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13 | The IFP -H alton H ills | T hursday,O ctober 22,2020 theifp.ca There's a chill in the air but our Meat Pies and other British Treats will keep you feeling warm inside! We are your one stop British shop! www.millersscottishbakery.com 905-877-0596 MILLER'S ScottISh BakERy MILLER'S ScottISh BakERy 330 GUELPH ST., GEORGETOWN (opposite Canadian Tire) Closed Monday,Tues 9:30 - 6 Wed to Fri 10 - 6:30, Sat 9:30 - 6, Sun 11-4 Congratulations to the Class of 2020! You can rely on us to service all your septic needs 519.853.0500 • 905.877.7642 robtnobleltd@outlook.com serving halton region • peel region wellington county Robert Noble Ltd. & Halton Sanitation SEPTIC SERVICES SERVICES INCLUDE: • Tank locating and Pumping • Routine Maintenance Schedules • Septic System Evaluation • Real Estate Inspections • High Pressure Drain Flushing • Flushing of plugged or frozen sewer lines and septic beds • Repairs • Installation of New Septic System • Camera Services-Locates blockages-examines your lines • Riser Installations - You will never have to dig up your septic tank again! • Truck Accessories • Upholstery • Heavy Equipment Glass •Window Tinting We handle all insurance work. 354 Guelph Street, Georgetown 905-873-1655 Priorities responding to new trends, BDC study reveals Most small and mid-sized enterprises (SMEs) are looking ahead and taking action to prepare for the future despite COVID-19, according to BDC's study, "The Response: How Entrepreneurs Are Adapting to the Pandemic". The study identifies five priorities for entrepreneurs as they plan for the future, as well as how the pandemic has changed Canadians' habits. "Canadian entrepreneurs are looking to the future and showing ingenuity in adapt- ing to the challenges of our new business environment," says Pierre Cléroux, BDC's Vice President, Research and Chief Economist. "Our findings show that adopting business practices that consider new consumer and work trends can put SMEs back on the track to prosperity. As a second wave looms ahead, the recovery may be choppy, but we are con- fident in the ability of SMEs to adapt as the situation evolves." Priorities for entrepreneurs The study offers practical advice for busi- ness owners who are re-launching their busi- ness and finds entrepreneurs are adapting to the health crisis with the following five priori- ties in mind: 1. Putting finances in order (39 per cent) by reducing operating costs, controlling cash flow and setting up a contingency plan; 2. Taking advantage of technology (27 per cent) to stay competitive; 3. Focusing on telework (25 per cent) to allow physical distancing, but also to respond to employee requests; According to research by marketing and polling firm Léger, 80 per cent of workers who have worked remotely during the lockdown plan to continue practicing it; 4. Selling online (24 per cent) and focusing on several areas, such as website improvement, social media activity and targeted promo- tional campaigns; 5. Reviving growth (23 per cent) by diversify- ing clientele and offering to ensure business- es stay robust. Moreover, entrepreneurs who are confident they will weather the crisis plan to change their supply chains (11 per cent), whereas 10 per cent of SME executives say the COVID crisis has caused them to increase the number of their local suppliers. How Canadians' habits have changed: • 83 per cent are willing to pay more for local products; • 56 per cent of consumers have made more online purchases since the start of the crisis; • 50 per cent are concerned about the health impacts of the products they consider buying; • 25 per cent want to reduce personal con- sumption. Some business trends are new, while others have accelerated, such as increasing investments in technology. "While the situ- ation remains uncertain, Canada's entrepre- neurs are in solution mode. Adapting to this new environment could be key for small- er businesses to prosper in years to come," Cléroux adds. BDC's study is based on literature pub- lished since the pandemic began in March, as well as interviews with academic, consulting and marketing research experts. The data presented were derived from two surveys conducted by BDC among 1,000 Canadian SME leaders and 2,000 consumers in May and June of 2020. The report is published as part of this year's edition of BDC Small Business Week (SBW) under the theme, "Forging the way forward". Taking place from October 18 to 25, SBW is an annual celebration of entrepreneurship orga- nized by BDC. This year's edition will recognize entrepreneurial resilience and innovation in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. Forging the way forward. October 18-24, 2020 Small Business WeekTM bdc.ca/sbw #BDCsbw