20/06/2024
Mary's Market Bazzar
Covid & Business
When we think of Covid, we think of illness and separation –
We think of the distance, and the inability to give someone a hug, when they most needed it.
The awful way, in which we had to adapt to the strange, and cruel way, that funerals had to be conducted, when our loved ones fell prey to the awful virus.
Recalling it, and writing about it now, it seems far away, and unreal.
It's hard to believe, we all endured this time, and that the bravest of us, namely the medical teams, the carers, and not forgetting the shop assistants and cleaners for the most part, who carried the rest of us through.
Unfortunately, it did happen, and although we are all vaccinated, and the crisis is over, though still out there, and not completely gone - we just seem to have moved on. The feel good, “love they neighbour vibe” that existed during one of our worst times has not deterred us from wars, and all the apathy, we thought we'd never visit again - recent world events are showing us this in abundance.
Much like the fuel situation, and escalating prices are now a result of world unrest, so was Covid a big game changer economically for this planet. Speaking personally, it was a big game changer for me.
Having already gone back into education in my 50's. I was one of the many online students of Covid time. Digital Marketing and Project Management my subjects of choice.
Starting then a business, as we were coming out of Covid. Far from being remarkable, I am but a cliche I'm afraid, as so many have done the same.
There is not only a surge in Adult Education since, but also a real surge in Entrepreneurship.
Individuals that would never have had the time, or opportunity, to study have done so, and bagged qualifications they would never have normally attained.
Similarly, Entrepreneurs have been born, that never considered owning their own business - but now finally have the qualifications to do so. realising potential, that has surprised not just others, but themselves.
From the innovators who decided to sell coffees and sandwiches from a van, and now have a premises - to online business, like me - that might need, or then again, may never need a premises.
One sector - the one I'm in - grew basically, because when Covid hit, surprisingly - most Irish, small to medium businesses did not have a website.
When you consider that Ireland, and indeed Europe, is computer literate, since the 90's - is quite astonishing to have found, that most takeaways and restaurants here, were relying on a “click and collect” format to keep going during Covid. It became a huge concern that business (most SME) did not have an online presence at all - they completely relied on footfall for sales all the time.
Differently now, there is presently more of Irish business with a website. Interesting statistic from THE IRISH TIMES: “More than four in five Irish-based businesses have a website but only 40 per cent sell online !
One change for one company as an example, and that has created a substantial shift is - Just eat the Takeaway App / Business has grown tremendously. Not just takeaways and restaurants using this facility now, but grocery shops, off licences, sandwich bar: Here are the stats:
Just Eat Takeaway generated €3 billion revenue in 2022, a 5.1% increase year-on-year
In 2022, Just Eat Takeaway reduced losses to €25 million.
Just Eat Takeaway had 61 million users combined over all its apps.
Another huge change would be - Universities / Colleges are now, more online – Resulting in a major rise in accessibility to online education.
“Ireland ranks third in the OECD for the rate of 3rd level education attainment, at 54% compared to the average of 41”. (Gov, 2024)
I am now still studying, having a digital marketing service, and more recently a retail online outlet –
There are many of us, and the journey continues.
As not unlike the neighbourly good will diminishing, the way business is done is completely different, but that’s change, and change is good for the most part –
So, adaptation is key, and broadening your mind is imperative – as with most things – keep up or get left behind –
I wish all fellow entrepreneurs the Best of Luck - & Please Continue to Be Brave!
