The Poitiers Le Center association has carried out an impact study on the Covid-19 epidemic on businesses in downtown Poitiers. “Our objective with this survey was to make a diagnosis, launch an analysis and then propose solutions for all businesses in the city center, whether they are members or not., explains Benoît Delsuc, president of the association and manager of Excalibur. We work for all traders. “ From May 1 to 5, out of 450 companies surveyed, 117 responded. All sectors are represented, from catering to ready-to-wear, including beauty, food and decoration.
The study shows it well, the city center of Poitiers hosts many small and medium-sized businesses. The average surface is 116 m2 with an average workforce of 5.1 jobs (including manager). 76% of respondents have a turnover of less than € 500,000 per year (including 39% less than € 200,000). The average breakeven point is € 34,000 per month, or € 408,000 over one year. “This is the amount required on average for a business to cover all of its expenses, that is to say, rent, wages, water, electricity, various taxes …, without state or banking support, says Olivier Goarin, board member and manager of The Escape League. And today, 63% of businesses have cash less than or equal to one month of activity. “
Aid use
Among the measures to reduce these charges, 60% of executives have decided not to pay wages in March, the percentage rose to 75% in May. “However, the purpose of a business is above all to bring to life the one who manages it”, recalls Benoît Delsuc. Olivier Goarin adds: “And in the remaining 25%, the manager does not necessarily pay his entire salary. “ Companies used 77% of the State / Region solidarity fund. “It’s a good rate, but the remaining percentage also hides businesses that were not eligible. For example, if the business was not closed, he was not entitled to this assistance. However, some pharmacies recorded much less sales in the parapharmacy in particular or some bakeries, no longer having salaried customers, lost almost 50% of their turnover. “ 62% of the businesses questioned requested the State guaranteed loan for an average amount of € 54,338. 74% resorted to partial unemployment for an average of 5.04 employees per establishment. “Many leaders have the status of self-employed and therefore cannot apply for partial unemployment …” Of the rents, 16% of those surveyed obtained the cancellation of one or more rents. “38% had a delay, but here again we must be vigilant. Some owners have postponed, but at the end of May will invoice for June and at the same time ask for April rent… when activity is barely restarting. So 80% of businesses will have to pay rent. “
Pierre-Marie Moreau, member of the board and manager of L&A Commerces comments: “Since May 11, these merchants can generate turnover in order to hope to break even and pay their expenses. This will not be the case. In Germany, the first week, shops made 60% of their turnover and France is short of that forecast. At the end of the month, the merchants will therefore dip into their treasury and then have no more reserves to face, to pay their employees and while they will take time to find their activity. Today there is a crying need for cash. “
Call for mobilization
Faced with this observation, the Poitiers Le Center association is proposing an emergency plan for trade. “Many businesses are in danger. Knowing that the Government has announced that partial unemployment – under current conditions – will no longer be active beyond June 1 and that businesses have no more than a month of cash in front of them for the majority, the sustainability of 60% of businesses are compromised. We need an action plan from the town hall, the CCI. “ Among the actions planned, the association requests the supply of equipment (mask, gel, etc.).
It also wishes financial support with the establishment of exemption mechanisms (in connection with the State) for the tax on household waste, that of stay or even the CFE (the property contribution of companies), for the rights of ‘sign and terrace until the end of the year (not just for the months of April and May), as well as taking charge of the property tax for companies with a negative result. For vulnerable businesses, Poitiers Le Center also offers, like what has been set up by the Vienne & Gartempe community of communes, an emergency fund giving access to a subsidy of € 1,000 for companies with less than five employees. “Currently, this is a loan offered by Grand Poitiers and for companies that are not eligible for other funds. Conversely, this emergency fund could be aimed at all traders who have had a significant loss of activity … ” Pierre-Marie Moreau notes: “All summer events have been canceled, these funds can be reinvested to support local business. For there to be a recovery, an economic fabric is needed. If the fabric collapses, it will be hard to mend. If there is no support, there will be many failures in the coming months. “ Benoît Delsuc continues: “We must also revitalize the city center to bring consumers back. “ Among the measures requested, there is free parking until the end of the year, such as that of public transport or the authorization of special openings (Sundays, holidays, staggered hours). “You have to try things, free for one hour, on Saturdays … Other cities are doing it. “ An important communication component is also desired. “Faced with this unprecedented situation, we are at the disposal of the public and consular authorities to reflect on this emergency plan. We need concrete action to build the future of the city center. The crisis is going to last and we cannot stay like this. “
More : Facebook Poitiers Le Center.
–
