At a time when France is delighted to be able to return to the terrace, a CPME survey on the economic situation of VSEs and SMEs reminds us that the situation remains complicated for them.
It was carried out between the end of April and the beginning of May with 2,000 bosses and shared in
Les Échos.
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The situation remains contrasted between on the one hand the decline in epidemics, which gives hope for an imminent restart. They are 81% to consider that the economic recovery in France will have a significant impact on the activity of the company. On the other hand, many, 37%, anticipate a drop in their turnover in the second quarter, even if the proportion is significantly lower than in the previous three months. On the other hand, companies that bet on an increase in turnover remain stable, around 20%.
The financial aspect remains the first source of concern for these leaders.
The level of debt, already high, continued to widen in the first quarter for 32% of them.
22% say they have difficulty paying their rent, a figure that rises to 47% in the accommodation and food services sector.
However, only 17% of them have benefited from assistance from their donor since the second confinement.
Finally, more than half of the leaders, who requested a loan guaranteed by the State, requested a deferral in the repayment deadlines.
SMEs adapt
In addition, there are economic difficulties.
Faced with a disrupted supply chain, 28% of respondents say they have difficulty obtaining supplies.
In addition to this disorganization, or because of it, raw materials saw their prices rise, which had an impact on nearly 60% of the VSEs-SMEs questioned.
In the event of difficulties, the bosses choose to turn in priority to their banker or a chartered accountant, respectively at 63 and 35%.
In contrast, only 3% choose the tax or social administration in the same situation and 5% to contact a Chamber of Trades and Crafts or a Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
Read also: The recovery plan is also for SMEs
The survey also shows that the world of small businesses is gradually adapting to the health context and its specificities. In particular teleworking, which many have introduced and which 47% believe to maintain at the end of the crisis. A long-term choice, since people questioned 68% doubt a rapid return to "
normal life
", that is to say without health restrictions, before 2022.