Owner managers fear market volatility in year ahead

MARKET volatility is the main concern of SME owner managers in the UK, according to new research.
By The Newsroom
Published 7th Jan 2010, 11:50 BST
Updated 7th Jan 2010, 11:51 BST

A survey by Close Invoice Finance, part of merchant banking group Close Brothers, also said that firms' main wish for 2010 was for an improvement in the economy.

The 505 SMEs questioned nationwide in the small business finance barometer said they wanted to see improved trading conditions, ahead of more staff, improved funding and a better work-life balance for staff.

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Close estimates that, based on Business Department figures on the number of SMEs nationwide, 133,000 firms in Yorkshire and Humber are of this view.

Cash flow was second to market volatility as their main concern.

David Thomson, chief executive of Close Invoice Finance, said: "Market volatility and cash flow are the key concerns for small businesses.

"For their own peace of mind throughout 2010, it is crucial that owner managers adopt a robust attitude to risk and consider how best to safeguard the long-term health of their business."

Close Invoice Finance is an independent provider of factorings and invoice discounting services.

Related topics:SMEsClose Brothers