Navigator – Now, next and how for business

Have businesses thrived or survived the COVID-19 crisis? And how will they be different in the future? Find out from thousands of business decision makers around the world.

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Evolution not revolution

Our Resilience report in July 2020 revealed a picture of challenge and change.

Since then, we’ve surveyed more than 10,000 companies in 39 countries and territories to find out how they’re responding to the ongoing challenges and preparing for the future.

The findings in our Navigator – Now, next and how for business report reveal that most businesses are evolving rather than transforming. In doing so, they’re continuing to invest to grow – and they’re changing their mindset around what will make them successful.

How will your business rebuild beyond 2020?

View the global report

Preparing for a different future

Our research showed that the COVID-19 pandemic has hit some businesses harder than others. But some common themes have emerged.

Businesses are:

Investing to grow – even if their revenue has suffered
Evolving their mindset rather than transforming their operations
Entering new trade markets, not leaving old ones
Reshaping their supply chains for security and resilience
Recognising that sustainability is good for business as well as the planet

What can your business learn from their approach?

A two-speed recovery

High-growth businesses are making a majority of sales online, while companies in the hardest-hit sectors are seeing revenue decline

53%

of companies expect to return to pre-COVID levels of profitability by the end of 2021

The majority of businesses are adapting or thriving in challenging conditions

Expectations of revenue growth over the coming year

15%

expect growth of more than 15%
50%

expect growth of between 2% and 15%
11%

expect revenue to be stable
24%

expect revenue to be stable

Companies have proven remarkably resilient in weathering the turmoil brought by COVID-19. We see this shaping decisions to invest, to embrace technology, and to target future growth. They all recognise that responsibility, resilience and reputation underpin long-term success. Getting this right is challenging, but the potential commercial and societal benefits are vast.
BARRY O’BYRNE, CEO OF GLOBAL COMMERCIAL BANKING AT HSBC

Businesses are still investing

Even those with declining revenue are looking to spend in order to recover and grow.

67%

of companies plan to increase investment over the next year

What are your most immediate investment priorities?

49%

The customer experience
47%

Marketing
46%

Product innovation
46%

Cashflow management
45%

Sales channels

What will be the defining characteristics of a successful business in the future?

Considering the scale of the challenge, businesses have undergone a modest level of change

49%

have made short-term changes
26%

have continued as before/expect to stay the same
21%

believe the changes are permanent
3%

have transformed forever

The global trade map isn’t being radically redrawn

Difficulties in international trade haven’t dimmed business enthusiasm.

72%

of businesses expect their international trade prospects to be positive in the next 3-5 years

Where will your business look to expand in the next 3-5 years?

36%

expand into Europe
29%

expand into APAC
21%

expand into North America
9%

expand into Central / South America
8%

expand into MENAT

Businesses are reshaping their supply chains for resilience

More companies are diversifying suppliers than restricting them. Digitisation and technology are immediate priorities.

93%

of businesses have concerns about their supply chain

Which of the following are immediate priorities for your supply chain in 2021?

48%

use of digital/technology
43%

suppliers with operational resilience/the ability to deliver quickly
43%

suppliers closer to customers
40%

suppliers in the home region
40%

suppliers in markets with effective pandemic control mechanisms

Companies are recognising the value sustainability brings

COVID-19 has reinvigorated the focus on sustainability and prompted businesses to ‘walk the talk’.

86%

of companies expect their revenue to grow over the next year from a greater focus on sustainability

Which aspects of sustainability are currently being measured in your company?

27%

energy usage
23%

fair treatment of employees and labour standards
18%

tax transparency / executive salary and compensation
23%

fair treatment of employees and labour standards
18%

tax transparency / executive salary and compensation

View the global report

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