Impact of Pandemic on Small Business: A Study on Rowlinson Knitwear

This report analyses the impact of pandemic situation on the overall growth of small business, with a focus on Rowlinson Knitwear. It evaluates the challenges faced by small business and the strategies that can be adopted to mitigate the impact of pandemic.

Impact of Pandemic on
Small Business

Table of Contents
Chapter 1: Introduction....................................................................................................................3
Introduction......................................................................................................................................3
Problem to be addressed:.................................................................................................................4
Chapter 2: Literature review............................................................................................................5
Chapter 3: Methodology................................................................................................................11
chapter 4: Data analysis and interpretation....................................................................................16
DISCUSSION................................................................................................................................29
Analysis based on the qualitative data:..........................................................................................29
Chapter 5: Conclusion, limitations and recommendations............................................................33
Conclusion.....................................................................................................................................33
Limitation of research:...................................................................................................................33
Recommendation:..........................................................................................................................34
REFERNCES:................................................................................................................................37
Books and Journals:..................................................................................................................37
Appendix:.......................................................................................................................................43

Chapter 1: Introduction
Introduction
Small business are the ones that are probability owned by sole proprietors that have less number
of employees and lower employee turnover. Growth opportunities in small business are less as
compared to large sector business. In the present timescale, the covid 19 situation has offered lot
of opportunities for growth of small business who are facing lot of issues in functioning and
operating. The organisations are not able to work properly because of the issues and challenges
that are arsing in the process (Grima., Dalli Gonzi and Thalassinos, 2020). The main aim of the
report is to analyse the overall impact of pandemic situation on the overall growth of small-
business. There will also be evaluation of the challenges that are faced by small business because
of the pandemic situation.
Research rationale: The main rationale of this research is to develop a detail overview of the
reasons and aspects of the issues that are faced by small business. There is need to develop some
of the effective strategies that can be adopted by small business for the purpose of mitigating the
challenges the pandemic (Buffington, Fields and Foster, 2021). The researcher is having some of
the aspects that is leaning and development of present researching skills that can assist in long
term development. The research work is going to help towards development of various skill sets
that is very crucial for future personal development that includes analytical skills, researching
skills that is necessary for having a professional researching base.
Research aim
Main aim of this research is “To identify the impact of pandemic situation on the growth of
small business within United Kingdom: A study on Rowlinson Knitwear
Research objectives
 To identify the challenges faced by small business due to pandemic
 To examine the role of government of UK in protecting small business from pandemic
 To recognise the strategies that would be used by small business of UK for reducing the
impact of pandemic on their growth
 To evaluate the benefits that are gained by small business by overcoming the challenges
of Pandemic
Research questions

what is the impact of pandemic situation on the growth of small business within United
Kingdom?
 What are the major challenges faced by Rowlinson Knitwear and the role played by
government in due to pandemic?
 What are the effective strategies that would be used by Rowlinson Knitwear for reducing
the impact of pandemic on their growth?
 What are the benefits that are gained by small business by overcoming the challenges of
Pandemic?
Problem to be addressed:
In the present scenario of covid 19 there is a situation where each and every industry has been
affected in a drastic manner because of fast changing macro environment. The major reason hy
small business have been facing issues was because of the social distancing restrictions and the
health, economic driven demand shifts that is taking place because of the Covid situation. There
are many small entrepreneurial and business ventures that are facing with impact of these
instances (Syriopoulos., 2020). The widespread closing of business and stores across the world
has lead to a understand impact of corona virus that is leading to many closers and it has become
impossible for the business to survive in this scenario. It is leading to a situation where small
business have to work towards creation of a business scenario where they can deal with the
Overall negative impact so that its effect can be managed (Papanikos, 2020). The report will be
based on evaluation of the challenges that is faced because of this pandemic situation and further
what are some of the effective strategies that are required to be formulated by Rowlinson
knitwear in order to manage this negative impact of pandemic is required to be analysed. The
overall uncertainty has led to lot of issues that are arsing in the situation that is leading to
difficulty in managing the changes and modification that are to be done because of covid 19
situation.

Chapter 2: Literature review
Theme 1: Major challenges faced by Rowlinson Knitwear due to pandemic.
Before the pandemic rowlinson related itself to larger and new premises with the main motive of
having proper review in working practises. There have been several key issues that has resulted
into difficulties and challenges in this pandemic situation for rowlinson knitwear as a small
business organisation. Such as for instance there is lack of communication, difficulty in
managing the day & night production teams. Apart from this there are also some of the issues in
terms of non-availability of the internal information related to the organisation which may posses
a impact on the overall functioning of the organisation.
As per the views of Buckman (2020), the global small business industry has been affected at a
staggering traded volume growth that is because of present covid 19 pandemic. This has resulted
into stagnant global economy that is trickled down towards worldwide supply chain (Hayden and
Parkin, 2020). There are lot of losses that are realised by business, suppliers and small business
manufactures.
Some of the main reason of crisis is the air & sea freight limitations that resulted into difficulty
to manage the overall market damned, land transportation has taken a hit. Land transportation
through truck drivers resulted into pandemic has truckers are now required to get permit to
operate as part of only essential service providers (Affandi and et. al, 2020). There is also high
demand for various local producer that includes medical suppliers and goods that need transport.
The covid 19 situation has resulted into lower demand and supply that is leading towards
difficulty in the process of managing the operational costs. In Rowlinson and other such small
business the main issues arise because of the lack of resilience strategies and overall contingency
plans (5 CHALLENGES FACING THE LOGISTICS INDUSTRY DUE TO COVID-19 AND HOW
TO SOLVE THEM, 2020).
the major impact is transmission channels that is manage the supply and demand side.
Organisation are experiencing a reduction in the labour supply, employees are unwell and they
have to look for their dependents. In small business supply chains are also interrupted that is
leading to shortage of some immediate goods (Gregurec, Tomičić Furjan and Tomičić-Pupek,,
2021). On the demand side there is sudden and dramatic loss of revenue and demand that has
affected the organisation ability to function. It is also leading to severe liquidity shortages that

may lead to loss of income, high amount of uncertainty and fear of contagion that is leading to
reduction in consumption and spending. Small business are accounting for vast majority of
organisations (Singh and et.al.,, 2020). SMEs are representing sectors that includes transportation
and tourism that has been affected by the covid 19 situation. There is limited number of
suppliers, small business reply on suppliers who are from regions and countries with high
number of covid cases that is leading to higher vulnerability (Meahjohn and Persad., 2021). It is
also associated with re building some of the connections that is factors that are part of supply
chain disruptions that have to be managed to deal with the overall impact of reducing demand.
Theme 2: The roles of government of UK in protecting Rowlinson Knitwear from pandemic.
As per BDO UK (2021), Government is working towards dealing with restrictions there
was another lock-down scenario in the year 2020 that started from December. So government
focussed on development of some economic support measures that can help some of the small
business to deal with such pandemic situation (Nummela, Harikkala-Laihinen and Raitis, 2020).
UK government worked towards having negotiations with European union to manage the
scenario of Brexit transition period at end of December 2020 (La Velle, and et.al., 2020).
there is mitigation of resources for SME that is resulting into Instances to have access to capital.
The overall period in which SME can survive the present scenario may result into large number
of restrictions for such small business (Marona and Tomal, 2020). In the present scenario, the
organisations especially small business are offered with coronavirus support that can help the
organisations in terms of being available for eligible for loans, cash grants and tax relief. It is
helping in acting proper support for the business that is very important to deal with this situation
of declining business productivity. In case of organisation like Rowlinson knitwear the
governments decision is to ensure that organisation posse accessibility to practical tool so that
there can be proper decision making (Nyashanu, Pfende and Ekpenyong, 2020). The financials
support is offered to small business organisations that is extended to garnet payment schemes
who can engage in new apprentices. It is a extension scheme for original measures under 18
years that is offered to smaller employers who are having a workforce of less than 50 employees
and are not liable for apprenticeship levy access with respect to existing payments.
Apart from this there is introduction of a scheme where chancellor has announce that
government will open new scheme in April 2021 that is to help business organisation to
resumption of the business soon after when the lock-down ends. With the present loan schemes

government is willing to underwrite the new loans schemes with 80 percent guarantee. This
scheme is going to offer invoice finance, overdrafts, term loans to assist finances to such small
business for a time period of up to six years (Hasanat and et. al, 2020). Different schemes that
are mostly used for supporting various small business includes bounce bank loan schemes
(BBLS), Coronavirus business interruption loan scheme (CBILS), COVID Corporate financing
facility (CCFF), Coronavirus large business interruption loan scheme (CIBILS).
Business rates relief is also a technique that is used across hospitality sector, leisure and retail
sector that is leading to benefits from business rates. This relief rate is also extended to 1 April
2021 to 30 June 2021. it is leading to benefits from business reduction rates of 66 percent that is
from the period of July 2021 through 31 march 2022.
Direct business grants is also a scheme started by the government of UK where there is restarting
of grants that is part of locals support that helps small business in having proper support. Apart
from this business organisation that are operating a duty deferment account may be facing some
of the sever financial difficulties because of the covid 19 impact (He, Zhang and Li, 2021).
They are unable to pay the deferred customs duties & import VAT that is required to get
approval to defer the whole or par of payment. HMRC confirmed that it is to be approved for
deferral that is guarantee that will not be called on and deferment account will not be suspended.
In some business organisation there are extreme level situations where employers are finding itr
difficult to continue with their present workforce so it becomes important for them to lay of
employees temporarily on furious because of the pandemic situation. So they are willing to apply
HMRC to help in retaining of those staff members (Wang, Iverson, and Kluender., 2020).
There are different potential taxation issues that is rising from international travel restrictions
that have to be deal with the tax residence problems that is individuals have to work towards
dealing with high taxation burden (COVID-19: government support for individuals and
businesses, 2021).
Theme 3: The effective strategies that would be used by Rowlinson Knitwear for reducing the
impact of pandemic on their growth.
As per view points of Moore (2020), there are some of the effective strategies that are being used
by the management of rowlinson knitwear for the purpose of dealing with this situation of

pandemic and its negative impact (ur Rahman, 2022). There was focus on having flexible
working practises by shifting to vulnerable colleagues to a full time working with employees.
Another issues that is faced in this scenario is the mental health of employees that is declining
with time. So leadership team in rowlinson knitwear is working towards managing the overall
mental health of employees to prevent its negative impact on overall working of employees and
their level of productivity (Bui, Jambulingam and Hung., 2021).
Strategies were focussed on ensuring that all hygiene regulations are properly met ad there is
sharing of changes as per team and individual conversation. There was creation of skeleton rota
that was created in the production team, that helped in managing the overall cross over. The
warehouse team managers have also reviews the working arrangements that realised the part of
job that is processing customer orders that can be done across remote areas. It helped in having a
hybrid working pattern to ensure working patterns that can lead towards high amount of
flexibility in the working area.
Supporting colleagues to ensure proper working for this purpose there were open communication
level and guidance that was offered for well being of team and then support the colleagues in
number of different ways (Park, 2020). There was higher flexibility about where the roles have
to be delivered, shifting of focus from hours towards higher output. It involves trusting managers
towards communication and work more closely with the teams to meet overall individual
requirements.
The team invested more resources and time to equip the staff members with skills and required
knowledge required to work across different departments that highlighted the importance to
enable redeployment, multi skilling of colleagues, that is real benefit for seasonal business.
Learning from experiences: there was creation of core customer care team, that is leaning about
the requirement of greater flexibility by roating the way colleagues are willing to work in the
organisation. Another key strategy that is used is the communication channels, having clear and
honest lines of communications have helped individuals and teams to contribute towards having
appropriate solutions rather than having organisation wide decisions being imposed (Naseri,
2021). This openness has assisted in overcoming the issues that have been arising because of
remote working and has contributed towards development of a well focused culture.

There was introduction of work from home scenario has helped employees in managing the
overall working scenario. It is leading to working framework which can help in the process of
supporting employees who are working from remote areas.
Support from employers: there is also need of high level of support that was provided to team,
members in terms of occasional visit to site from well being team or frequent connectivity via
phone calls. There was timely updates & clear communication which lead towards funding
solutions for team and individuals.
Learning from experiences: In Rowlisnon knitwear the organisation is working towards dealing
with the crisis so that they can have a positive impact on the personal development and
responsibility of whole team. This process has lead towards highlighting the importance of
individual needs and being open minded towards different working ways. It lead to warehouse
team leaders working at least one day in a week from home and they are having freedom to
select which day they are willing to do so that helps in having logistical restrictions and
appreciate the present pattern of working (Rowlinson Knitwear: Navigating the coronavirus
crisis, 2020).
Theme 4: The benefits that are gained by small business by overcoming the challenges of
Pandemic.
As per view points of Hoogensen (2020), in the process of dealing with challenges there
are lot of benefits that is related to managing their overall sales. It is important to maximise the
overall benefits that helps them in maximization of the productivity post covid 19 impact. In
some of the aspects there are advantages that are experienced by small business organisation
such as it is related to reduction of cost. While there is work from home scenario used by some
of the organisations it has resulted into managing the overall operations and functions from
various locations that leads towards having higher cost effectiveness. In the covid 19 situation
there are some of the permanent changes that have been adopted by business. Such as there is a
shift towards online networks that helps in reaching to a large base of customers.
Apart from this there is a major transformation in the present marketing and promoting
activities of the organisation (Montoya-Torres, Muñoz-Villamizar and Mejia-Argueta, , 2021).
Such as there is use of various content marketing and social media marketing in order to
approach the target base of customers in a more innovation ways. Covid 19 situation has offer
both challenges & solutions along with opportunities of business expansion. In Rowlinson

knitwear there are many social media campaigns that were targeted in the present scenario for
the purpose of engaging the customers.
It helped in the process of attracting and engaging customers that can assist in the process
of enhancing the present sales level. It lead to movement of customers online that is evaluating
the physical proximity to ensure business continuity. The increasing channels leads to creating of
awareness among a new target base of customers. In rowlinson knitwear it helps the present base
of customers in navigating the web stores and then further place the orders online. The covid 19
situation has reshaped the overall benefit landscape that is recognizing the need for coverage to
protect the well being and health of families and individuals. There has been magnificent of the
overall role played by benefits in attracting & retaining of top talent among employers. Further
there was lot of cost saving in terms of laying of people who are adding cost to the overall
organisation functioning and there was no additional to the present level of productivity or value.
There was more focus on profit and income protection sources that lead to employers
maximisation of overall benefits to employers (How COVID-19 is shifting benefits among small
businesses, 2020).
Summary:
From the main theme of the present research report there are some of the major issues
had to be faced by small and medium enterprises. In terms of reduction in the purchasing power
of people there is shift towards purchasing of more necessity products which is leading more
issues and difficulties to survive for SME brands in the changing market scenario. There is a
scenario of Lock-down situation which is leading difficulties and survival issues for Rowlinson
Knitwear. The main issues are related to closing down of schools and Rowlinson Knitwear is
having product range of school uniforms, with the closing of schools there is reduction in the
sales and overall revenue has declined which is now leading issues for managing the present
sales. So, from the above made analysis it is summarized that the covid 19 situation has affected
the functioning of small and medium enterprises that is going to affect its functioning in long
term.
Chapter 3: Methodology
Research methodology is the technique and procedure that is need to be used for
collecting information with respect to research field. The major purpose of the research
methodology is to sport the investigator in the process of collection of appropriate and authentic

information that is related to the study. There are different types of methodologies that can lead
towards understand the way small business are getting affected by the covid 19 situation. The
main objective of research methodology is to use it for the purpose of having appropriate
information with respect to the study. In case of present research work some of the methodology
that will be used by the researcher are discussed below:
Research Philosophy: It is regarded as the belief that is related with the method that is to be
used in the research as per which topic is to be gathered, used and is need to be further evaluated
by investigator (Jordanand Troth, 2020). There are different types of philosophies that includes
axiology, epistemology and ontology, each is effectively used for the purpose of collecting and
further analysing their information with respect to laid subject. Each of the philosophy has to be
effectively used ft the purpose of collecting & analysing information with respect to laid subject.
Each philosophy is explained with respect to justification. Ontology: It is a type of philosophy that is used for the purpose of explaining the nature
of actuality. It is divide mainly in three parts that includes ontology philosophy includes
constructivism, objectivism. Each of the type is very useful in the process of collecting
the necessary information, further evaluating it and then using it in context of research
work. Epistemology: It is a type that is related with the research philosophies that is helping
investigator in the process of information collection with respect to the selected specific
subject. It is majorly divided in three types that includes positivism, critical realism and
interpretive. It is used in the process of collecting the information, analysing It as per
requirements of research work and then further using it to reach towards relevant
recommendations and conclusion in the course of research work. Axiology: It is a philosophy that is used for learning the the way it has a impact on the
data analysis and the study collection process. It helps in the process of understand and
the evaluation of opinion of people on various such type of related subjects.
Justification: from above mentioned information it is said that all the research philosophies
can be used for analysing the information (Leavy, 2020). One of the advantages of using the
positivism philosophy is that it leads towards gathering of information, using it and then further
evaluation of the quantitative form of information that can result into completion of the whole
thesis without taking much longer time period and achievement of required success. In present

research positivism philosophy will be used the major advantage of using this philosophy is that
it can help in the process of collecting and evaluation of the quantitative form of information.
Another main advantage of using positivism philosophy is that it will help in evaluating the
information that is available in numerical form. So, it is one of the main reasons of using
positivism approach for achieving the laid aims and objectives as part of the report.
Research approach: It is regarded as the process to evaluate the collected information in a
efficient manner (Prasanti and Karimah, 2021). This approach is divided in two parts that
includes inductive and deductive approach. Inductive approach is the process of developing
theory and deductive approach is based in evaluating the numerical or quantitative information.
Justification: As per the need both the approaches can be used as per the need of research in
the present research report there will be use of deductive approach. It will help in evaluation of
the primary information related with the issues that are faced by small business in the present
situation of COVID 19 scenario (Malhotra, Schaller and Patil, 2017). In present research work
deductive approach will help as it is based on less time and use of resources in effective manner.
The main two approach are defined below:
Inductive approach: It is a approach that is defined as the type of approach that helps
investigator in the process of development of theory rather than accepting as per the established
theory. It is a approach that is used for the purpose of evaluation of the secondary that is
qualitative form of information. Deductive approach: It is the approach that is one other
approaches. It is very helpful for evaluation of the quantitative or numerical information. It is a
approach that is concentrated on collection of statistical information. It is used for the purpose of
evaluating the primary form of information that is collected directly from the source.
Justification of select approach: It is said that both the approach are effective and efficient
as per the needs of present research. But there is use of deductive approach that is the selected
approach. It is a approach that helps investigator in evaluation of quantitative & the primary
information that is associated with the way small business are affected by the present covid
scenario. As compared to inductive approach deductive approach is more practical as it will help
in evaluation of statistical form of information.
Research choice: Research choice will help in the process of collecting information with respect
to laid subject or topic (Arnesson and Albinsson, 2017). the research choice is divided in three

main types that includes mixed method, mono method and multi mixed method. All the methods
are very helpful and can assist in the process of collecting information.
Justification of the selected research choice: as per the needs of research thesis investigator will
be selecting mono method. It facilitate researcher in collection of reliable, relevant and authentic
form of information. In the present research quantitative method will help in collection of valid
and accurate information. It can also be said that information has to be accurate and reliable.
Research strategy: There are different types of research strategies that is required to collect the
information with respect to laid research work. It is classified in different types that includes
grounded theory, experimental research, survey method, action research and case study method.
In the present research work there is need to use a strategy that can lead towards having proper
information base (Crotty, 2020). all the methods are very helpful for the purpose of collection of
information that is as per the strategy that is to be selected by the investigator. Some of the
strategies are described below: Survey: It is a strategy that is used for the purpose of collecting information that can help
researcher in the process of collecting of information directly from the identified sources.
It is very useful in the process of collecting numerical information or the first hand
information from large number of representatives.
Justification of the selected research strategy: As per the above mentioned information and the
overall discussed strategy. Survey is the selected strategy of the researcher. There are various
reasons that is selecting of the best strategy that can -provide access to the reader is inexpensive
and helpful in the process of collecting of primary information it is also a cost effective strategy.
The overall benefits of selecting survey strategy is that it helps in selection of respondents who
are representatives of the whole target segment of population. Survey strategy leads towards
analysing the view points of respondents.
Research design: It is defined as the framework where technique and method is to be select by
the researcher for the process of having information that includes mainly three types of research
design that is experimental, descriptive and exploration research design (Apuke, 2017). each of
the research design that can be used for describing the research design by using justification of
the select research design. They are:

 Descriptive: It is the common research design that is where the main motive is to
descriptive the role, situation, phenomenon & the overall population. It is used for the
purpose having proper information base.
Justification: It is defined as the method that is based on describing the overall population and
selection of the research design. From the above mentioned research design in the research will
be used in the descriptive research design that can help in the process of describing the
population and situation. In the present research work there will be focus on collection of
quantitative form of information in a more systematic and proper manner.
Data collection: For the purpose of collecting data there is need to determine the strategy.
Investigator has to select relevant accurate and valid method as per defined aims and objectives
(Clarke and Hoggett, 2019). Data collection is divide in two method that includes primary data
collection method and secondary data collection method.
Primary method of collecting information is based on having first hand information base in this
information is to be collected by the researcher with respect to the laid aims and objectives. In
this questionnaire will be developed to collect the information from the target segment of
respondent (Hanington and Martin, 2019).
Secondary method: In this method data is collected by the research by focussing on the existing
and published sources (Raja, 2018). It is the information that already exists and there is need to
focus on addressing the gaps that is part of the published information it includes collecting
information from various secondary available sources that is articles, books, publications,
magazines and newspapers.
Justification: In present report there is collection of information from both primary and
secondary methods. Primary data method is used for having relevant and appropriate
information. Participant are part of the research from where information is gathered from,
secondary method will also be used for the purpose of having a sufficient information base. This
information will be collected from various journals, newspaper, books and articles.
Sampling: while there will be use of questionnaire for the purpose of collecting information
from primary sources. It may not be easy to analyse selecting the sample from target segment of
respondents. It is divided in two types that includes probability sampling & non probability
sampling. Probability sampling is regarded as method that assist in selection of respondents
without having any specific criteria. Non probability sampling is regarded as method where there

is selection of respondents based on specific criteria. It is a process which may take longer time
period as it is non random based method of selecting the target segment of respondents. There
will be a sample size of 40 respondents who will be included in the present research work. Probability sampling: It is a sampling method that assist in selection of respondents
without having any type of specific criteria. It is also very helpful in the process of
selection of large number of respondents from the total population. It is a sampling
method that is used by the instigator in present scenario to collect the information from
identified target segment of respondents in the provided time period. Non-probability sampling: it is sampling method where the participants are select with
specific criteria and requirements. It is a process where information collection generally
takes longer time period as it generally works on non random basis.
Ethical consideration for the project
Yes, while the information is being collected it is important to consider some of the ethical rules.
Such as it will be ensured that data is collected from reliable sources, social media accounts to
ensure proper ethical considerations. In this process there is collection of of data from online
available sources from where authentic sources are only considered for the purpose of collecting
of information. Apart from this while collecting the information from the target segment of
repent it is also ensured that there is no leakage of personal or any type of confidential
information by the researcher.
chapter 4: Data analysis and interpretation
Theme 1: small business are affected by the present Covid 19 situation
1) Do you believe that small business are affected by the present Covid 19
situation?
a) Yes 20
b) No 10
c) Somewhat 10

Interpretation: It is interpreted from the above mentioned graph that when it was questioned to
40 respondents about the way small business are getting affected because of the present covid 19
situation. 20 respondents had a positive view point to this question. 10 other respondents had a
negative answer as they replied in negative manner because they believed that small business are
have not been much affected by this situationist. Apart from this remaining 10 respondents felt
that it may be affected but in some instances only.
Theme 2: challenges faced by Rowlinson Knitwear due to pandemic
2) What are the major challenges faced by Rowlinson Knitwear due to
pandemic?
a) Difficulty in the process of managing the operational costs. 15
b) lack of resilience strategies 10
c) No proper contingency plans 5
d) Difficulty in manage the overall market damned 7
e) Reduction in the long run profitability 3
20
10
10
a) Yes
b) No
c) Somewhat

Interpretation: It can be said from the above graph that while it was questioned about the
challenges faced by Rowlinson Knitwear due to pandemic. 15 respondents had a view that there
is difficulty in the process of managing the overall operational cost, 10 other had a view that
there is lack of resilience strategies, 5 had a view that there is presence of no proper contingency
plans, 7 other respondents had a view that there is difficulty in managing the present level of
demand and remaining 3 had a view that there can be reduction in the long run profitability of
the business.
Theme 3: present Covid 19 situation has affected the present competitive position of
Rowlinson Knitwear
15
10
5
7
3
a) Difficulty in the process
of managing the
operational costs.
b) lack of resilience
strategies
c) No proper contingency
plans
d) Difficulty in manage the
overall market damned
e) Reduction in the long
run profitability

3) Do you feel that present Covid 19 situation has affected the present
competitive position of Rowlinson Knitwear?
a) Yes 15
b) No 20
c) In some instances 5
Interpretation: It is interpreted from the graph that when it was questioned to 40 respondents
that if the present covid 19 situation is going to posses a impact on the competitive position of
Rowlinson Knitwear. It was analysed that 15 respondents had a positive view point, 20
respondent had a negative answer to this question and remaining 5 respondents had in some
instances.
Theme 4: Permanent changes that have been adopted by Rowlinson Knitwear
4) what are some of the permanent changes that have been adopted by
Rowlinson Knitwear in the COVID 19 situation?
a) Shift towards e commerce platforms 8
b) changes in internal supply chain networks 14
c) social media marketing 8
15
20
5
a) Yes
b) No
c) In some instances

d) Shift towards work from home scenario 10
Interpretation: It is interpreted from the graph that when it was questioned to 40 respondents
abut the permanent changes that have been adopted by Rowlinson Knitwear in the COVID 19
situation. 8 respondents had a view point that there can be shift towards use of e commerce
platforms. 14 respondent felt that there can be changes or modification made in the present
internal supply chain networks of Rowlinson knitwear. 8 Other respondents had a view point that
there can be adoption of social media marketing and remaining 10 respondents felt that there can
be shift towards work from home scenario.
Theme 5: Benefits that are gained by small business by overcoming the challenges of
Pandemic
5) What are the benefits that are gained by small business by overcoming
the challenges of Pandemic?
a) Achievement of competitive advantage 10
b) Higher cost effectiveness 10
c) creating of awareness 5
d) Enhancement of effective SCM networks 7
e) Better profitability 8
8
14 8
10
a) Shift towards e
commerce platforms
b) changes in internal
supply chain networks
c) social media marketing
d) Shift towards work from
home scenario

Interpretation: It is interpreted from the above graph that when it was questioned about the
benefits that are gained by small business by overcoming the challenges of Pandemic. 10
respondents had a view that it can help in the process of achieving higher competitive advantage,
10 respondent felt that it can lead towards high amount of cost effectiveness. 5 respondent had a
view that it can lead towards creation of high amount of awarenesses. 7 respondent had a view
that from the overall benefits the present covid 19 situation has also helped in the process of
having effective supply chain management networks. Apart from this 8 respondent had a view
that it can lead towards having higher and better profitability in the organisation.
Theme 6: Effective strategies that would be used by Rowlinson Knitwear
6) What are the effective strategies that would be used by Rowlinson
Knitwear for reducing the impact of pandemic on their growth?
a) Creation of core customer care team 7
b) Formulation of effective social media campaigns 14
c) working arrangement 9
d) navigating the web stores 5
e) income protection sources 5
10
10
5
7
8
a) Achievement of
competitive advantage
b) Higher cost
effectiveness
c) creating of
awareness
d) Enhancement of
effective SCM
networks
e) Better profitability

Interpretation: It is interpreted from the graph that while it was asked about the effective
strategies that can be formed for the purpose of reducing the overall negative impact of pandemic
on the organisations overall growth. 7 respondent had a view point that there was retention of
core customer care team. Other 14 respondent had a view that there was use of strategy in which
there is formulation of effective social media campaigns in order to engage the customers. 9
respondents had a view that there can be use if working arrangement as a technique. 5
respondent felt that there can be focus on use of income protection sources and remaining 5 felt
that there can be evaluation from the web stores.
Theme 7: Transformation in the present marketing and promoting activities
7) what is the major transformation in the present marketing and
promoting activities of the organisation?
a) Use of social media marketing 10
b) focus on online marketing 5
c) Reduction of offline promotion activities 14
d) change in supply chain networks 11
7
14 9
5
5
a) Creation of core
customer care team
b) Formulation of
effective social media
campaigns
c) working arrangement
d) navigating the web
stores
e) income protection
sources

Interpretation: It is interpreted from the above discussed graph that while it was asked to 40
respondents about the major transformation that have taken place in the present promotional and
marketing actives if organisation. The overall response to this was that 10 respondent had a view
point that there is use and more focus on adoption of social media marketing. 5 respondents had
a view point that there is major focus on online marketing channels. Other 14 respondents out of
40 had a view point that there is reduction in the reliability of using of offline marketing
channels and remaining 11 respondent felt that there is modifications and changes that are made
in the overall supply chain networks.
Theme 8: Government support to SME organisations
8) Do you believe that government has supported various small and
medium business in the process of dealing with the uncertain situation of
covid 19?
a) Yes 20
b) No 14
c) In some cases 6
10
5
14
11
a) Use of social media
marketing
b) focus on online
marketing
c) Reduction of offline
promotion activities
d) change in supply chain
networks

Interpretation: It is interpreted from the graph that when it was questioned about the way that
government is supporting the small and medium sector business to deal with the uncertain
situation part of external environment. 20 respondent had a positive view point to this question.
14 respondent replied in negative manner while remaining 6 felt that it may be the situation but
in some instances only.
Theme 9: Major activities and initiative by government to support SMEs
9) What have been some of the major actions taken by government in UK
to support the small and medium sector organisations in dealing with this
situation of COVID 19?
Frequency
a) Financial support 14
b) Reduction of interest rates 10
c) Reduction in taxation burden 7
d) use of various schemes 9
20
14
6
a) Yes
b) No
c) In some cases

Interpretation: It is interpreted from the graph that when it was questioned to 40 repent about the
actions that have been taken by the government for the purpose of supporting the functioning of
various small and medium sector business. 14 respondent had a view point that it is related with
financial support where government is offering loan facility and credit facilitates to small sector
organisations. 10 respondents had a view that there are various rebates that are to be allowed in
form of reducing the interest rates to support small sector organisation. 7 respondent had a view
that government is also supporting by focussing on reduction of taxation burden. And remaining
9 respondents felt that there are various schemes that are launched by government to support the
functioning of small business organisations.
Theme 10: covid 19 and its negative impact on functioning of Rowlinson knitwear
10) As per your view point do you think that covid 19 situation will posses
long term negative impact on functioning of Rowlinson knitwear?
Frequency
a) Yes 15
b) No 10
c) In some instances 15
14
10
7
9
a) Financial support
b) Reduction of interest
rates
c) Reduction in taxation
burden
d) use of various schemes

Interpretation: From the above graph while it was asked to 40 respondents about covid 19
situation will posses long term negative impact on functioning of Rowlinson knitwear. 15
respondents had a positive view point, 15 other had a negative view and remaining 10 felt that it
any be the situation but in some instances only.
Theme 11: Covid and its impact on the overall functioning of SMEs
11) How will the covid 19 situation is going to posses a impact on the
overall functioning of SMEs?
Frequency
a) Reduction in purchasing power of customers 11
b) Difficulty in managing of operations 9
c) Issues in managing employee functionality 14
d) Disruptions in supply chain management aspects 6
15
10
15
a) Yes
b) No
c) In some instances

Interpretation: From the above graph when it was asked to 40 respondents about covid 19
situation is going to posses a impact on the overall functioning of SME. 11 had a view that there
is reduction in purchasing power of people, 14 respondent felt that there are issues in managing
employee functionality. Other 9 respondent felt problems in difficulty in managing of operations.
Other 6 had a view that there are disruptions in the supply chain process.
Theme 12: Opportunities offered by the post pandemic situation for SME business like
Rowlinson knitwear
12) what are some of the major opportunities offered by the post
pandemic situation for SME business like Rowlinson knitwear?
Frequency
a) Use of e commerce technologies for promotion 14
b) Higher cost effectiveness 6
c) Opportunity for online business expansion 8
d) Role played by benefits in attracting & retaining of top talent among
employers
12
11
9
14
6
a) Reduction in
purchasing power of
customers
b) Difficulty in managing
of operations
c) Issues in managing
employee functionality
d) Disruptions in supply
chain management
aspects

Interpretation: it is interpreted from the graph that when it was asked to 40 respondents about
the opportunities that are offered in the post pandemic situation for business like Rowlinson
knitwear. 14 respondent had a view that there is adoption of various e commerce technologies for
the purpose of promotion. 6 respondent had a view that there is higher cost effectiveness,. 8 other
respondent felt that there is further opportunity for business expansion on online mediums.
Remaining 12 respondents felt that the situation has also helped in the process of attracting and
further retaining of talented employees in the organisation.
Theme 13: Flexible working practices have supported in the process of managing organisation
functions
13) Do you believe that flexible working practices have supported in the
process of managing organisation functions in Rowlinson knitwear?
Frequency
a) Yes 17
b) No 3
c) In some instances 20
14
6 8
12 a) Use of e commerce
technologies for promotion
b) Higher cost effectiveness
c) Opportunity for online
business expansion
d) Role played by benefits
in attracting & retaining of
top talent among employers

Interpretation: It is interpreted from the graph that when it was asked about the flexible working
practices have supported in the process of managing organisation functions in Rowlinson
knitwear. The overall respondents from the respondent was that 17 respondent had a positive
view point, 3 respondent replied in a negative manner and remaining 20 respondent felt that this
situation is in some instances.
Theme 14: proper coordination and communication channels established
14) As per your view point was there proper coordination and
communication channels established amongst employer & employee
during the covid 19 scenario?
Frequency
a) Yes 20
b) No 10
c) Somewhat 10
17
3
20
a) Yes
b) No
c) In some instances

Interpretation: It is interpreted from the graph that when it was questioned to 40 respondent that
if there has been proper coordination and communication channels established amongst
employer & employee during the covid 19 scenario. 20 respondent had a positive view point, 10
respondent felt a negative view and remaining 10 had a view point that it may be the case but in
some situations only.
DISCUSSION
Analysis based on the secondary collected data:
Theme 1: The major challenges faced by Rowlinson Knitwear due to pandemic.
It is analysed by conducting secondary research that there are various challenges faced by
company during this pandemic which impact directly on their performance and profitability. In
addition to this, it is determined that many of the companies has shut down their businesses as
they are not able to deal with the expenses occurred (Agarwal and Tanwar, 2018). It is analysed
that the higher authorities of Rowlinson Knitwear face various challenges due to pandemic
situation. One of the challenge is managing day and night production teams which enable
company to maintain an effective performance and carry out activities in a smooth manner. It is
discussed that there are also other issues faced by company such as non-availability of data
20
10
10
a) Yes
b) No
c) Somewhat

associated to company because of which functions are not executed properly. One of the major
challenge that is faced by respective organisation is managing the working of employees and to
make them understand about the work as all the staff members perform their task from homes
(Chen and Sun, 2017). This has decline the productivity and efficiency level of employees and
also decline their level of morale which in turn has adverse effect on overall performance of
company. Apart from this, there are also other issues faced by respective organisation in the
situation of COVID-19 that is time management, maintain quality work, maintain supply
developing strategies and many more.
Theme 2: The roles of government of UK in protecting Rowlinson Knitwear from
pandemic
It is determined that government of UK plays an important role in protecting small
businesses during the situation of COVID-19. The government emphasis on development of
some economic support which assist small companies to deal with situation of Pandemic. It is
analysed that government of UK support small companies to expand their business globally
which help them to grow and get success at marketplace (Duddy and Roberts, 2021). Most of the
small companies in UK is free from tax and is easily eligible for the loans. This help in
maintaining the activities of company and also help to carry out operations with effective
resources. It is determined that government is also provide financial support to small companies
because of which they are able to implement activities without any interruptions. The
government has also come up with the scheme that is garnet payment scheme that can engage in
new apprentices (Fedotov and Polushkina, 2021). Apart from this, government has also initiated
a schemes in which chancellor announce that government help small companies in resumption
when the situation of pandemic ends. Moreover, it is determined that many of the schemes
involve that support small businesses such as Coronavirus business interruption loan scheme
(CBILS), bounce bank loan schemes (BBLS), Coronavirus large business interruption loan
scheme (CIBILS) and many more. Furthermore, Direct business grants is also a scheme started
by company that assist unique ideas of small businesses to restart with an effective and proper
procedure. All this initiative and schemes of government plays an important role in supporting
small business in the situation of pandemic Covid-19.

Theme 3: The effective strategies that would be used by Rowlinson Knitwear for reducing
the impact of pandemic on their growth.
It can be analysed from the above collected information that there are some of the
strategies that are required to be formulated by small business to manage the overall impact of
pandemic. Such as there is a negative impact on the transmission channels of rowlinson knitwear
that is required to be managed. On the supply side many small sector organisation are
experiencing a reduction in the supply of labour that is to be managed (Jindal and Saxena,
2019). Apart from this there is need for some measures that are required to be taken to deal with
the situation of quarantines and lockwdowns for further dealing with the shortage of raw
materials. There is lower customer engagement which is also a issues that needs to be managed
in order to present its negative impact on the present revenue and sales figures of rowlinson
knitwear.
On the demand side there is reduction and sudden loss of revenue and demand that may also
posses a sever impact on the organisation ability to function which may lead to sever liquidity
shortages. Impact on SME is severe because of high amount of vulnerability which may lead to
difficulty in managing the present business operations (Singh and Mishra, 2017).
Further small business may also be facing certain obstacles in accessing of capital which may led
to difficulty in surviving the shocks of macro environment. They limited amount of investment,
small customer base are the major reason why SME are hit hard as compared to other small large
sector business organisations (Sethaput and Adsavakulchai, 2021). The preciseness of limited
employee base leads to difficulties in having a competent workforce that can adapt themselves as
per changing organisation requirements.
Theme 4: The benefits that are gained by small business by overcoming the challenges of
Pandemic.
From the analysis above part of this aspect that small business are having less resources
availability with reduce the number of manpower which can consists to gained more
competition. As small business are not much expand their territory in global network as there are
many challenges which can consist such as lack of funds, customers, resources etc. But there is
one challenge which makes more small business critical through Covid situation. In this specific
situation the implication has been generates more challenges for not get sustained proper manner.
In perspective of Rowlinson Knitwear it is a small business where they deal with school wear

and corporate base of clothes (Rehman, 2019). There are some of the benefits which are
highlighted below to gain more productive business scale in platform better competitive market
objective accomplished effectively. Usually small business has suffered a lot where many
business were shutted down due to low productivity or can conclude that business not properly
generated profit. Even in this further analysis that to make keep sustain where they have to make
business more productive enough. Due to government guidelines small business Rowliner
Knitewear need to fluctuates the business practises where business client network were very
difficult to attain positive outcomes (Oladipo, 2017). Therefore, there are one positive impact
which generate through Covid situation effectively that is Online business where small business
can easily generate more revenue as well as more network to attain positive outcomes. Social
media platform as well as online digital platform helps to small and medium business like
Rawlinson Knitwear can better execute their business to generate more clients interaction and it
also increase the business reached (Karkh, 2018).
This is one of effective advantage that during Covid-19 small business were regulating
through offline platform to attain more positive outcomes. Through having online shopping
where can easily sell their product and services towards different location. Search engine traffic
to gain more customer engagement sending email, contacting via phone or pushing marketing
messages can easily attracting people on store (Mahima and Ginige, 2020). Online reputation
building where business customer through effective product and services on which advantages to
those appreciation to gain more competition and also maintain better image to entitled of profits
about business. further benefits people of UK are contacting their product and services from
Rawlinson Knitwear (Kowsalya and Mohanraj, 2021). Through mails, search engines, websites
and social media platform. The management team for Rawlinson Knitwear are mainly follows to
gained more customer attention.

Chapter 5: Conclusion, limitations and recommendations
Conclusion
It is concluded from the above made analysis that in the present scenario of changing
external environment because of covid 19 instances has resulted into difficulty in managing the
present operation's and functions of business. Especially for small sector business it becomes
more difficult to deal with the high amount of uncertainty which may posses a long term
negative impact on the present productivity and profitability of the business. Small business are
facing huge amount of threat because of this pandemic situation. There is reduction in the
profitability and productivity which is leading to lot of difficulty to further manage the present
functions and operations. The main focus of organisation is to strive towards dealing with the
disruptions so that they are able to deal with the minor financial shocks.
Small business have to understand the long term impact of such type of disruptions that
are cause because of the covid situation and further these have to be dealt so that their crisis does
not posses a impact on the long term productivity and profitability of business. There were lot of
difficulty because of the Lock-down situation people were not able to move out of their homes
and organisations were also facing lot of issues in managing the working of their employees,
there was shift towards work from home scenario in which again employees who were lacking in
some of the skill sets faced lot of issues in managing the complete working. Small business
organisations had to formulate certain strategies that can help them in dealing with the negative
impact of this covid 19 situation so that its Overall negative impact can be properly managed.
Limitation of research:
The present research work is conducted by collecting the primary and secondary form of
information but there are scenario limitations that are associated with the research work which
may posses a ling term impact as mentioned below:
Lack of previous studies in the research: In the present scenario the covid 19 situation has
emerged in 20-21. it is leading to having lack and limited studies that are part of the previous
research work. So, there is use of literature review findings as the foundation of research work on
which it s further built to achieve the laid aim and objectives.
Limited sample size: while conducting a research work it is very important to have a sufficient
sample size for the purpose of concluding a valid research result. The larger will be the sample

size the results will be more precise, so, present research work is having a limitation of small
sample size. It is a limitation that is leading to difficulty in identification of significant
relationship from the data. there is limitation of the present sample size which is leading to
having a limited sample size of the data. There is selection of 40 respondent from large employee
base that may posses a impact on the information.
Limitation of resources: In the present research work there is limited availability of resources in
terms of human resource, financial resources or technological resources which may posses a long
term impact on the present research work. There was limitation of time that affected the process
of collecting the information so there was main focus on using of both primary and secondary
form of information so that there is presence of sufficient information base. Based on which
further recommendations and conclusion will be drawn.
Accessibility: Another limitation associated with the research is also related with no proper
accessibility to the information. There are instances where there is no availability of the internal
information related to the organisation because of confidentiality or privacy issues. It may also
posses a impact on the overall research work.
Conflicts arising because of cultural biases and personal issues: In course of present research
work there are biases that may arise because of cultural perspectives or cultural backgrounds that
is related to specific phenomenon. It is also a issues where researcher may be biased towards
results or specific data that may lead to difficulty in the data gathering process.
Conflicts arsing out of cultural and personal biases: Researcher may be some difficulties that
may arise because of perspectives of certain phenomenon and cultural background. In the present
research work there can be issue of biasness that may arise when research may get certain
inclined towards some specific culture or aspects which may lead to difficult in the process of
data gathering process that is required to be carried out appropriately.
Recommendation:
Based on the above made analysis by collecting of primary and secondary form of
information there are certain recommendations that have been developed in the present course
for various small sector business organisations so that they are able to managed the negative
impact of present covid 19 situation: Understand the local business landscape: it si recommended for small business like
Rowlinson knitwear that there is requirement to focus on understand the detailed picture

of local SME landscape. Further in the covid 19 situation in order to attract and engage
the present target base of customers it is very crucial to agree with the local decision
makers. Because the business is operating on small scale so localities are better at
understand the way there is changes and transformation in the present choices and
preference of the target customary base. Responding to sector mix: It is recommended that there is need to develop a detailed
overview of the challenges and strengths that are affecting the present functioning of
business. Strengths can be further used to minimize the negative impact of weakness and
threats. For this there is need of proper training and development with respect to specific
skill sets that is needed to be done. It is very important to help the present workforce in
dealing with the challenge that are arsing in this process. Focussing on digital skills transformation: In the situation of covid 19 it becomes very
important for small business organisation to focus on use of digital skills and nor just the
infrastructure. There is need to develop a proper correlation between the productivity and
digital infrastructure that can help in the process of development of digital infrastructure
for such small sector business organisations. Making accessibility to business support: SME Business organisation like rowlinson
knitwear can lay their more focus towards empowering the accessibility to schemes,
funding and consultations so that there can be proper compliance of experimenting with
new ideas and evidence of proper working. If there are inexpensiveness interventions
then it may lead to difficulty in having the adequate resources for proper business
functioning. Prioritising the customer support: It becomes very important to have focus on customer
services that social media and e mail responses that is critical for building up of brand
trust. There can be high quality support that can be offered to customers in order to built
yup the trust and loyalty. Further there is also need to focus in the niche market by
optimization of the product, services, focussing on organic SEO growth and driving of
trust.
 Using of social media application: It becomes very important for Small business
organisations to use the present social media marketing channels to for the purpose of
promoting their product and services. While there were instances of lock down in the

covid 19 scenario the main emphasis of people was on using online available platforms
for the purpose of searching of information, solving of their problems and further
evaluating various alternative options that are available to the customers. So, small
business organisation need to focus on such social Media sites so that they are able to
easily approach large customer base.

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Appendix:
Questionnaire:
1) Do you believe that small business are affected by the present Covid 19
situation?
Frequency
a) Yes 20
b) No 10
c) Somewhat 10
2) What are the major challenges faced by Rowlinson Knitwear due to
pandemic?
Frequency
a) Difficulty in the process of managing the operational costs. 15
b) lack of resilience strategies 10
c) No proper contingency plans 5
d) Difficulty in manage the overall market damned 7
e) Reduction in the long run profitability 3
3) Do you feel that present Covid 19 situation has affected the present
competitive position of Rowlinson Knitwear?
Frequency
a) Yes 15
b) No 20
c) In some instances 5
4) what are some of the permanent changes that have been adopted by
Rowlinson Knitwear in the COVID 19 situation?
Frequency
a) Shift towards e commerce platforms 8
b) changes in internal supply chain networks 14
c) social media marketing 8

d) Shift towards work from home scenario 10
5) What are the benefits that are gained by small business by overcoming
the challenges of Pandemic?
Frequency
a) Achievement of competitive advantage 10
b) Higher cost effectiveness 10
c) creating of awareness 5
d) Enhancement of effective SCM networks 7
e) Better profitability 8
6) What are the effective strategies that would be used by Rowlinson
Knitwear for reducing the impact of pandemic on their growth?
Frequency
a) Creation of core customer care team 7
b) Formulation of effective social media campaigns 14
c) working arrangement 9
d) navigating the web stores 5
e) income protection sources 5
7) what is the major transformation in the present marketing and
promoting activities of the organisation?
Frequency
a) Use of social media marketing 10
b) focus on online marketing 5
c) Reduction of offline promotion activities 14
d) change in supply chain networks 11
8) Do you believe that government has supported various small and
medium business in the process of dealing with the uncertain situation of
covid 19?
Frequency
a) Yes 20
b) No 14

c) In some cases 6
9) What have been some of the major actions taken by government in UK
to support the small and medium sector organisations in dealing with this
situation of COVID 19?
Frequency
a) Financial support 14
b) Reduction of interest rates 10
c) Reduction in taxation burden 7
d) use of various schemes 9
10) As per your view point do you think that covid 19 situation will posses
long term negative impact on functioning of Rowlinson knitwear?
Frequency
a) Yes 15
b) No 10
c) In some instances 15
11) How will the covid 19 situation is going to posses a impact on the
overall functioning of SMEs?
Frequency
a) Reduction in purchasing power of customers 11
b) Difficulty in managing of operations 9
c) Issues in managing employee functionality 14
d) Disruptions in supply chain management aspects 6
12) what are some of the major opportunities offered by the post
pandemic situation for SME business like Rowlinson knitwear?
Frequency
a) Use of e commerce technologies for promotion 14
b) Higher cost effectiveness 6
c) Opportunity for online business expansion 8
d) Role played by benefits in attracting & retaining of top talent among 12

employers
13) Do you believe that flexible working practices have supported in the
process of managing organisation functions in Rowlinson knitwear?
Frequency
a) Yes 17
b) No 3
c) In some instances 20
14) As per your view point was there proper coordination and
communication channels established amongst employer & employee
during the covid 19 scenario?
Frequency
a) Yes 20
b) No 10
c) Somewhat 10