Portsmouth businessman helping local companies get 'back to work'

Businessman Paul Downs, 52 from Milton, is working with businesses struggling during lockdown to ensure they come out of the other side.

Although non-essential retail will be allowed to reopen on June 15, he believes the shopping world will look very different under social distancing guidelines.

Because of this, businesses – especially small to medium sized enterprises (SMEs) should join forces to keep one another afloat, he believes.

‘First and foremost it’s about survival,’ he said.

‘Some companies have lost up to 90 per cent of their sales, so for the next 12 months it’s a case of staying alive.

‘But other people are in the same boat, so by partnering up with one another you can share the load.

‘I think that is the future for local business.’

Paul has been visiting businesses across Portsmouth and the surrounding area, imparting his advice and tactics for the future.

One of the companies he has partnered up with is Wonderful Life in Lee-on-the-Solent, which sells professional beauty products.

He said: ‘There are a lot of things that businesses will have to consider in the coming weeks and months.

‘I think more people are going to be working from home, so companies will be looking at their office spaces and thinking about whether they need to downsize it.

‘Business owners will also have to look at how they can comply with social distancing rules – because I think those will be around for a lot longer than people realise.’

But while existing businesses battle to survive, the coronavirus climate and looming threat of a recession might put off budding entrepreneurs.

Paul fears that this could ‘stifle’ local markets, and is urging the government to play its part.

‘People might not be so entrepreneurial for the time being,’ he said.

‘The only way we can drive people to follow their dreams is if the government is willing to support them.’

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