The BC Chamber of Commerce, Greater Vancouver Board of Trade and the Business Council of British Columbia, with assistance by Mustel Group, have collaborated with business associations across the province to collect and provide information to government, from businesses of all sizes, sectors and regions across British Columbia. Information gathered will inform a holistic approach between government and society in acting on the COVID-19 pandemic.
This report provides the key findings from the third survey taken by 1,343 business leaders from May 11th to 15th, 2020. Pulse Check #1 was released April 2, 2020 and Pulse Check #2 on April 20, 2020.
Some key findings of the survey include:
- Impacts on businesses from the COVID-19 pandemic are similar to those reported in the Pulse Check #2 survey. The most common impact continues to be decreased sales volume, reported by 78% of businesses (no change from previous survey). And again, almost half (48%) also report laying off employees, reducing staff hours (45%) and/or closing temporarily (42%).
- Between 32% to 40% have had capital projects, contracts/tenders and/or marketing projects either cancelled or deferred (similar to previous surveys).
- On the positive side, 31% have increased their digital or e-commerce presence, and small groups have introduced new products or services (11%), advanced new marketing projects (8%) or advanced new research and development (5%).