The analysis, which confirmed that 25% of companies are challenged in recruiting expert employees, has been revealed in a report at present (2 July).
Titled “Small companies: delivering progress for Britain”, the report is the results of a survey of “greater than 1,200 BCC members and supporting qualitative perception into what small companies see as the largest alternatives and limitations to progress”.
Different key findings embody:
- Greater than a 3rd (35%) of UK corporations count on to develop within the subsequent yr, with 41% forecasting ‘enterprise as normal’ and 22% anticipating to downsize
- 4 in 10 companies (38%) see the UK home market as the largest alternative
- On-line stays a key driver of progress for companies – corporations count on ecommerce gross sales to extend by 25%
The report urges the federal government to supply focused help to assist small companies obtain their progress ambitions. It types a part of “Royal Mail Means Enterprise”, a brand new marketing campaign celebrating the contribution of small enterprises, from budding entrepreneurs and start-ups to established companies with as much as 250 workers.
As a part of the initiative, Royal Mail has relaunched its Small Enterprise Hub, which gives tailor-made recommendation and assets to encourage progress.
This consists of simplifying the exporting course of and offering skilled steering on areas small companies have recognized as key to increasing in ecommerce and rising on-line gross sales.
Royal Mail’s apprenticeship levy gifting fund is now open to enterprise homeowners and workers from registered firms with fewer than 250 workers.
The fund can be utilized for any government-approved apprenticeship course, from conventional expertise coaching to studying the best way to implement rising applied sciences akin to AI to spice up productiveness.
Underneath present guidelines, firms with an annual payroll of £3m or extra should pay a levy to fund apprenticeships and may select to switch a portion of this to exterior organisations, akin to Royal Mail.
Alistair Cochrane, interim CEO, Royal Mail, stated: “We’re massively happy with our position in serving to small companies throughout the UK, however we need to go additional in serving to them to thrive in at present’s aggressive market.
“The analysis reveals small companies have despatched a transparent message that they want extra help, significantly in accessing employees, exporting and clearer recommendation. The commitments we’re making, together with our £1m apprenticeship levy gifting fund and new Small Enterprise Hub, are designed to focus on help the place it’s wanted.”
Shevaun Haviland, director basic, British Chambers of Commerce, stated: “SMEs are the beating coronary heart of the UK financial system, driving progress and using thousands and thousands of individuals throughout the nation.
“To essentially perceive what companies are pondering, we’re delighted to have partnered with Royal Mail on roundtable occasions throughout our Chamber community, alongside survey work carried out by our award-winning Insights Unit.
“Royal Mail’s help for small enterprise, with a specific deal with expertise, may also help make an actual distinction in native communities throughout the UK.”
