EGS Biweekly Global Business Newsletter Issue 5, Monday, June 1, 2020
By William (Bill) Edwards, CEO of Edwards Global Services, Inc. (EGS)
“’I wish it need not have happened in my time,’ said Frodo. ‘So do I,’ said Gandalf, ‘and so do all who live to see such times. But that is not for them to decide. All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given us.’” —J.R.R. Tolkein
“You may not control all the events that happen to you, but you can decide not to be reduced by them.” —Maya Angelou
Introduction
The goal of this newsletter is to provide an update on the economic and business situation around the world. We monitor 30+ countries, 25 daily international information sources and six business sectors to keep up with what is going on in this ever-changing environment. Our team on the ground covers 43 countries and provides us with updates about what is happening in their specific countries.
Many of our newsletter readers are sending us their input and perspectives to help us publish a balanced view about the world every other week. Our contact information is at the bottom of this newsletter.
The Focus of This Issue
This issue focuses on what is happening in 26 countries that impact consumer spending and travel. As with newsletter issue #4, the three themes of this issue are the continuing reopening of businesses around the world, travel restarts and restrictions.
In Summary, many more countries are starting or expanding reopening of businesses than the last report on May 20th. There is some progress in restarting business travel in the Asia Pacific and in Europe without 14-day isolation periods once a passenger arrives. The Americas and the Middle East remain largely closed down due to increasing virus cases, tight government restrictions or both.
A Coronavirus Country Status Map for June 1, 2020
Based on our research and input from our Associates around the world for this issue of our newsletter, we created this map showing where countries are in the COVID-19 process.
International Travel Updates
“How Travel Will Change: Airports will have more security and screening; hotels and homes rentals will prioritize cleaning but keep the personal touches; local travel is set to boom in the next year; we’ll be spreading out across bike lanes, buses, and public transportation; restaurants and bars will operate with distance, for now; and car rental pickups will get a lot more seamless. Conde Nast Traveler, May 29, 2020
https://bit.ly/HowTravelWillChange
“U.S. airlines continue to add back long-haul international routes, albeit at a snail’s pace. June is typically a banner month for international travel as schools are out and people take off on summer holidays the world over. Not this year as mandatory quarantines and travel restrictions will keep most would-be travelers near home. For June, these are the 40 long-haul routes to Africa, Asia-Pacific, Europe and far South America that U.S. carriers are flying with passengers.”, The Points Guy, May 27, 2020. See the U.S. carrier international flight adds at this link:
https://bit.ly/TPGUScarriersaddintlflights
“Singapore-China to open essential travel corridor in early June: Singapore and China plan to reopen essential travel for business and official purposes between the two countries early next month, they said in a joint statement on Friday. The so-called “Fast Lane arrangement” will be first applied between the Southeast Asian city-state and six Chinese provinces and municipalities – Shanghai, Tianjin, Chongqing, Guangdong, Jiangsu and Zhejiang – before being gradually expanded.”, Reuters, May 29, 2020
“Qatar Airways said on Twitter on Tuesday that it planned to fly a summer schedule to over 80 destinations worldwide.”, Reuters, May 26, 2020
“United Airlines to return to 11 cities in Asia, Europe and South America in July: United Airlines will resume flying a quarter of its schedule in July as the carrier builds back its route map from the depths of its coronavirus pandemic cuts. The Star Alliance carrier will return to 11 long-haul cities in Asia, Europe and South America, United said on May 29. Destinations include Brussels (BRU), Buenos Aires (EZE), Delhi (DEL), Dublin (DUB), Hong Kong (HKG), Lima (LIM), Munich (MUC), Seoul Incheon (ICN), Singapore (SIN), Tokyo Haneda (HND) and Zurich (ZRH).”, The Points Guy, May 30, 2020
“Ryanair has announced that it will ramp up flights to 40 per cent of its normal schedule to the ‘key holiday airports’ in Spain, Portugal, Italy, Greece and Cyprus.”, The Daily Mail, May 26, 2020
“Countries try ‘travel bubbles’ to save post-lockdown tourist season: Facing the loss of a significant part of their economies, some countries in Europe are banding together to ease travel restrictions and avoid quarantines. The European nations of Lithuania, Estonia and Latvia have already created what they are calling a “Baltic travel bubble,” allowing one another’s citizens to travel among the three states without having to self-isolate on arrival. Greece, a major beach destination for Europeans said Wednesday that citizens of Balkan and Baltic countries, Germany and regional neighbors such as Israel and Cyprus are expected to be in the first wave to be allowed to enter the country without going into quarantine, but could be subject to random testing. Some countries might be excluded depending on the situation with their coronavirus outbreaks, Greek officials said.”, NBC News, May 25, 2020
The various sources on travel to mainland China below seem to offer different views on when ‘normal’ business travel to that country will be possible. And at present there is a 14-day isolation period when you arrive before business meetings can be done.
Australia
“NSW Pubs, Cafes And Restaurants Will Be Able To Welcome 50 People By June 1: The New South Wales government has declared that bars and pubs in the state will be allowed to welcome up to 50 people by June 1. Premier Gladys Berejiklian said the latest round of coronavirus case figures prove it is becoming safer for people to reenter the community. Establishments have previously been restricted to just 10 people and the actual public bar sections have been shut, meaning people wanting a beer or wine would have to have it with a meal. Under the new guidelines, the bar section will be permitted to open and welcome five times the number of people previously allowed.”, LAD Bible, May 22, 2020
Canada
“While B.C. has succeeded in lowering its numbers, Ontario and Quebec, Canada’s first and largest provinces respectively, have stubbornly higher numbers and therefore no set date for re-opening. But with warmer weather it is becoming harder for the governments to hold people back. Still in Toronto, there are no restaurants (except for take-out), no hair salons, and no gyms. Other retail stores with street access (in other words no malls) have been allowed to re-open.”, Katya Logunov (Stepanishcheva), Barrister & Solicitor, Jones & Co., Toronto
“Quebec, Canada’s hardest-hit province, is also the most aggressive about reopening
It’s home to more than half of Canada’s coronavirus cases and more than 60 percent of its deaths. Retail businesses, manufacturing, construction and schools are all up and running.”, The Washington Post, May 23, 2020
Mainland China
“Chinese civil aviation authorities plan to extend until June 30 their curbs on international flights to contain the spread of the coronavirus, the U.S. embassy in Beijing said in a travel advisory on Friday. China has drastically cut such flights since March to allay concerns over infections brought by arriving passengers. A so-called “Five One” policy allows mainland carriers to fly just one flight a week on one route to any country and foreign airlines to operate just one flight a week to China.”, Skift, May 29, 2020
“Delta And United’s China Plans Get Lift As Chinese Airlines Propose More U.S. Flights If Coronavirus Curbs Ease: Delta Air Lines and United Airlines are frustrated they cannot add flights to China due to coronavirus-related restrictions. Those same curbs are holding back Chinese airlines, which are limited to one weekly flight each but propose a far larger summer schedule. China Eastern could fly 45 weekly China-U.S. flights, China Southern 38 and Xiamen Airlines nine, the carriers told the U.S. government. Under rules introduced March 29, foreign airlines have been allowed to fly just one flight a week to China while Chinese airlines have been limited to one flight a week to individual countries. Delta intends to fly daily to Shanghai from Detroit and Seattle. United told employees it wants to fly daily from its San Francisco hub to Beijing, Chengdu and Shanghai, and have a fourth flight from Newark to Shanghai. American Airlines has not disclosed plans.”, Forbes, May 29, 2020
“Global travel disruptions remain the top concern for American companies in China, with 90% of respondents to AmCham China’s new Flash Survey saying this has impacted their business operations, up from 77% last month. Meanwhile, both the short and long-term effects of the pandemic are now becoming clearer to companies, with 60% of respondents cutting costs (up 10pp from last month)…over one-third of respondents – rising to 53% in the Technology sector – are allowing managers to implement flexible work policies; just under one-third say they will not continue flexible work policies going forward. Nearly one-third of respondents say they are freezing or deferring internal promotions, while 28% of respondents say they will cancel or defer salary increases, and 18% say they will reduce or cancel bonuses in 2020.”, AmCham China, May 29, 2020
“Shanghai’s Hongqiao airport became the first airport in China to get an outlet of New York City-based fast-food chain Shake Shack. The burger brand opened for business at the airport’s T2 terminal on Thursday. Apart from its classic ShackBurger, the outlet sells cheeseburgers with pork and egg, juice, coffee and other breakfast choices to cater to business travelers. The outlet is decorated with elements of the city’s landmark Yuyuan Garden and air travel. Karina Lai, a retail management official at the airport, said the opening showed the airports ambition to restore business vitality and bring back customers to stores in the terminal buildings. They had been hit by the cancellation of flights due to the coronavirus pandemic. About 77 percent of the airport stores have reopened and the number of travelers has also been rising. The airport handled over 60,000 travelers in May, about 60 percent of the usual.”
https://www.shine.cn/news/metro/2005289077/
Colombia
“Colombia to begin easing restrictions from the start of June: Colombia will begin easing restrictions put in place to control the spread of the coronavirus starting from June, President Ivan Duque said Wednesday, though he asked the public to continue isolating at home and keep using measures to contain the disease.”, Reuters, May 27, 2020
Czech Republic
“The country’s state of emergency ended on 18 May. On 25 May, shops in shopping centres, business premises over 2,500 m2, restaurants and other services re-opened. Smaller retail units were partly or fully operational already prior to this. Wearing masks continues to be compulsory in inside public space, public transportation etc. Travel restrictions are being slowly being lifted with some “safe” countries (where the pandemic situation has improved / is comparable to that in the Czech Republic). It continues to be uncertain to which countries people will be able to travel for holiday, but popular near destinations such as Slovakia, Austria and Croatia are almost certain. The tourism industry, especially in Prague which is otherwise normally full of foreign tourists, of course critically suffers. Besides travel agencies, restaurants, hotels etc., also the real estate market is strongly affected because thousands of Airbnb apartments have been put out on the market for normal lease.”, Gabor Kaczmarczyk, Your Concierge, Budapest
Ecuador
The highest amount of virus cases and deaths have been in the region of Guayas (where the city of Guayaquil is located – the country’s largest). The stats have now stabilized and the country is beginning a phased reopening schedule. With 3108 deaths Ecuador’s situation has been similar to Peru’s, but worse than in Colombia where the virus was better controlled. Ecuador has indeed been quite impacted by Covid-19. As of right now, every city has its own protocol to go back to normal, as some cities have been more impacted than others. We have a red, yellow and green phase. Quito is in red, Guayaquil just moved to yellow. 30% of international flights will resume operations starting June 1st.”, Sandra Tinajero, U.S. State Department, U.S. Embassy in Quito
France
“Restaurants due to reopen across France: Édouard Philippe, the French prime minister, is expected to authorise restaurants outside Paris to open next week. Mr. Philippe may also allow the country’s 8,000 campsites to reopen as France prepares for the summer holidays. He is due to unveil the second stage of exiting lockdown this afternoon. Museums, cinemas and theatres are hoping that they will be given permission to open for the first time since March. The lockdown was imposed on March 17 and partially lifted on May 11.”, The Times Of London, May 28, 2020
“Paris cafes, bars and restaurants to reopen to outdoor space row: Temporary use of pavements or parking spots to be allowed for outdoor-only service, says mayor (Anne Hidalgo). ‘We have adopted a plan to help bars and restaurants for at least six months from March until the end of September,’ Hidalgo told Le Parisien. ‘One of these measures is the free occupation of a part of space in Paris. It could be pavements where possible or parking places. We could also close certain roads to traffic for some weekends to allow bars and restaurants to have more space.’”, The Guardian, May 31, 2020
Germany
“Germany to lift virus-related travel warning for EU countries from June 15: Germany will lift a warning against travel to 26 fellow EU countries from June 15, Foreign Minister Heiko Maas said on Wednesday, adding that Berlin would decide later on its travel guidelines for other countries, including Turkey.”, Reuters, May 27, 2020
Greece
“Greece is to open up to tourists from 29 countries in two weeks – but not those travelling from the UK. Tourists from EU countries including Germany, Austria, Denmark and Finland will be able to visit from 15 June, the tourism ministry said in a statement on Friday. But some of the world’s worst-affected countries – including the UK, France, Italy and Spain – are not on the list. More countries could be added before 1 July, the ministry added. Only airports in Athens and Thessaloniki will open on 15 June. Tourists from 16 EU countries will be allowed into the country, including the Czech Republic, Baltic countries, Cyprus and Malta.”, BBC.com, May 29, 2020
Hong Kong
“Travelers can transit through Hong Kong airport beginning in June: Hong Kong International Airport will reopen to transit travelers in June after a more than two-month closure to connecting passengers to stop the spread of the novel coronavirus. Beginning June 1, travelers can connect between flights on the “same airline group” at Hong Kong (HKG), according to the airport. Passengers must be checked in through to their final destination prior to landing in Hong Kong, and must wear a mask while they are in the airport. Non-residents are still barred from arriving in Hong Kong. In addition, travelers cannot transit to destinations in mainland China, reports the South China Morning Post.”, The Points Guy, May 30, 2020
“Hong Kong should form ‘travel bubbles’ with neighbours that have pandemic under control, tourism board chief says. Creating links with nations such as South Korea, Thailand and even mainland China could bring visitors back to city, according to Dane Cheng.”, South China Morning Post, May 22, 2020
Hungary
“The Hungarian government lifted most of the limitations on May 30: shops could re-open a couple of days earlier, and restaurants can receive guests even inside their premises if their ventilation doesn’t only circulate the air, but constantly adds fresh air from outside. Patients can now visit their doctors again for non-COVID-related examinations as well. Larger events, however, will most likely not be allowed before September. People must wear masks inside of public buildings (e.g. shopping malls, shops, government offices, etc.), as well as when using public transportation. The Hungarian government pays great attention to the recovery of the economy, and provides interest-free loans as well as non-refundable grants to companies to keep up the employment. The tourism industry suffered probably the most because of the epidemic, and it will take a while until the hotels recover, especially in Budapest. Restaurants are not in an easy situation either, although many of them started a delivery service, including fast food restaurants like Burger King and McDonalds. As far as travel is concerned, citizens from outside the European Economic Area (e.g. the U.S.) are still not allowed to enter the country, even if they reside here.”, Gabor Kaczmarczyk, Your Concierge, Budapest
India
“India is extending lockdown restrictions to June 30 in what the home ministry is calling “containment zones,” while allowing restaurants, malls and religious buildings to reopen in other parts of the country, Reuters reports. The order comes as India reported a record number of daily new Covid-19 cases a day before Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s initial lockdown order was set to lift, according to Reuters. India is allowing hospitality and retail businesses, along with places of worship, to open on June 8, while those buildings must keep social distancing rules in place, Reuters reported.”, CNBC, May 30, 2020
Japan
“After months of closures because of the coronavirus pandemic, some Apple Stores in Japan will reopen this week.”, iMore, May 25, 2020
Mexico
“New cases are still mounting each day in Mexico City, and there’s been a lot of chatter and criticism recently about the country’s handling and reporting of the virus. Some parts of the country are easing restrictions despite the increase in new cases because they cannot afford to be shut down economically. Most of these issues are taking place in and around Mexico City, one of the world’s most populated cities with about 21 million residents in its greater area. That said, other areas in Mexico are not as contaminated by the virus. In fact, Mexico’s plan calls for the country to reopen region-by-region, based on the number of local cases. Nearly 300 municipalities around the country, nicknamed “municipalities of hope,” have already begun to open.”, Forbes, May 26, 2020
New Zealand
“Small businesses and the self-employed have claimed almost $1 billion in ‘‘low or no interest’’ government loans offered to help them get through the Covid-19 crisis. Cinemas and restaurants can welcome up to 100 people, but they can take bookings for groups of no more than 10, while abiding by strict social distancing rules. From midday Friday, group sizes will increase from a maximum of 10 to 100, as part of revised gathering restrictions under alert level 2 – the change welcomed by religious groups and those involved in community sport. Until then, up to 50 people can attend tangi and funerals.”, extracted from a New Zealand government report on May 26, 2020 courtesy of Stewart Germann, Stewart Germann Law Office, Auckland
Panama
“Panama to relax coronavirus measures in second stage of re-opening; The Panama government said on Tuesday that in June it will start to relax some measures imposed to curb the spread of the novel coronavirus, permitting sectors such as construction, nonmetallic mining and pharmaceuticals to resume operations.”, Reuters, May 26, 2020
The Philippines
“Philippines capital emerges from lockdown into economic uncertainty, fears of second wave of infection. After 76 days of a coronavirus quarantine that shut down the Philippines’ economic heart and kept millions under virtual house arrest, Metro Manila will spring abruptly back to life on Monday with the easing of restrictions on transport and work. The change has been met with both relief and trepidation: businesses cheer the restarting of an economy on life support, but analysts worry that the rate of Covid-19 infection in the country is still too high and easing restrictions might lead to a spike in new cases.”, South China Morning Post, May 31, 2020
Poland
“Poland is still under lockdown due to the coronavirus, however the government consequently introduces new phases of its easing strategy launched in March (the restrictions have been gradually eased since late April). Since 30 May, under the new relaxed rules, Poles are no longer required to wear protection masks when outdoors in public places. On May 18 the government allowed consumer services, including hotels, food service, rehabilitation and beauty centers. The government maintained travel bans, school closures and a shutdown of Polish borders. Schools are expected to remain closed until the end of June when children also start the summer holidays, while borders will remain effectively closed until at least mid-June.”, Gabor Kaczmarczyk, Your Concierge, Budapest
Portugal
“Portugal to (Slightly) Delay Lisbon Malls Reopening as Virus Cases Increase: Malls in the area will remain closed until June 4, while they will reopen on June 1 in the rest of the country as planned, Prime Minister Antonio Costa said at a press conference on Friday. Portugal on Friday reported the biggest daily increase in coronavirus cases in three weeks due to new infections in the region”, Bloomberg, May 29, 2020
Saudi Arabia
“Saudi Arabia to end curfew on June 21, except in Mecca: state news agency
Saudi Arabia will revise curfew times this week, and lift it entirely across the Kingdom with the exception of the holy city of Mecca starting June 21, state news agency reported in a statement early on Tuesday.”, Reuters, May 25, 2020
Singapore
“If local virus transmission levels remain low and businesses put in place the necessary precautions, a second phase that includes the gradual resumption of social activities and dining out at eateries could start before the end of June, said Minister for National Development Lawrence Wong. The government will then render a decision after assessing the first two weeks of phase one, which begins June 2, Wong said at an online press conference on Thursday. Broadly speaking, phase two will entail the resumption of a wider range of activities and we expect almost the entire economy to reopen by the start of phase two,” he added. Higher-risk activities and venues such as religious congregations, large-scale events, bars and cinemas will require discussions with stakeholders and may not be able to start immediately. “We wanted to take a more cautious approach for activities in these areas to resume,” Wong said. In the second phase, households may be able to receive up to five visitors per day. Within hawker centers and restaurants, tables will have to be kept at least one meter apart and limited to no more than five people in phase two. Retail outlets, gyms and swimming pools and dining in at restaurants are included in the second phase, as are social activities and family gatherings in small groups.”, Bloomberg, May 28, 2020
South Korea
“More than 500 schools closed again Friday to students after briefly reopening, as South Korea moves to stamp out a resurgence of the coronavirus in the capital, Seoul, and its surrounding metropolitan area. Parks, art galleries, museums and theaters operated by the government in the Seoul metropolitan area — home to about half the country’s population of nearly 52 million — have also been closed to the public for the next two weeks. Government hosted events in the metropolitan area will be canceled or postponed as well, Health Minister Park Neung-hoo said Thursday. The authorities have recommended that private academies and internet cafes there close too until June 14.” CNN, May 29, 2020
“Bridging Culture Worldwide has announced the results of a targeted bilingual survey of how South Korean companies view opportunities for F&B growth and expansion in 2020 and 2021. The first of its kind survey was conducted by BCW and Tierra Advisors—both advocates, long engaged in South Korean business and market entry. BCW Founder and CEO Don Southerton noted, ‘The study was conducted to gauge the overall market mood and more specifically future F&B growth plans in response to the uncertainty and disruption of COVID-19.’ As background, BCW and Tierra point out that unlike most of the world, Korea appears to have reined in the outbreak without some of the strict lockdown strategies deployed by many other countries in the world. Still, the economy and businesses like restaurants and coffee shops have suffered. Although Korea never experienced mandated widespread closures, Koreans pro-actively stayed away from eateries and Starbucks. The restaurants did remain open, eagerly waiting for customers who seldom came. Fast forward, Korea’s everyday life today is now resembling something closer to normal. There are lines outside restaurants during lunchtime; malls are bustling, and the streets are busier. As a positive indicator, major Korean food brands like SPC have also recently announced plans to open new locations as well as add additional western fast-casual brands.
Sri Lanka
“Sri Lanka plans to reopen its tourism sector on Aug. 1 by allowing only small groups of visitors to begin with, a tourism official said on Sunday. A limited number of small groups from around the world would be allowed to visit from August and stay in approved five-star hotels that have put strict safety measures in place, Fernando told Reuters.
He confirmed that tourists will be required to carry a COVID-19-free certificate issued either by their governments or a reputed agency, as reported by the Sunday Times which quoted Sri Lanka’s Tourism Ministry Secretary S. Hettiaarachchi. Tourists would also need to wait on arrival at the airport for coronavirus testing.”, Reuters, May 31, 2020
Spain
“After ten weeks under one of the world’s strictest lockdowns Spain is opening up again. Residents of Madrid and Barcelona can this week meet socially as well as patronise non-essential shops and café terraces. Under the complicated three-stage deconfinement plan of Pedro Sánchez, the Socialist prime minister, much of the rest of the country is a step further on, with beaches and shopping centres opening. The relaxation reflects the virus’s retreat.”, The Economist, May 26, 2020
“The Spanish government has assured foreign tourists that they will not be forced to self-isolate for 14 days when the country throws open its doors to holidaymakers at the start of July. In an effort to urge visitors from abroad to plan a return to the country’s beaches, Arancha González Laya, the foreign minister, tweeted emojis of a bikini, sunglasses and a suitcase and the message: ‘In July we will gradually open Spain to international tourists, lift the quarantine, ensure the highest standards of health safety. We look forward to welcoming you!’ The news that quarantine measures would not apply followed an announcement on Sunday by Pedro Sánchez, the prime minister, that borders would reopen to foreign tourists in July.”, The Sunday Times, May 26, 2020
Thailand
“Many businesses in Thailand will re-open on June 1, including exhibition centers, amulet markets, massage parlors, childcare centers, fitness centers, sport complexes, beauty clinics, bowling alleys, dance halls, water sport centers, performance art and movie theaters, and zoos. The government still remains the curfew in place to prevent the drinking alcohol group but shortens the time to 11 pm – 3 am as the situation improved. So, I believe this re-opening period will help ease franchisees to be back on their businesses. However, each business has to provide hand sanitizer and practice social distancing in the store. There are some businesses that are still waiting to be reopened in the last phrase, in mid of June, including group steaming, bathing, and facial massages, and sport competitions. International air travel is allowed on June 30. Currently, only domestic flights are allowed to operate in Thailand.” Thanyathorn Voravongsatit (Nan), Commercial Specialist, U.S. Department of Commerce, Bangkok
“Thais took in a movie and enjoyed foot massages in a welcome return on Monday to some pampering and popular pastimes as coronavirus restrictions further eased and new infection numbers remained low. Shopping malls stayed open later, a curfew was shortened and more businesses reopened, among them fitness clubs, spas, traditional massage centres and cinemas.”, Reuters, June 1, 2020
United Kingdom
“Lockdown restrictions in the UK are being lifted gradually, but as you would expect there are those that think that the changes are too little and too slow – and others who think its too much, too quickly! One example which is a major issue for F&B brands is the requirement of 2m for social distancing – compared to 1m in a number of other countries – this has a huge impact on restaurant layouts, and potential revenue. Cleaning franchises are very popular currently!”, Iain Martin, QFP, International Franchise Consultant, The Franchising Centre, United Kingdom
“British stock markets soared this morning, with the retail sector leading the charge after Boris Johnson’s announcement last night. The prime minister confirmed that outdoor markets and car showrooms would be able to reopen next week and all other non-essential shops would follow suit on June 15.”, The Times of London, May 26, 2020
“760 reopenings this week for takeaway/delivery. The highest number of reopenings came from McDonald’s, followed by KFC UK & Ireland and Costa Coffee. New entries to the list include: Ottolenghi & NOPI & ROVI, Bewiched Coffee, Bar Douro and Brindisa Kitchens. Reopened sites to date account for 21% of the brands’ combined estates totalling 13,000 sites”, from a LinkedIn post by Peter Backman on May 28, 2020
“Wagamama aims to reopen 67 restaurants for deliveries by end of June: The pan-Asian restaurant chain launched a trial at five of its delivery kitchens earlier this month. It will reopen 24 sites this Thursday, with a further 20 reopening on Thursday May 28. The chain said it hopes to have 49 sites open for delivery by the start of June, with this expanding to 67 by the end of the month.” Belfast Telegraph, May 19, 2020
Articles on Moving Through and Past the COVIF-19 Crisis
Three game-changing ideas for our post-pandemic world, John Thornhill, The Financial Times, May 28, 2020
https://bit.ly/3GameChanginIdeas
“Coronavirus won’t kill globalisation – but a shakeup is inevitable”, new study by the World Economic Forum as reported by The Conversation on May 24, 2020 at this link:
https://bit.ly/ConversationGVCs
“Franchisor and Franchisee Crisis Management Post-CoV: The pandemic crisis of corona (Covid-19) has recently impacted the franchising industry in ways that have never been imagined and that brings up some very interesting questions that need to be answered by all companies in the franchising industry. How can franchisors and franchisees manage a crisis of this proportion?”, excellent article on managing businesses post COVID-19 by Sean Ngo, Co-Founder and CEO of VF Franchise Consulting, Ho Chi Minh City
https://bit.ly/VFCCOVIDCrisisMgmt
About US
Edwards Global Services, Inc. (EGS) provides a complete International solution for U.S. businesses Going Global. From initial global market research and country prioritization, to developing new international markets and providing operational support around the world. Our U.S. based executive team has living experience living and working in many countries. Our Associate network on the ground overseas covers 40+ countries. EGS is also known for our extensive country, cultural and sector research and publications, including our quarterly GlobalVue™ country ranking chart.
Find out more about the services we provide U.S. companies Going Global at: www.edwardsglobal.com
William Edwards has 46 years of international operations, development, executive and entrepreneurial experience and has lived in 7 countries. With experience in the franchise, oil and gas, information technology and management consulting sectors, he has directed projects on-site in Alaska, Asia, Europe and the Middle and Near East. Founded in 2001, Edwards Global Services, Inc. (EGS) takes U.S. businesses global and currently has activity in 25 countries. Our Clients are all consumer-faced brands.
William Edwards, CFE, is CEO and Global Advisor to Chief Executives, of Edwards Global Services (EGS). Contact Bill at bedwards@edwardsglobal.com or +1 949 224 3896.
