, international events cancelled, and most companies are looking to cut costs.
  • The Middle East is expected to return to business sooner than Africa and India with the tech industry being the first to recover.
  • Communication is vital for to maintain long term relationships.

 

The global pandemic has indeed affected every corner of the world and according to Conor Fahy, Regional Director, Enterprise Ireland, India, the Middle East, and Africa is no different.

“The area encompasses over 40% of the world population so lockdown and self-isolation presents many challenges,” says the regional director. “The situation in the Middle East is similar to Europe in timing and response and most companies are expecting a decrease in revenue and are looking to cut costs and consider cost containment and defer or pause investments.

“The double whammy of an oil price war and Covid-19 will affect budgets and Dubai has introduced highly restrictive measures, including closing its airport, so there is a risk of a sharp increase in business defaults and liquidations in the travel and tourism industry. Also borders have closed across the region and major international events have been cancelled or delayed.

“India and Africa are currently around three weeks behind in terms of cases and government response. But business is severely affected, while economic activity is suffering from the initial phases of lockdown. The medium-term impacts will be severe and combined with oil-price shock and reduced demand for commodities, the region is likely to tip into an economic contraction in 2020/21, in the absence of major fiscal stimulus.”

There are eight Enterprise Ireland offices across the region which are helping Irish companies stay informed, connected and exporting. And Fahy says it’s crucial for people to avail of this support and keep communications lines open in order to survive the challenges.

“We are providing in-depth customer engagement, virtual itineraries, bespoke buyer webinars and one-to-one advice and guidance,” says Fahy.

“Personal connection is vital to winning and retaining business so it’s essential to stay connected with existing customers. Be the trusted source of information: and proactively communicate with accurate market information and insights from your industry contacts, and from Enterprise Ireland’s Market Research Centre. When things get tough, the temptation is to become acutely focused on immediate problems but while these should be addressed, developing a strategy for recovery is just as vital. So extend your timeline assumptions and planning-against scenarios, even if it appears difficult. Now is the time to invest in strategic planning and to start thinking through decision criteria and conditions for return to business.”

Many organisations are still dealing with immediate concerns around the availability of cash.

While all sectors are being affected across the region, Tourism, Aviation, Construction, Industrial Manufacturing and Mining and Oil industries have been hardest hit but technology related businesses will be the first to make a recovery.

“CFOs in the Middle East are expecting to get back to normal sooner rather than later; pausing or delaying investments instead of cancelling them altogether,” he says. “In fact, the majority expect to return to business as usual within three months if Covid-19 were to end today.

“Investments in digital transformation, customer experience and cyber security are most likely to be protected as a result of Covid-19 and all indicators point to a technology-led recovery as AI is becoming pivotal in managing the huge amounts of data needed to deliver services and product.” said Fahy

While there are certainly challenges facing Irish exporters, Fahy says there are also some emerging opportunities, particularly for digital payments and cloud services.

“The near collapse of many online grocery retail platforms is driving demand for process automation and intelligent self-service and Irish companies quickly recognize the changing market dynamics,” he says. “But while positivity may be in short supply, there is optimism in around returning to business and continuing to invest where it matters.

“Business leaders need to invest time away from crisis management to show leadership and strategically look to future opportunities which will emerge when these economies rebound.”

Conor Fahy is Enterprise Ireland’s Regional Director of the Middle East, India and Africa. To learn more about the steps companies can take to address the impact of Covid-19 visit our business supports page.

Market Watch Germany – Webinar – Impact on Supply Chain

 

Enterprise Ireland’s offices in Germany have launched a series of Webinars: Market Watch Germany. Every Wednesday at 14:00 BST/15:00 CET a new theme will be addressed to help Irish companies exporting to Germany navigate the challenges and opportunities presented by Covid 19.

For the second webinar in the series on Wednesday 15th April, we were joined by Dr. Patrick Kim from BridgeBuilder.de and Dr. Gökhan Yüzgülec from Inverto GmbH.

This Webinar explores how to cut through the noise to stay reliably informed during the crisis, the impact on supply chains and procurement, and how to prepare for the shifts after Covid-19.

Market Watch – Benelux

The Market Watch bulletin for the Benelux region (Belgium, The Netherlands and Luxembourg) provides insights from Enterprise Ireland ’s market advisors across the region that may be helpful for your business, in the context of Covid-19.

Reporting from each Benelux market, in this edition we share information on travel to the markets and market specific government supports & initiatives.

Download the bulletin here.