The majority (60%) of small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the UK are hopeful about the future and their business operations in the face of the global coronavirus pandemic.

This is according to new research from the World Bank, Facebook and the OECD, revealing that SMEs in the country are still positive and looking forward, despite 43 per cent of them having to close their doors temporarily because of lockdown restrictions, City AM reports.

The study found that 58 per cent of SMEs suffered declining sales… but it was also found that the country’s small businesses are also some of the most digitally savvy in Europe, with over half making more than a quarter of all sales online.

Steve Hatch, Facebook vice-president of northern Europe, was quoted by the news source as saying: “From fitness classes, to restaurants, and beyond, small and medium sized businesses are the backbone of economies across the world – and it is vital we support them as they get back on their feet.

“These findings show a steely optimism among British business owners looking to bounce back better following Covid-19, despite how challenging the past few months have been.”

Now’s the time to start doing a bit of a marketing push if you are thinking of reopening or have just done so. You’ll want to bring those customers back through your doors and branded merchandising can really help keep you at the forefront of people’s minds.

Effective merchandising can have a really positive effect on sales, so bear this in mind for everything, whether it’s your pricing and displays, sale signs or any promotional marketing material you have in mind.

Let custom printing services Printstinct help your business thrive now and well into the future.