Global alternative business finance company, Capify, finds UK Business Owners Remaining Positive After Shock Brexit Result
Now the dust has started to settle after last week’s vote to leave the EU, it’s time to look into how it will affect SMEs and most importantly, how they can continue to grow through turbulent times.
Capify, a global business finance company has conducted a survey amongst UK business owners with over 1000 respondents.
What did UK business owners say?
- Do you think the UK leaving the EU will hurt your business in the next 12 months?
o 25.82% said it will damage their business greatly
o 74.18% said it would only have a slight effect, no effect or improve their business
- Was the ability to raise funds a challenge for your business before the referendum?
o 21.79% said it is always a challenge
o 17.36% said it was a little challenging
o 28.54% said they have never raised any funds
o 27.39% said they have never had a problem raising funds
o 4.92% said they find it easy to raise finance
- Do you think the UK leaving the EU will make it more challenging to raise funds for your business?
o 19.38% said it will severely limit their options for funding
o 20.83% said it will slightly hinder their option for funding
o 54.36% said it will have no effect on their ability to raise funds
o 1.45% said it will slightly help my business raise funds
o 3.97% said it will greatly expand my options to raise funds
It is claimed business owners likely won’t be affected by the drop in sterling until later on in the year so this gives SMEs time to prepare. The leaders of Britain’s Chambers of Commerce also met last week with the FSB and together they want to continue providing economic stability for small firms and driving economic growth.
Despite high street banks announcing more closures of local branches and cutting lending to SMEs, it turns out the majority of business owners are still feeling optimistic about their funding options. Alternative finance has now become such a popular way to raise funds efficiently, SMEs know that they will continue to be supported by innovative lenders. The alternative finance market grew by 83.91% from 2014-2015*.
If businesses need additional capital to continue thriving, it could actually be a good time to go out and raise funds. Alternative finance works really well with all types of businesses and the strongest of SMEs know how to withstand turbulence by maintaining growth in changing environments.
Tony Pegg, CEO of Capify says, “
When the results were announced on the 24 th June, many people were left feeling shocked and uncertain about their future. There’s also been lots of negative comments made in the news, causing people to feel even less confident. However, we need to look at this in a positive light, we all had the chance to vote and we chose to leave. For many years, the UK has had a strong economy, ranking fifth in the world, the EU also made our business owners stick to strict and often ridiculous regulations and now we are free of that. I am happy to see that many business owners are still feeling positive about their future, as long as they continue to work hard and adapt accordingly, they will thrive.”
It’s an exciting time to be running a business, regardless of sector. If any owners are still feeling wary, wondering whether the banks will lend to them, they shouldn’t worry as there remains to be lots of options out there, such as alternative finance.
This survey has given us a true insight into what business owners are really feeling about Brexit. Many are un-phased by the results and will continue to carry on looking after their livelihood regardless. They also know that they will still be able to access the funds needed to grow and thrive despite economic uncertainty. For those who are still worried, they will continue to be supported by everyone in the UK including their fellow business owners and consumers.
