News/Event

How COVID-19 Pandemic is an opportunity in disguise for Indian Business sector

By admin,September 19, 2020

“Since lockdown has been imposed, working from home and staying positive towards this situation is constantly debated. It is also necessary to explore hidden opportunities and bring out optimism in and around us”- Nitesh Agarwal
As per work from home scenario, it is possible for a lot of employees to not visit the office and still be productive.In RBL corporate office, it is found that it is enough that only 30% of staff stay in the office. Others can be connected from homes. This leads to lesser commute expenses, the stress of the commute, time wasted, etc. Even, parents can take care of children more effectively when WFH. There can be dark hours when no calls will be made, and certain guidelines can be designed to execute WFH effectively.

As per a McKinsey survey of entrepreneurs released a few days ago, 53% of Indian entrepreneurs are optimistic, while only 25% of Japanese entrepreneurs are optimistic.It seems to be a mild U-curve for the Indian economy. But the descent has not stopped yet.

A general outlook shows that India seems to have suppressed the curve so far. It looks like it might escape the worst of the pandemic, but will have to be cautious about it.Possibility of W Curve – i.e. there is a good chance of re-occurrence of the virus, which could see a possibility of regular lockdowns. Businesses need to plan accordingly.Capital will look for less battered countries. Western economies are badly battered while countries like India, Indonesia, etc are not so battered. Global Capital could flow into India if we can act efficiently to pull it.Emotional and Economic backlash against China is expected. Already, countries and companies are working on a strategy to pivot away from China as part of their supply chains. Japan Govt has announced packages for its companies bringing back manufacturing home. Businesses need to keep this in mind and work accordingly.

News/Event

Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic On MSMEs

By admin,September 10, 2020

“The consumer behaviour and preference will turn upside down. COVID-19 will lead to significant changes in the future, thus, the way of doing business should be change with the evolving environment”– Sanjay Gupta

Large companies are majorly facing multiple hindrances in dealing with its stakeholders. Companies are paying the employees even when closed. HUL Decided not to cut a single rupee for their suppliers, service providers, etc. No haircuts. Moreover, the safety of employees and customers is becoming a major point of focus. This is possible because they have reserves of funds, etc that have been built up over the years.

But talking about medium and small businesses, they have to work with thin capital reserves. Excess capital is taken out of the business and applied to personal assets.Small businesses take out the surplus and purchase personal assets instead of re-investing in the business. There are various factors and motivations here.Because of this, they are unable to meet the cash expenses of even the next month.Therefore, Medium and Small businesses need to have a look at how they can build some business reserves to endure such disruptions.

Cinemas could take a big hit in the near future. Entertainment could move home. Consequently, cafes and restaurants might see some increase in business. Many chains are implementing measures like social distancing like lesser furniture, etc, to build confidence to consumers. Similarly, smaller retailers need to send a message of safety. For instance: Have sanitizers, put up a notice of no – COVID positive employee found in the store, maintain social distancing, etc.Since travel and tourism will take a big hit, connected purchases will also shift. Purchases that happened abroad will happen at home. (for example Electronics, Luxury goods, and apparel, etc.,). But travel-related purchases will drop.

For individuals, health and safety will become No.1 on their agenda from the 3rd of 4th place. There will be more spending on this area and a reduction in another discretionary spending.The ticket size of spending will drop for a while. People will spend on cheaper goods than on expensive goods, or delay spending for a while. There will be Extreme acceleration in the digital economy. I.e. Home education, home entertainment, home fitness, etc. Loyalty shock can be seen among people as they will be less loyal towards brands as other aspects will take over. People will switch brands faster due to various other concerns like safety, etc. furthermore, there will be a trust deficit among stakeholders like vendors, customers, employees, borrowers, banks, etc. Banks will have a trust deficit with borrowers, companies will have a trust deficit with suppliers, etc.

News/Event

Let’s Restart Indian Economy

By admin,September 10, 2020

“As we all can see, lives would not be the same after this pandemic so as the business would be affected at its core. It is important to analyze and understand the changes and act accordingly to mitigate the loss”- Ajay Gupta

For Indian exporters, building trust is essential. They need to live up to promises made. They need to deliver on time and deliver the promised quality. They shouldn’t make incorrect promises just to get more business. As we can look up to Bangladesh export business who has built trust and a good reputation. Despite a chequered past (low quality, human rights issues, etc) they have managed to overcome and are winning.

Likewise, as a result of an emotional and economic backlash against China internationally, there could be apprehension in doing business with them. Businesses with supply chains passing through China will need to keep this in mind and insulate themselves and build alternatives. In addition to it, India and Indian businesses need to try to become the contract manufacturer of the world, just like China is. India needs to make use of this opportunity smartly. All big wealth funds and sovereign funds will be awash with Liquidity. This liquidity needs to be attracted to India.In every sector, there are good and bad companies. Management has to invest correctly in manufacturing and modern tech, be honest and fair to all stakeholders, etc. Those companies with good management and displaying good behavior will come out victorious.

Talking about the Wholesale and retail industry, more people will prefer to buy from retail stores where there is a perception of safety (Eg. Sanitation, cleanliness, crowds, etc). They will move more towards malls away from markets. Many will move towards online stores. Wholesale suppliers also need to concentrate on such retailers.Restaurants, companies, and big brands are strategizing and attracting their customers by giving heavy discounts, buyback offers, and many other facilities to hold back their customers. People are nowadays more inclined to cheaper goods and pricing needs to be re-approached.

Looking at jewellery business, gold-as-an-asset could see appreciation but jewellery as a discretionary spend will take a hit.The Indian wedding industry will take a hit, as social distancing, cost consciousness, travel avoidance, etc., will prevent fat weddings, destination weddings, etc. This will hit all connected industries. (Example. Silk, partywear, etc).