HK Insider opens the lid on second lockdown impact and 2021
THE effects of the second UK lockdown and plans for 2021 is the subject of HJ Insider in the current online edition of Hairdressers Journal, and the results of a recent survey reveal just how much hairdressing salons have been affected. With 94 percent of businesses in lockdown at the time the survey was completed every one of those businesses were closed.
More than 50 percent of closed business owners put their time off to good use, however, with most upskilling through virtual education, preparing to reopen and speaking with clients while upgrading marketing strategies, promoting retail sales and taking time out. And, nearly half of surveyed business owners agreed that they were better prepared in the second go-around.
The survey revealed that less than 20 percent were satisfied with the UK government’s approach to the pandemic lockdown while half were unsure, indicating that they and their businesses were largely on their own. A whopping 65 percent backed this up, saying that government has not offered adequate support through lockdowns while 22 percent were unsure and less than 15 percent were satisfied. Responses indicated that government failed to offer business supports such as reducing or waiving VAT charges and financial incentives across the board including rent furloughs, to the self-employed and freelance hairdressers and salon owners.
Surveyed business owners have prioritised 2021 as the year to encourage more frequent client business while rebuilding those relationships by adding new services ready to go with the end of the second lockdown. Respondents were predominantly positive about being fully booked in January, and nearly half agreed that no price increase was on the New Year agenda.
While the outlook is positive overall for 2021, the majority of businesses fear that additional lockdowns and even a weak first quarter will lead to permanent closures, a concern exacerbated by last-minute appointment cancellations.
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