Small Business Adaptations to a Global Pandemic in Scotland

Abstract

This dissertation explores the changes in which business owners have implemented into their business in Scotland during the Coronavirus Pandemic. Also, throughout this research it will explore the business owner’s thoughts and feelings throughout and how it has affected their business as a whole. The main topics throughout this dissertation which is backed with literature is Crisis Management, previous challenges businesses have overcome, the changes in businesses and this will also explore the impact that the global pandemic has had on business owners whether that is financial or causing them stress and anxiety. A qualitative research method was used to conduct the research through an email interview as it was important to get the results first-hand from participants which is why qualitative was the best approach for this study. The sampling used for this project was both purposive sampling and maximum variation sampling as these were identified the most effective for this particular project. 7 Participants were interviewed for this project with structured interview questions, ranging from different industries through the beauty sector. They were all based in small businesses in the Scottish Borders. Analysis of the data shows that small business owners in Scotland have not responded well throughout the global pandemic. Other themes emerged from the results from the participants are the worries that business owners are faced with and also the restrictions that not only the pandemic is having on businesses but also the measures put in place such as social distancing and personal protective equipment. In the conclusion, recommendations for future research have been made aware, by using a different location for the participants so that there is information from smaller areas and larger areas as it would be interesting to see if different locations affected them in a different way. Also, interviewing business owners who work with partners to gain insight on how it affected them but also if it was any easier or harder especially due to the financial impact.