When asked whether their business would have preferred or benefited from a different pace of easing, 68% said they preferred neither a faster nor slower easing of restrictions. However, a net balance of 23% of firms said they would have preferred a faster route out of lockdown and just 9% said they would have preferred a slower easing of restrictions. The majority of those questioned (66%) said they will be able to operate at 80% capacity or more when restrictions for their sector are lifted.
The results of the research come a week after Lloyds Bank’s Business Barometer research revealed that UK business confidence reached a one-year high during March, with a quarter (25%) of firms saying they were planning to create new jobs in the 12 months ahead.
Business confidence in the East of England grew 20 points between February and March to 12%, the first time it has been net positive since March 2020.
Dave Atkinson, regional director for the East of England at Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking, said: “This data shows the positive impact that the roadmap out of lockdown – and the clarity it provides – has had on local businesses. It’s fantastic to see many firms are putting plans in place to re-open at full capacity when lockdown eases.
“The next few months will be critical to the region’s recovery and we remain by the side of businesses, ensuring they have the support they need to seize all opportunities as trading resumes.”