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Small businesses continue to take on more staff

by Susie Hughes at 12:18 13/05/16 (News on Business)

New Government research shows that almost a quarter of small and medium-sized (SME) employers had more people working for them in 2015 than in 2014.

Advertisement The Small Business Survey 2015 is based on the views of more than 15,000 SMEs. Starting from this year, the survey will track the same businesses over time to better understand their needs as they grow and develop. Only one in 10 reported a reduction in staff numbers, which is down from around one in five in 2010. Small Business Minister Anna Soubry said: "This survey shines a light on the small businesses that drive our economy and employ millions of people across the country - and it’s good news that small firms continue to employ more people." Internet The survey also asked SMEs about their internet usage and found that 95 per cent of employers use the internet for work, 76 per cent have their own website, and 55 per cent have a social media profile. These results come as the Government launched a call for evidence into the barriers businesses face when accessing superfast broadband, which can transform the way modern businesses work together, reach their consumers and target their export markets. This will feed into the business broadband review led jointly by the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS)and Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS), announced in February 2016 by the Business Secretary. Finance The survey also shows eight out of 10 smaller businesses which applied for finance secured all or some of what they asked for, echoing other recent studies that show the continuing improvement in the access to finance landscape. Bank overdrafts were the most commonly sought type of finance, while peer-to-peer lending and crowdfunding made up five per cent. Late payment continues to be a problem for almost a third of SME employers. The Government is taking forward a number of measures to tackle this, by establishing a Small Business Commissioner through the Enterprise Act. No employees Results from the survey for businesses with no employees include: more than three-quarters of them made a profit in the previous year almost half aim to grow their sales over the next 3 years one in 10 sold products and services overseas. Tweet -- If you wish to comment on this article, please log in and use the Reply button below. Registering is free and easy - see 'Join Shout99'. - Susie Hughes © Shout99 2016

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