Regional Covid-19 Business Survey results

As part of Bridgend County Borough Council’s ongoing support for businesses in the current Covid-19 pandemic, we recently undertook a survey asking whether businesses had all the information and support they needed to run their business safely.

With the survey having ended on October 19, we are now able to share the results.

The survey which took place across the Cwm Taf Morgannwg region was sent directly to businesses via different networks in the local authority and was also publicised on social media. In total there were 210 online completions.

Below are some of the main headlines from the survey results:

• 86% said they had received all of the Covid-19 information/guidance they need to ensure the safety of their staff with 83% saying they had received all the Covid-19 information/guidance they need to ensure the safety of their customers/clients
• 75% said they had received all information needed to effectively implement Test, Trace, Protect for their staff with 74% saying they had received all information needed to effectively implement Test, Trace, Protect for their customers/clients
• 78% said they had not experienced any difficulties interpreting and implementing information relevant to their business for staff with 71% saying they have not experienced any difficulties interpreting and implementing information relevant to their business for customers/clients
• 82% of respondents said they did not anticipate any future difficulties interpreting and implementing information relevant to their business for their staff with 86% saying they did not anticipate any future difficulties interpreting and implementing information relevant to their business for their customers/clients
• The majority of businesses said they accessed Covid-19-related information to run their business for staff and customers/clients via the Welsh Government website, searching online and local authority websites and emails
• Businesses said it would be helpful to have clearer and consistent guidelines and information which allowed time to prepare with some asking for regular updates via emails. They said it would be helpful to have financial support for lost business, staff costs and implementing measures

Bridgend County Borough Council leader Huw David said: “We would like to thank all those who took the time to participate in the survey – it’s encouraging that the majority of businesses who took part said they had the information and guidance they need to run their business safely at this very challenging time.

“A series of new grants were recently launched by Welsh Government to provide financial assistance for businesses that are facing operational and financial challenges caused by the lockdown restrictions.

“We urge businesses in the county borough who are unclear about their responsibilities or the financial support available to contact us.”

The survey took place between September 21 and October 19.

For more details on the support for businesses visit the Business Wales website or visit the Bridgend County Borough Council business support webpage.

To sign up to the Healthy Working Wales e-bulletin and receive the latest information on guidance and resources email WorkplaceHealth@wales.nhs.uk with ‘E-Bulletin Sign Up’ in the subject line of the email.