The disruption caused by the global COVID-19 pandemic will have dire consequences for SMME’s, especially in the franchise sector. Franchisors need to consider measures to enable their franchisees to continue trading as “smoothly” as possible once the lockdown measures have been relaxed, while franchisees need to be compliant with their franchise agreements before expecting to receive assistance.

The need to put the health of the people before the interests of imposing high tariffs and sanctions is at its peak, but are governments really going to consider this need in relation to food and medical supplies and does international trade policy cater for this?

Before totally closing down your business you might want to consider a business merger with a business that offers or renders the same goods and services as yours.