Skip to main content

SURVEY RESULTS: Optimism for business recovery increases in Greater Exeter

By May 28, 2020January 26th, 2021Coronavirus COVID-19, Member News & Updates

Businesses in Greater Exeter are reporting increased confidence in business recovery according to the latest survey from Exeter Chamber of Commerce.  46% of business respondents reported that their optimism for recovery had increased since the beginning of April.  A further 26% felt neutral, with the remaining 28% feeling less optimistic.  

While optimism has increased overall, businesses are planning for scaled back operations post lockdown, with only one third of businesses expecting to trade at full capacity.  Just over half of businesses felt that the Government schemes such as the bounce back loans had enabled them to get the financial support they needed.

Exeter Chamber board director Clodagh Murphy, said: “This survey presents a mixed response from businesses, and reflects how quickly things continue to shift in the landscape.  Of the business leaders we have spoken with at the forefront of their minds is how to do this in a way that keeps both colleagues and customers safe while building their business back as lockdown eases.

It is clear that some industries are likely to be able to begin trading quickly, while for others the return may not come soon enough.  We are working with members and other organisations to help support all businesses through this, recently launching the We Are Stronger Together video campaign, as well as running The Friday Lockdown Shows and other events to give business access to advice and information.   

Exeter has a strong and resilient business community, which is working hard and making great strides towards recovery.”

In response to the businesses’ needs, Exeter Chamber has formed a taskforce, Stronger Together, working with other business organisations including InExeter, the FSB, Tribe, Heart of the South West Skills Hub, Tech South West, Exeter City Council and Devon County Council.  The group has launched a campaign to support local businesses, #WeAreStrongerTogether