Kingston research gives small firms positive prognosis

03/11/10

Britain's small businesses are in good health and set to make a strong contribution to the economic recovery, according to research from the Faculty of Business and Law which has been hitting the headlines recently.

Initial findings of a survey by Professor Robert Blackburn and Dr Tom Wainwright show many small firms across the UK are optimistic about helping to boost the economy, and expect to employ an average of four per cent more staff in a year's time.

Robert and Tom analysed data from 1,000 companies with a turnover of less than £5 million to build a picture of how they expected to perform over the coming year.

The Daily Telegraph featured an interview with Robert, revealing firms in the West Midlands expect to generate the most private sector jobs over the next 12 months. BBC West Midlands political editor Patrick Burns quoted the Kingston University research as he blogged about the strong position of companies from his region on BBC News Online.

Tom highlighted some good news for Kingston University students in a follow-up article in the Telegraph. He pointed out that the survey had found small firms understood the value of a university education, and that 20 per cent were poised to hire recent graduates next year, with businesses in the South East and North West set to provide most opportunities.

Robert was also interviewed by BBC Radio Scotland and a host of other stations, and the research was quoted in regional and business press such as the Manchester Evening News, City AM and smallbusiness.co.uk.

The survey was carried out for Barclays Business as part of their Regional Impact Index. A more detailed analysis of Robert and Tom's findings will be published before Christmas.