Surviving as a small surveying business during and after the COVID-19 pandemic

As a follow-on from a paper given at the RICS Scotland Virtual Conference on Thursday 12th November, 2020, this paper discusses the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on small surveying businesses. Setting out how small surveying firms have managed their businesses during the pandemic from the earliest stage at the start of 2020 to the first quarter of 2021, it details what steps firms took to protect their businesses through the various stages of the pandemic. Good early communication with clients and the wider business community, prudent financial management, taking advice in respect of the various forms of government support available and being flexible and adaptable were found to be key steps. The loss of life and the accompanying psychological and emotional effect on the world’s health have been devasting and will be the lasting legacy of the pandemic. History shows, however, that the pandemic should come to an end. The paper reflects on the outlook for small businesses post-COVID-19 by reference to current economic forecasts and thoughts on potential business opportunities. Anticipated structural changes in the workplace brought about by the pandemic, addressing climate change and the effects of government stimulus are thought to be contributing factors to creating a positive outlook for small businesses in the post-pandemic world.