The Business Exchange Swindon & Wiltshire Edition 61: June/July 2022 | Page 7

BUSINESS NEWS

Mixed picture on local SME confidence

The latest quarterly small business confidence report for the South West shows that confidence has risen amongst SMEs since the end of last year , but there are still many concerns around the economy , recruitment and rising costs .
For more info www . fsb . org . uk
The FSB ( Federation of Small Businesses ) report shows that compared to the previous quarterly report , which came out in January when Omicron fears were still prevalent , confidence amongst the region ’ s SMEs has definitely improved . However , the overall figures are still in negative territory – i . e ., those who feel confident are in the minority – and the report also reveals that the South West is now the least positive region for SMEs in the whole of the UK .
The upturn in confidence amongst some SMEs is reflected in the fact that of the businesses who took part in the survey four times as many expect to take on staff compared to those planning to cut back . Almost one in two of the local FSB members surveyed predicted their business will grow either moderately or rapidly in the coming year .
Among the main concerns expressed by South West respondents was the problem of finding appropriately skilled staff to fill vacancies - nearly four in ten said this was a major barrier to growth .
The FSB ' s regional policy representative , Craig Carey- Clinch , said the results of the 2022 quarter one survey offered some hope but said that things on the ground were still very difficult for many of the region ’ s small business owners and selfemployed .
“ The overall picture seems to be that confidence amongst members – though still disappointingly low compared to most of last year – is creeping up again and this is something we must feel encouraged by .
“ However , the sooner we can see the South West off the bottom of the league table for business
confidence the better . We must all hope that happens as soon as possible .”
The regional report is part of the wider national FSB quarterly survey which also revealed that 87 per cent of small business owners state that operating costs are up compared to this time last year citing fuel , utilities and taxation as major contributors to that increase .
It also shows that recovery and confidence varies across sectors . Firms in the accommodation and food sector which have benefited from relaxed travel rules , were among the most optimistic but manufacturing , wholesale and retail firms were more negative as surging operating costs , supply chain disruption , labour shortages and consumer belt-tightening weighs on expansion plans .
SOUTH WEST

SBI Q1

2022

“ The South West Small Business Index ( LSBI ), which measures confidence amongst businesses , has risen since the last quarter .”
CONFIDENCE LEVELS
In South West the confidence level currently stands at

-1 %

Last quarter it stood at -22 %
WAGE GROWTH
of small businesses increased the average salary over the last year
EMPLOYMENT

11 %

of small businesses have lost staff in the previous quarter
BUSINESS CONCERNS
51 %
General economic conditions
68 %
63 %
INVESTMENT INTENTIONS
FORTY-EIGHT
per cent
of small businesses have aspirations next year to grow rapidly or moderately
31 % 38 %
Consumer demand
increasing the average salary by 2 % or more
Appropriately skilled staff
Are the greatest perceived barriers to growth over the coming year
fsb . org . uk

THESE GUYS KNOW ABOUT SPACE ...

But so do we ! All Boxed offers storage solutions for all spaces

NO . 1 SELF STORAGE COMPANY IN CHIPPENHAM & CALNE
SAFE & SECURE
Our facilities offer high level security with 24hrs recorded CCTV
LOWEST PRICE GUARANTEE
Find a cheaper local comparable quote and we ’ ll be sure to beat it *
SAFE & SECURE

We offer secure indoor & outdoor site access 24hrs a day 7 days a week 01249 471 777 www . allboxed . co . uk

ALL

BOXED ®

SELF STORAGE
THE BUSINESS EXCHANGE 2022 7