This article is from the source 'guardian' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.guardian.co.uk/business/2012/nov/06/small-business-survey-smes-optimistic

The article has changed 2 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 0 Version 1
Small businesses optimistic despite economic slowdown Small businesses optimistic despite economic slowdown
(35 minutes later)
A survey of Guardian Small Business Network readers has revealed SMEs are faring well despite a backdrop of economic uncertainty.A survey of Guardian Small Business Network readers has revealed SMEs are faring well despite a backdrop of economic uncertainty.
Although more than half of respondents feel unstable economic conditions are a continuing challenge small businesses are having to contend with, the majority have seen their company grow in the past 12 months. Only 16% of those polled say their business has declined over this period.Although more than half of respondents feel unstable economic conditions are a continuing challenge small businesses are having to contend with, the majority have seen their company grow in the past 12 months. Only 16% of those polled say their business has declined over this period.
While around a third of Small Business Network readers agreed another challenge SMEs face is an uncertain future, entrepreneurs still appear to be optimistic about the continued success of their companies. More than 90% say they expect to be running their business in five years.While around a third of Small Business Network readers agreed another challenge SMEs face is an uncertain future, entrepreneurs still appear to be optimistic about the continued success of their companies. More than 90% say they expect to be running their business in five years.
But when it comes to the impact certain external factors are having on small businesses, well, it's a less positive picture. Business owners and those who work for them feel government input into the SME sector is lacking. A mere 9% of respondents agreed that the government has a clear plan for UK enterprises, and that they are feeling the benefits of it.But when it comes to the impact certain external factors are having on small businesses, well, it's a less positive picture. Business owners and those who work for them feel government input into the SME sector is lacking. A mere 9% of respondents agreed that the government has a clear plan for UK enterprises, and that they are feeling the benefits of it.
The Games also appear to have failed to have made an impact on many readers. Half of those polled disagreed with this statement: "The Olympics and Paralympics were a fantastic opportunity for UK SMEs to raise profile and revenue".The Games also appear to have failed to have made an impact on many readers. Half of those polled disagreed with this statement: "The Olympics and Paralympics were a fantastic opportunity for UK SMEs to raise profile and revenue".
Staying on the theme of the wider business environment, we also asked those who answered the survey if they agreed Britain pulling further out of the EU would be bad for UK SMEs - over half did (53%).Staying on the theme of the wider business environment, we also asked those who answered the survey if they agreed Britain pulling further out of the EU would be bad for UK SMEs - over half did (53%).
But when it comes to how individual firms are getting on, there were some encouraging signs that despite these straitened times lots of small businesses are predicting growth.But when it comes to how individual firms are getting on, there were some encouraging signs that despite these straitened times lots of small businesses are predicting growth.
There is confidence around business performance - two-thirds of those polled estimated their turnover will be significantly greater in three year's time. Expansion also appears to be on the agenda for small businesses, with 41% of those polled planning to recruit more staff in the next year.There is confidence around business performance - two-thirds of those polled estimated their turnover will be significantly greater in three year's time. Expansion also appears to be on the agenda for small businesses, with 41% of those polled planning to recruit more staff in the next year.
What is particularly interesting is the methods small businesses are using to recruit. Word- of-mouth and recommendations emerged as the most popular methods of finding new staff. Employers explained that they utilise "my own network" and "people I know and trust" to find the right staff for their business.What is particularly interesting is the methods small businesses are using to recruit. Word- of-mouth and recommendations emerged as the most popular methods of finding new staff. Employers explained that they utilise "my own network" and "people I know and trust" to find the right staff for their business.
Still, despite the positive results emerging from the survey, there are numerous challenges which are impacting those running or working for a small business. One respondent told us they faced "a collapse of demand from public sector clients", while another was struggling with "a lack of salesmanship experience".
/>
/>For some participants it was the sheer volume of work that comes with running a small business that they find tough. There's "not enough time", say one respondent, while another admitted it's hard "doing everything that needs to be done." 		Still, despite the positive results emerging from the survey, there are numerous challenges which are impacting those running or working for a small business. One respondent told us they faced "a collapse of demand from public sector clients", while another was struggling with "a lack of salesmanship experience".
For some participants it was the sheer volume of work that comes with running a small business that they find tough. There's "not enough time", say one respondent, while another admitted it's hard "doing everything that needs to be done."
Alison White is editor of the Guardian Small Business Network. Alison White is editor of the Guardian Small Business Network.
More than 600 people responded to our survey and the insight they shared will be used to inform the live Q&As and advice blogs we feature on the site. So keep an eye on the network over the coming months and sign up to become a member so you can get Q&A reminders and expert insight direct to your inbox.More than 600 people responded to our survey and the insight they shared will be used to inform the live Q&As and advice blogs we feature on the site. So keep an eye on the network over the coming months and sign up to become a member so you can get Q&A reminders and expert insight direct to your inbox.