Become A Client
When you become a client of Coutts, you will be part of an exclusive network.
Entrepreneurs looking for new connections and new markets
The readiness of our entrepreneur clients to adapt to new challenges has long been a common characteristic, and our latest research shows it holding firm even in the face of today’s massive social upheaval.
Capital and connections front of mind
Tellingly, it was cash reserves rather than government support, which scored highest when we asked about the possible solutions to these tough operating conditions.
The vast majority of entrepreneurs surveyed (85%) put access to cash at the top of their list, with 81% of respondents also ranking cheaper borrowing costs as a top tool.
In what may come as a surprise to many, far fewer respondents – just 55% – said that an extension of the UK government’s furlough scheme would be helpful, and only 25% believed it would either be very or extremely useful. This suggests that, while the scheme helped businesses keep employees in the short term, entrepreneurs prefer independent solutions over government support moving forward.
“When you need a critical friend who has been there and seen it before, our advisers will help you make the right decisions for your business and family.”
With lockdowns making it difficult to connect with people, entrepreneurs highlighted the ongoing importance of networking with their peers to share ideas and find support. Roughly three quarters of the survey respondents (74%) put an emphasis on the value of peer networks in helping them face the challenge of the current crisis.
Greg Kyle-Langley, Coutts Head of Banking and Wealth Management, highlights the bank’s vital role in bringing people together, even as the COVID-19 pandemic hinders face-to-face meetings. “We’ve a history of connecting our pioneering clients so they can meet like minds and gather new perspectives. And when you need a critical partner who has been there through thick and thin, our advisers will help you make the right decisions for your business and family.”
The ongoing challenge of finding support
While finding talented people and capital remained key challenges for entrepreneurs, the extraordinary circumstances we find ourselves in did mean that the focus had slightly changed. The need to find talent fell to 23% in 2020, compared to 36% in 2019, but there still appears to be an appetite for recruitment - almost two-thirds (64%) of respondents disagreed with the statement that they were deprioritising hiring people as a result of the pandemic.
While the second highest concern – access to capital – has fallen to 20%, from 28% last year – the need to find new markets has in contrast, become more important. In 2020, 19% of entrepreneurs highlighted this as their main concern, compared to just 7% 12 months ago. It suggests entrepreneurs are beginning to think about diversifying their operations in response to the pandemic, perhaps realising the danger of being overly dependent on markets that can too easily and quickly be disrupted.
There was also a slight rise in concerns over automation (up to 5% from 3% in 2019) – likely a result of how quickly people have adapted to working and managing their lives online through lockdown.
Interestingly, the number who considered building a diverse workforce as their greatest challenge more than doubled to 5% in 2020, from 2% in 2019. This may well be tied into increased awareness of the importance of diversity and inclusion as a result of recent events.
The eternal question for entrepreneurs – where next?
While entrepreneurs remain focused on their current businesses, it should be no surprise to find that the next opportunity is never far from their minds. In fact, our research shows that many have identified this as a moment to look towards new ventures.
Over a quarter(26.5%) told us they were interested in reinvesting in other industries to safeguard the future of their company, and 36% said they were looking towards new industries or trying something new. With the COVID-19 pandemic turning many of the old ways of doing things upside down, it’s clear that those who can adapt are better positioned to take advantage of opportunities for new business.
Two big challenges, one conclusion
There are two clear issues dominating the outlook for UK business in 2020 – the COVID-19 pandemic and Brexit. But we’ve found that far from being cowed by the challenge, entrepreneurs are looking for new ways to thrive as the ground shifts.
When asked about the impact of COVID-19 on their businesses’ long-term outlooks, 30% of our entrepreneurs said that it had in fact had a positive effect, with a further 26% saying it had not impacted their outlook. With regards to Brexit, 41% of respondents said it made no difference to their outlook, while 29% said it made them more optimistic.
But what we have found is that entrepreneurs can’t do it alone. They’re looking for support, encouragement and ideas from their peers, transitional support from government to help them seize new opportunities, and advice from their bank to help them make the best decisions.
At Coutts, we’re uniquely positioned to provide the support they need. We have a network of entrepreneur clients ready to help with advice and investment if needed, and experienced advisers to point the way through the challenges of 2020 and beyond. We continue to be the natural home for the UK’s most prominent entrepreneurs, as we’ve been for over three hundred years.
Coutts Entrepreneurs Month
In a sign of our commitment to support the UK’s leading entrepreneurs, we dedicate each October to helping them share knowledge and experiences though our Coutts Entrepreneurs Month.
You’ll find news of events, interviews, articles and more on our entrepreneurs’ hub.
You can read the first report on our 2020 Coutts Entrepreneur Survey here
THE 'EXPECT BETTER' PODCAST SERIES
The ‘Expect Better’ podcast series looks at the thrills-and-spills of life and the meaning of wealth. From the West End maestro with a passion for philanthropy, to the gender equality campaigner who invests for her cause, this exciting 6-part series brings together some of Coutts’ most fascinating clients and industry contacts. Perhaps you’re intrigued to find out the secrets to being a successful entrepreneur?
ABOUT Coutts INVESTMENTS
With unstinting focus on client objectives and capital preservation, Coutts Investments provide high-touch investment expertise that centres on diversified solutions and a service-led approach to portfolio management. Our investment process is as disciplined as it is creative – ensuring tailored solutions with robust results.
Find Out More About Investing with Coutts
