GMI, the employers' organization for communication and printing, which groups 217 VSE-SME-SMIs in France, is unveiling the results of its quarterly barometer. And of course, the health crisis is at the heart of this new activity report carried out through a survey of graphic designers, printers, engravers, screen printers, signage specialists, finishing professionals, logisticians and other managers who are members of the GMI. Here are the four points to remember.
1 - Widespread use of state mechanisms during the health crisis
Since the start of containment on March 17, 88.9% of companies have applied for partial activity. For 51.2% of them, this application concerns 76 to 100% of the company's workforce.
And nearly 60 per cent of business leaders say they have had or could have recourse to government-guaranteed loans.
"Faced with this situation, companies in the sector very quickly organised themselves, with the support of the GMI. Following the government's instructions, teleworking was applied whenever possible and the partial activity system was mostly implemented" sums up the IMG.
2 - A sector that is mainly suffering from a drop in turnover
70.1% of respondents report lower sales (compared to 33.3% in the first quarter of 2019). 16.1% report stable sales (versus 27.3% in 2019).
For businesses reporting increased sales (13.8% of respondents), this is mainly due to the printing of ballots, posters and the profession of faith of last March's communal elections.
The GMI points out that many and especially event-related companies have a turnover in April is very sharply falling due to the cancellation of projects because of the pandemic.
"It is certain that delayed effects of containment will show up in the medium and long term..." announces the GMG.
3 - Half of the companies have investment projects on hold
Only 21.6% of respondents have investment projects for the next three months, compared to 41.3% in Q1 2019.
Of these capital expenditure projects, 45.2% are mainly related to equipment renewal.
4 - The main concern of the leaders? The order book
For 93.2% of respondents, their main concern is the backlog of orders (compared to 74.7% in 2019).
GMI also notes that for nearly 30% of executives, cash flow difficulties and the short-term sustainability of the company are a real concern.
