One in ten businesses claim to be unaffected by the recession, according to a survey.
Although 59% of small to medium businesses (SMEs) are finding the current trading environment tough, the recession isn’t affecting everybody, and is even a boon for some.
9% said the recession is actually having a positive impact on their business
uSwitchforBusiness.com, the dedicated SME comparison and switching service, found that 19% of SMEs said the recession had no impact on their business, while 9% said the recession is actually having a positive impact on their business.
The growth in Brits holidaying at home and influx of overseas tourists resulting from the Euro’s strength against the pound seems to have boosted UK hotels and restaurants. And the recessionary trend towards people eating at budget fast-food restaurants and the widespread availability of two-for-one and discount vouchers have encouraged people to continue eating out, despite the financial woes.
More than a quarter (28%) of SMEs in the hotel or restaurant sector say they’re doing well in the current climate.
Despite the huge problems presented by current exchange rates, including the disadvantage to those buying goods and services from the EU, almost a quarter (22%) of SMEs in manufacturing also report that business is holding up well.
Jake Ridge, energy expert at uSwitchforBusiness.com, says: “It's good to see that there is a silver lining to the recession for some SMEs, with those in the restaurant and hotel sector or in manufacturing particularly likely to be seeing an upside. However, for the vast majority of SME owners the next few years are going to be a hard slog just to survive.
“Shopping around for your next energy contract makes sense as no business can afford to pay more for their energy than competitors in the current climate. Our service allows busy SME owners to compare prices across the market quickly and easily so they can be sure that they’re getting the best available deal.
“Once they’re paying the lowest possible price for the energy they use, businesses can focus on using less of it. These two simple steps will help them reduce costs substantially.”
