Swiss SMEs believe in return with new strength
More than two-thirds of Swiss SMEs are confident of returning to the post-Corona era with renewed strength. This is shown by a representative survey conducted by localsearch (Swisscom Directories AG).
Despite massive economic upheavals, Swiss SMEs do not believe in an economic Armageddon. In a survey conducted by localsearch (Swisscom Directories AG) survey of 200 SMEs in German-speaking Switzerland, 68 percent agree with the statement "My SME will find new strength after the Corona crisis. A minority of 11 percent doubt their own economic viability.
A quarter of Swiss SMEs expect a wave of bankruptcies
Swiss SMEs are not only rather optimistic about their own future in the post-Corona era, they are also not overly concerned about their industry. Almost half (46 percent) of those surveyed are convinced "In my industry, there will be few bankruptcies as a result of Corona." On the other hand, 27 percent of respondents expect a wave of bankruptcies among their competitors. However, it seems to be too early for many entrepreneurs to form a conclusive opinion on this question: Indeed, one in four survey participants (27 percent) say they are not yet able to assess the bankruptcy potential of the Corona crisis.
Crisis as an opportunity: one in five SMEs sees great potential for itself after Corona
One in five Swiss SMEs sees the crisis as an opportunity. "For my SME, the Corona crisis is an opportunity" - 21 percent of the SMEs surveyed agree with this statement, for 50 percent it does not apply and 29 percent do not want to commit themselves in their assessment. "I am very impressed by the mental strength and optimism of many Swiss SMEs. These are the best prerequisites for economic recovery," says Stefano Santinelli, CEO of localsearch (Swisscom Directories AG), commenting on the SMEs' assessment.
Corona accelerates digitization - many SMEs nevertheless remain unimpressed
Triggered by the Corona crisis, the population has strongly digitized its everyday life with online shopping, home office, food delivery, video chats and cashless payment. This trend leaves many SMEs cold. 55 percent of the companies surveyed say they are not more interested in digital offerings such as web stores, online appointment bookings, etc. than before because of the lockdown. Only a minority of 23 percent affirmed the statement "Digital marketing is more important for us today than before the crisis".
Stefano Santinelli is convinced that the discrepancy between consumers' growing digital demands and a lack of correspondence among many SMEs could become dangerous for these companies in the medium term: "Consumers are not guided by the provider. If he wants to order online, he orders where he can. The others go away empty-handed."
