SME Business Growth Barometer UK 2010: BIS

About 26 percent of the SME owners employed less people in February of 2010 when compared to the previous year. There is a significant decrease when compared to previous year which was 38 percent in December 2009 Barometer. Around 57 percent reported that they employ the same number of employees as they had previous year which is up from 49 percent in December. About only 16 percent expressed that they have less employees when compared to the previous year. As per Department of Businesses Innovation and skills, the employments levels are stabilizing.

About 45 percent of SME employers have seen a decrease in their turnover when compared to the previous year. It is similar to previous barometers.

Around 22 percent of SME owners are expecting to employ more people in 12 months when compared with present employment. 65 percent of them think that they will employ very few people. Just 12 percent are least expected to employ.

• 20 percent of the SMEs have more turnover than the previous year.
• About 19 percent of the SMEs have the same turnover.
• More than 50 percent of SMEs have lower turnover.

There is no much change in the figures when compared with December of 2009. When we consider overall trend, turnover levels are seeing a continuing decline when compared to 2008.

About 34 percent of SMEs are expecting their turnover to be more in about 12 months time. 44 percent of them are expecting it to be same. Just 15 percent are expecting a decline in the turnover.