Confidence among UK small firms has risen to the highest level in more than a year, according to the latest Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) Small Business Index (SBI).

The SBI stands at 20.0 in Q1 2017, the highest figure since Q4 2015, and up considerably from the -2.9 recorded after the EU referendum.

According to the federation, the strong recovery has been spurred by increased international trade with a net balance of 15.6% of small firms reporting a rise in export activity during the past three months, with a net balance of 30.5% expecting international sales to increase over the next quarter. Both figures are at their highest level since the SBI began.

Mike Cherry, FSB National Chairman, said: “It’s hugely encouraging to see our small businesses trading more overseas, driving an exports-led recovery.”

We see that growing confidence every day among the companies with which we work and we believe that digital technology is playing its part to support continuing growth, and Bowe Digital offers a range of IT solutions that can help businesses take advantage.

Call us on 0191 214 1750 or email info@bowe.co.uk to find out how.

Bowe Digitalwe make I.T. happen

Culture Secretary Karen Bradley has launched the Government’s Digital Strategy, which includes a focus on skills and infrastructure to support the digital economy. Responding to the document, Gordon Millward, Regional Chairman at the Federation of Small Businesses, said: “As the Government takes forward its digital plan, it should now focus on the small business community, who will be key to driving digital transformation and productivity.The ‘digital gap’ for small businesses hinders productivity and growth. For the UK to be the best place in the world to do business, we need fit for purpose digital infrastructure and help for small businesses to develop their businesses online.

“The commitment within the Digital Strategy to boost digital skills and confidence to go online is vital, with two in five small businesses believing digital skills are crucial to their future growth. Tackling the skills gap across all of those in the workforce needs to begin early, and we welcome the pledge to teach new skills such as coding, to more young people.”

We agree that more needs to be done to engage the small business community in the digital revolution.

We believe that digital technology is playing its part to support this continuing growth, and Bowe Digital offers a range of IT solutions that can help businesses take advantage.

Call us on 0191 214 1750 or email info@bowe.co.uk to find out how.

Bowe Digital – we make I.T. happen

 

The Government has published a digital strategy aimed at making Britain the best place in the world to start and grow a business, part of ministers’ ambitions to ensure everyone has the skills they need to flourish in a digitally-driven economy.
The plan has been welcomed by Josh Hardie, CBI Deputy Director-General, who said: “UK companies are at the forefront of the digital revolution. The pledges announced by the Government underline businesses’ commitment to build the skills we need for a modern economy, as well as tackle barriers to technology adoption. To uphold our position as a world-leading digital economy businesses and the Government need to work together.”
We agree. We believe that digital technology is playing its part to support this continuing growth, and Bowe Digital offers a range of IT solutions that can help businesses take advantage.
Call us on 0191 214 1750 or email info@bowe.co.uk to find out how.
Bowe Digital – we make I.T. happen