07 June 2021
- Growth: 63% of firms surveyed confident in their growth prospects over next 12 months
- Restarting: 53% already operating at pre-pandemic capacity; 80% expect to be by October
- Barriers: 38% cited further lockdowns as a barrier to re-opening, while 37% cited ongoing social distancing measures
- Finance: 44% believe access to finance will help overcome the remaining barriers to fully restarting operations
UK small businesses are increasingly confident in their ability to grow and power the economic recovery, although many still have fears about the ongoing impact of Covid restrictions. This comes according to new data published today by the British Chambers of Commerce in partnership with Funding Circle, the UK’s largest small business loan platform.
The survey of more than 1,000 firms, almost all SMEs, reveals the majority (63%) are emerging from lockdown with either concrete plans or intentions to grow their business over the next 12 months. The manufacturing sector (68%) is particularly optimistic, while nearly six-in-ten (58%) of the hardest hit business-to-consumer (B2C) firms such as hospitality, catering and retail still anticipate growth.
Although the UK economy is yet to fully reopen, many businesses have demonstrated their resilience and are already carrying out their vital role as engines of economic growth. More than half (53%) said they had already restarted or returned to pre-pandemic levels in April, with a further 27% expecting to reach this milestone by October. By the end of the year, 91% of businesses expect to have fully restarted, with only 1% not expecting to restart for the foreseeable future.
For many, the biggest barriers to reopening are Covid-related, such as the risk of further lockdowns (cited by 38% of respondents) or social distancing requirements (cited by 37%). Concerns around reduced customer demand (33%), inflation pressure (18%) and recruitment difficulties (14%) are also weighing on UK businesses.
Access to finance will be key in helping SMEs to unlock their full growth potential, with nearly half (44%) believing it will help overcome the remaining barriers they face.
The ability of businesses to bounce back from the devastation caused by Covid is a huge testament to their resilience. Although, the financial support put in place by the government to help many through the last 12 months will have played a crucial role.
The government must now clarify the future of safety measures, such as social distancing, and set out a clear package of support that would be available should further restrictions be imposed on businesses this year, or in the years to come.
Firms will feel more confident and will be more willing to invest in jobs and in developing their business, if government can give assurances that a safety net of financial support will be provided should there be a need for restrictions which reduce or stop commercial activity in order to protect public health.
There is cautious optimism growing among firms that as the economy now gradually unlocks, they will be able to push on and return to growth. But the shadow of Covid is very long; many firms still feel uncertain about what the future holds. Having access to finance to help them weather this continuing uncertainty may well prove vital.
Claire Walker
Co-executive Director of the BCC
While the road to recovery won’t be straightforward, it is great to see SMEs are looking towards the future with such optimism. From our conversations with customers, it’s clear their appetite to invest in their businesses is as high as ever. We’re ready to continue helping them access the finance they need to overcome the remaining hurdles they face, and achieve their growth ambitions.
Lisa Jacobs
Europe Managing Director at Funding Circle
One business putting their growth plans into action is BCC member and Funding Circle customer Bird & Blend Tea, an independent, award-winning tea company founded by Krisi Smith and Mike Turner. Having shifted their business online during the pandemic, they are emerging from lockdown with plans to add two new stores to their twelve existing locations.
Mike Turner, co-founder of Bird & Blend, said: "We've seen really positive signs since reopening with steady footfall, especially with the turn in the weather over the last week.
"We're continuing to follow all social distancing guidelines, which do present some challenges such as when sampling or smelling teas, but our teams have been able to find ways to do this safely in a way that still means customers can have a great experience.
“Now, we are proud to be actively working towards opening more stores on high streets around the UK. Support from Funding Circle has meant we’ve been able to resume our growth plans, hire more great people and continue investing in our local communities."
ENDS
Notes to editors:
-
Spokespeople are available for interview, including from Bird & Blend
-
The BCC Covid 19 Reopening and Workforce Survey was carried out between April 15 and April 30, 2021.
-
A total of 1,090 businesses, across a variety of sectors and based in all parts of the UK, responded – 37% B2C, 35% B2B and 28% manufacturing.
-
Around 50% reported they exported and 96% were small and medium sized businesses with fewer than 250 employees.
About the British Chambers of Commerce
The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) sits at the heart of a powerful network of 53 Accredited Chambers of Commerce across the UK, representing thousands of businesses of all sizes and within all sectors. Our Global Business Network connects exporters with over 60 markets around the world. For more information, visit: www.britishchambers.org.uk
About Funding Circle
Funding Circle is the UK’s largest loan platform for SMEs. Founded in 2010, its market-leading and unparalleled Instant Decision Lending technology enables small businesses to apply for finance in an average of six minutes, with lending decisions in just nine seconds. A wide range of investors are utilising this technology and distribution platform to lend more than £11.5 billion to approximately 100,000 businesses globally. This is providing small businesses with the fast and simple access finance they need to grow and power the economy.
Media contacts:
British Chamber of Commerce:
Steve Partridge – Head of Media and Communications
s.partridge@britishchambers.org.uk
+44 (0) 7825 746812
Mark McVitie – Press and Communications Officer
m.mcvitie@britishchambers.org.uk
+44 (0) 7772 910507
Funding Circle: press@fundingcircle.com; +44 (0) 203 667 2245