SME Survey

When did you start your business? Why did you start your business? Unhappy with my job I was made redundant Wanted a new challenge Felt I could work better on my own than for someone else It was always something I had in mind I had no other option Other, please state The Bank of England’s January trends in lending report claimed that secure funding to SMEs was on the rise – do you agree with this? Yes No Unsure what is happening Which policy that was announced in the Budget will help your business in 2012? Consultation to merge NIC and Income tax Simplified tax system for small firms with turnover of up to £77,000 Relaxation of Sunday trading laws on eight Sundays during Olympic Paralympics, starting July 22 Enterprise finance guarantee, in which the government guarantees bank loans to small business, to be expanded Funding for super-fast broadband in 10 cities Other, please state None of the above Are there any measures you think the Chancellor should have introduced in his Budget? What are the most important issues facing your company at the present time? Difficult to find external sources of funding Paying staff on time/ at all Lack of working capital to improve business Late payment by customers/suppliers The general downturn in the economy, lack of trade Nothing, my business is secure Other What is your opinion on current business conditions? Extremely negative Negative Flat lining Slight improvement Strong How much time do you spend forecasting and planning? 1-5 days per Month 1-5 days per Quarter 1-5 days per Every Six Months 1-5 days per Year I never forecast, I am too busy My business cannot forecast as it is too unpredictable Other Do you prepare these on a regular basis? Monthly balance sheet Monthly profit & loss account Regular Cashflow 12 Month Forecast Three Year Business Plan Other, please state Would any of the following services benefit your company? Payroll Profit Improvement Tax Planning Management Accounts Bookkeeping Independent Financial Advice Raising Finance Preparing your business for sale Acquiring another business Other, please state If you could change one thing to improve your business in 2012 what would it be? * Required field