Single-site businesses in England appear to be bearing the brunt of the covid lockdowns when compared with similar businesses in the devolved nations, a Government business insights survey has found.
The survey in the period November 16-29 shows that England had the lowest percentage among the UK countries of single site businesses continuing to trade, at 76%, with the North East of England having the lowest percentage among the English regions at just 66%. Single site firms are most likely to be independently owned.
England also had the highest net percentage of single site businesses experiencing a decrease in turnover, at 41%, compared with Scotland and Wales, both at 39% and Northern Ireland, at 30%.
It also had the highest percentage among the UK countries of single site businesses with between zero and three months of cash reserves, at 35%, with the North East of England having the highest percentage among the English regions, at 38%.
The Office for National Statistics said: “The results are likely to reflect both structural differences between different countries and regions of the UK, but also differences in the nature and timing of restrictions that have been put in place to reduce the spread of covid-19.”
