Three quarters of EBA member companies resume full operations

02/ 11/ 2023

In October 2023, 77% of the member companies of the European Business Association were fully operational. In August of this year, 69% were operating at full capacity, and a year ago, this figure was 44%. The number of businesses with restrictions on their operations is steadily decreasing, from 53% in October 2022 to the current 23%. The most common restriction is still the reduction in the geography of companies operations. These positive trends in business activity recovery are reflected in the results of the new wave of the quarterly survey Business During the War among the members of the European Business Association. The number of companies fully meeting their payroll obligations remained consistently high in 2023, increasing from 89% at the beginning of the year to the current 93%. Additionally, 14% of companies provide bonuses or advance payments to their employees. The number of enterprises reducing employee salaries or laying off staff has remained relatively low throughout the year and now stands at 5% and 3%, respectively. Support from businesses for the armed forces and humanitarian initiatives remains unwavering. The number of companies supporting their own employees in the ranks of the Armed Forces of Ukraine is growing, currently reaching 66%. For comparison, this figure was 61% in August and 57% a year ago. 51% of companies provide financial assistance and their own products, 21% offer services and medical aid, and 18% supply defense and protection equipment. Its worth noting that the levels of assistance to the military and the population by businesses have remained consistently high since the start of the full-scale invasion. The financial stability of companies has also remained stable throughout 2023. Currently, 48% of the surveyed companies have a financial cushion for more than a year, 11% for a year, 28% for six months, and 3% for several months. Only 2% of businesses have no financial reserves. For 39% of respondents, the losses incurred by their businesses due to the war at the end of 2023 amount to up to $1 million. Another 32% report losses ranging from $1-10 million, and 14% report losses exceeding $10 million. Nearly half, specifically 46% of companies, report direct losses from the hostilities. Additionally, 22% of companies still have assets in the occupied territories. These assets primarily include office and warehouse spaces, branches, production facilities and equipment, land, goods, vehicles, and specialized machinery. Currently, half of the surveyed companies (53%) have several employees serving in the Armed Forces of Ukraine, reaching up to 10% of the total number of conscripts. For 25%, the number of mobilized employees reaches 10-20%, and for 5%, its 20-30%. In nearly half, specifically 45% of the companies, among the mobilized or volunteer workers, there are critical specialists essential for the companys operations, including engineers, IT specialists, logistics experts, electricians, mechanics, operators, and managers. To support the operations of companies and their further development, accessible insurance for military risks is of utmost importance. Among the surveyed companies, 53% reported that military/political risk insurance programs are currently relevant for them, although only 7% used such programs before the full-scale invasion. For 39% of companies, these programs will remain relevant even after the war ends. Specifically, the companys current needs include insurance for assets (property, warehouses, goods, equipment, real estate, production, accounts receivable), insurance for new investments, life insurance, logistics insurance, and supply chain insurance. In light of this, the European Business Association will continue to work with international and domestic partners on the need to develop and improve the accessibility of such programs, as well as other tools that can facilitate business operations in these challenging times. Anna Derevyanko. Executive Director of the European Business Association. Companies are ready to continue their work and are considering growth even in the difficult conditions of wartime. One way to support this would be through military risk insurance, the demand for which has significantly increased following the full-scale invasion. Currently, similar mechanisms are being selectively offered by governments of other countries and international organizations. Additionally, a draft law on military risk insurance for domestic companies is awaiting consideration in parliament. We will present the current insurance needs to our partners for their consideration, and we hope businesses will gain access to the necessary insurance products. For reference: The survey was conducted from October 11 to October 27, 2023, and it involved the participation of 87 top managers from member companies of the European Business Association.

These positive trends in business activity recovery are reflected in the results of the new wave of the quarterly survey “Business During the War” among the members of the European Business Association.

The number of companies fully meeting their payroll obligations remained consistently high in 2023, increasing from 89% at the beginning of the year to the current 93%. Additionally, 14% of companies provide bonuses or advance payments to their employees. The number of enterprises reducing employee salaries or laying off staff has remained relatively low throughout the year and now stands at 5% and 3%, respectively.

Support from businesses for the armed forces and humanitarian initiatives remains unwavering. The number of companies supporting their own employees in the ranks of the Armed Forces of Ukraine is growing, currently reaching 66%. For comparison, this figure was 61% in August and 57% a year ago. 51% of companies provide financial assistance and their own products, 21% offer services and medical aid, and 18% supply defense and protection equipment. It’s worth noting that the levels of assistance to the military and the population by businesses have remained consistently high since the start of the full-scale invasion.

The financial stability of companies has also remained stable throughout 2023. Currently, 48% of the surveyed companies have a financial “cushion” for more than a year, 11% for a year, 28% for six months, and 3% for several months. Only 2% of businesses have no financial reserves.

For 39% of respondents, the losses incurred by their businesses due to the war at the end of 2023 amount to up to $1 million. Another 32% report losses ranging from $1-10 million, and 14% report losses exceeding $10 million. Nearly half, specifically 46% of companies, report direct losses from the hostilities. Additionally, 22% of companies still have assets in the occupied territories. These assets primarily include office and warehouse spaces, branches, production facilities and equipment, land, goods, vehicles, and specialized machinery.

Currently, half of the surveyed companies (53%) have several employees serving in the Armed Forces of Ukraine, reaching up to 10% of the total number of conscripts. For 25%, the number of mobilized employees reaches 10-20%, and for 5%, it’s 20-30%. In nearly half, specifically 45% of the companies, among the mobilized or volunteer workers, there are critical specialists essential for the company’s operations, including engineers, IT specialists, logistics experts, electricians, mechanics, operators, and managers.

To support the operations of companies and their further development, accessible insurance for military risks is of utmost importance. Among the surveyed companies, 53% reported that military/political risk insurance programs are currently relevant for them, although only 7% used such programs before the full-scale invasion. For 39% of companies, these programs will remain relevant even after the war ends. Specifically, the company’s current needs include insurance for assets (property, warehouses, goods, equipment, real estate, production, accounts receivable), insurance for new investments, life insurance, logistics insurance, and supply chain insurance.

In light of this, the European Business Association will continue to work with international and domestic partners on the need to develop and improve the accessibility of such programs, as well as other tools that can facilitate business operations in these challenging times.

Anna Derevyanko Executive Director of the European Business Association

Companies are ready to continue their work and are considering growth even in the difficult conditions of wartime. One way to support this would be through military risk insurance, the demand for which has significantly increased following the full-scale invasion. Currently, similar mechanisms are being selectively offered by governments of other countries and international organizations. Additionally, a draft law on military risk insurance for domestic companies is awaiting consideration in parliament. We will present the current insurance needs to our partners for their consideration, and we hope businesses will gain access to the necessary insurance products.

For reference:

The survey was conducted from October 11 to October 27, 2023, and it involved the participation of 87 top managers from member companies of the European Business Association.