Community spirit is the key

I stand by those sentiments, but I also recognise that political uncertainty is very different to uncertainty around one’s own health and the health of one’s family.

I noted that entrepreneurs are able to adapt to any situation and once again I stand by that fact – being nimble of thought and able to push forward in a new direction is what takes a good business and makes it a great one.

However, in light of the ongoing Covid-19 challenge facing us all, one thing I think will truly help entrepreneurs and through which entrepreneurs can help our wider society, is recognising the importance of a community.

The fact is that nobody predicted what we are experiencing right now. There was no gradual development, no time to update a business plan, to look at new markets or develop new products for market. Covid-19 struck the world suddenly and mercilessly. So, although the adaptability of entrepreneurs is second-to-none, there simply hasn’t been the time or opportunity to do so properly.

Which is why communities are adapting together. The most powerful weapon we have against the virus are our communities working together. Just look at the wonderful #ClapForCarers as an example of how quickly society can come together and how powerful a message it can send when working together.

In and amongst the sadness we read about this virus, there are some pockets of wonderful news that demonstrate the good that working together can achieve. Whether it is individuals clubbing together to provide supplies for elderly or unwell neighbours, or large global businesses starting to manufacture much-needed products – it is the sense of community driving the behavioural change. And our entrepreneurs are no different. There are a number of stories and examples of British entrepreneurs trying to support their communities.

Whether they are looking for a way to develop new safety equipment for emergency workers, on the hunt for a distribution partner to get their hand sanitiser to market or improving the home technology for the workforce now operating in lock down, the one factor that links them all together is community.

Entrepreneurs are looking to help their own, learn from others and bring them together for the greater good.

Out of any crisis or difficult period we always see a spike in innovation, or a change to the way we work. This will be no different and as a result there will be opportunities.

There is every chance that remote working will become even more commonplace than it already is, general cleanliness and hygiene will improve, attention to staff mental wellbeing will increase and so on. Opportunity will be created not just for businesses to fill these new needs, but for existing businesses to improve, to develop and elevate their new purpose.

But to seize the new opportunities, entrepreneurs will likely have to continue to work within and for the benefit of their community and do so with purpose. And to do that, they may need to ask for help. Help from their financial partner, help from their investors, their customers, their staff, the government.

Luckily, there is a community spirit right now that is coming to the fore, and with that will be the help these businesses need. We need to remember and recognise the fact that if entrepreneurs succeed, we all succeed.

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James Mitchinson

Editor