The 2009 Business Pulse research launched at this year’s Small Business Week (19 – 23 October) has uncovered some interesting statistics and trends from Small Business Britain.
One point that stood out to us was that 48% of small business owners said that advice is essential to advancing their business. The fact that many small business owners are calling out for access to better advice and resources is something that we have blogged about previously and that we feel very strongly about. Initiatives like Small Business Week are a good chance to shout about these issues, and to make sure that small businesses are getting the support they need.
The small business owners surveyed were also largely optimistic about the future. 62% said that they expected to see a significant growth in profit within the next 18 months, primarily through increased marketing spend and investment in technology. Interestingly, it was the businesses who want to be at the forefront of technology who were also the ones who said that they have been least impacted by the recession and were most optimistic about the upturn.
One point that stood out to us was that 48% of small business owners said that advice is essential to advancing their business. The fact that many small business owners are calling out for access to better advice and resources is something that we have blogged about previously and that we feel very strongly about. Initiatives like Small Business Week are a good chance to shout about these issues, and to make sure that small businesses are getting the support they need.
The small business owners surveyed were also largely optimistic about the future. 62% said that they expected to see a significant growth in profit within the next 18 months, primarily through increased marketing spend and investment in technology. Interestingly, it was the businesses who want to be at the forefront of technology who were also the ones who said that they have been least impacted by the recession and were most optimistic about the upturn.
Another important insight revealed by the survey was the small businesses’ attitudes to technology. Small business owners believe that faster broadband will most positively impact their business, which supports the government’s commitment to ensure universal access to faster broadband (see previous blog on Digital Britain report).
Other technologies that small businesses rate as crucial to their success are better websites and e-commerce capabilities. Not only can small businesses use these technologies to save money but over a quarter (28%), said that they have found more customers through use of technology. This is crucial as the internet has become an important forum for businesses to reach and interact with their customers.
The results of this survey show that with the appropriate advice and support, there is a huge opportunity for small businesses to take advantage of new technologies. If small business owners don’t want to put their businesses on the line, it’s clear that they need to be online.
Other technologies that small businesses rate as crucial to their success are better websites and e-commerce capabilities. Not only can small businesses use these technologies to save money but over a quarter (28%), said that they have found more customers through use of technology. This is crucial as the internet has become an important forum for businesses to reach and interact with their customers.
The results of this survey show that with the appropriate advice and support, there is a huge opportunity for small businesses to take advantage of new technologies. If small business owners don’t want to put their businesses on the line, it’s clear that they need to be online.
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