Resilient UK SMEs are expecting to grow or maintain turnover over the next 12 months despite the emerging economic challenges and cost increases, new research from Paragon Bank has found.
A survey of over 1,000 SMEs, conducted by Opinium on behalf of Paragon, has found that despite wider economic challenges, 43% of SMEs expect to record growth over the next 12 months – with a further 30% of SMEs expecting no change.
Nearly a quarter of businesses (23%) expect turnover growth of up to 5%, with 14% forecasting growth of between 5% and 10%. A further 7% expect growth of above 10% during the period.
A similar proportion of companies (48%) said that their business had grown over the previous 12 months despite the economic challenges and issues of the pandemic, with 29% saying turnover had reduced.
The predicted growth for SMEs is mirrored by investment plans, with 42% increasing investment in their businesses and a further 37% maintaining their level of investment – compared with only 20% reducing investment.
When asked how they considered the current position of their business, a third of SMEs (34%) described their business as thriving, with half (51%) stating their business was stable. Just 1% of companies said they were struggling to keep the business afloat, with 14% stating the company was recovering.
While the research highlights predicted turnover growth and increased investment in the year ahead, it also has identified the challenges SMEs are preparing for, citing as potential risks:
- Raising inflation impacting customers (23%)
- Cost increases (20%)
- Supply chain disruptions (11%)
- Impact of Brexit (10%)
- Impact of the pandemic (9%)
- Staffing recruitment and retention (8%)
“SMEs are the backbone of the UK economy and, as this new research demonstrates, even though they are continuing to face a series of challenges they remain resilient and plan to continue growing and investing in the year ahead,” said John Phillipou, Director of SME Lending, Paragon Bank. “Despite uncertainty over fuel and energy costs, SMEs know that they need the equipment and assets to fulfil the workload ahead. This will drive the need for careful financial planning alongside any investment in equipment.
“Their success is fundamental to our country’s growth prospects and it is vital they have access to the financial support and tools necessary to meet the challenges they may encounter.
“With concerns over supply chains, SMEs may require invoice financing support to ensure they continue to have the necessary cash flow to maintain their operations. Also, through refinancing they can access the equity in their existing assets to help fund their growth objectives.”