analysis
quarterly trends analysis
Survey analysis BB125 January 2010
The first quarter survey of 2010 asked panellists for their views on changes seen in internet usage for selling, buying and monitoring of competitors, holding back on expansion ideas until after the election, graduate job applicants, adverse weather conditions, short term cash flow difficulties and cash flow projections plus the usual quarterly trends questions.
Survey analysis BB124 October 2009
The October survey was the fourth of the quarterly surveys of the UK Business Barometer. TThis quarter's survey asked panellists for their views on the sourcing of new ideas for the running of their businesses, on evaluating business interactions and on disseminating findings from lessons learned. Also included were three questions on the reporting of enterprise and entrepreneurs by the media plus the usual quarterly trends questions. The UKBB trends questions were also included.
Survey analysis BB123 July 2009
The July survey was the third of the quarterly surveys of the UK Business Barometer. This quarter's survey sought views on a range of current issues including stocks, external debt financing, credit management procedures, the internet in the present recession, adopting a more innovative mindset, working with neighbouring/like-minded businesses, and customers/suppliers from outside the UK. The UKBB trends questions were also included.
Survey analysis BB122 April 2009
The April survey was the second of the quarterly surveys of the UK Business Barometer. This quarter's survey sought views on a range of current issues including "the green shoots of recovery", sources of advice, managing expectations, hours, confidence in suppliers, prices and pricing. The UKBB trends questions were also included.
Survey analysis BB121 January 2009
The January survey asked for views on a range of current issues including staff, invoice factoring/discounting and future plans. The UKBB trends questions were also included.
Survey analysis BB120 November 2008
The November survey looked at debit and credit issues facing smaller business at this time of economic slowdown. Changes in turnover, employment, investment and prices were also investigated, also the impact of foreign workers departing from the UK.
Survey analysis BB119 September 2008
In the September survey, we chose to repeat some of the questions from the July edition in order to keep pace with the rapidly changing economic conditions that prevail at present. We also included questions on late payment and bad debt, and on numbers of employees.
Survey analysis BB118 July 2008
The July 2008 survey focused on the impact on smaller businesses of the rise in fuel prices and the impending rise in energy costs; passing through price increases to customers, stock levels, software packages for anti-virus and anti-spyware and questions on growth, skills shortages, lack of finance and low market demand.
Survey analysis BB117 May 2008
In the May 2008 survey we asked panellists to anticipate how Mervyn King's announcement on interest rates might impact on their businesses. Other questions included problems facing respondents' businesses, the government's approach to regulation, public sector contracts, employee assessment and links between business and universities.
Survey analysis BB116 March 2008
In the March edition of the Barometer survey, we asked for views on the increasing turbulence in global financial markets, credit card operators, family businesses, bank services, the 'sick note culture', the government's 'Train to Gain' initiative, training provision, amendments to the rights of agency workers and 'follow up calls'.
Survey analysis BB115 January 2008
In this first survey of 2008, we asked panellists for their views on how banks are interacting with business with respect to external debt finance, the forthcoming changes in Capital Gains Tax, trade credit and business fraud.
Survey analysis BB114 November 2007
November's survey took soundings on the impacts of EU enlargement, cash flow, access to external finance, house prices, the strengthening of sterling against the dollar and included 3 questions related to proposed changes to the survey.
Survey analysis BB113 October 2007
For the October survey we invited panellists to give their views on seeking out management training, regular chats about business related matters, unpaid invoices, the probability of having to relocate, Urban regeneration - threat or opportunity, recent turbulence in financial markets, reliance upon debt finance, 'Bore Out' (the opposite of Burn out), mentoring, local business networks and seeking input from customers.
Survey analysis BB112 September 2007
The September survey asked for views on the call for an overhaul of the GCSE system, panellists' experiences of school leavers, the use of agencies to fill vacancies, 'gap' years, unsolicited phone calls, customers and suppliers who do not have an email connection and the quarterly Trends questions.
Survey analysis BB111 August 2007
In the August survey we invited panellists to give their views on the recent bad weather, wages, public procurement, the reduction in the number of bank and building society branches, late payment, bank charges, the smoking ban, investment in plant and equipment and personality traits that contribute to success.
Survey analysis BB110 July 2007
The July survey asked for panellists' views on congestion on the roads, home working, switching off machines, 'complementary businesses', securing funding, the need to approach a business adviser, websites, and Ministers for specific UK regions.
Survey analysis BB109 June 2007
The June survey sought panellists' views on waste management, customer service, fines to businesses failing to comply with trading standards and environmental health regulations plus the quarterly trends questions.
Survey analysis BB108 May 2007
For the May survey we invited panellists to give their views on what is the most important problem facing your business, what is important for stimulating business, a series of questions on the theme of advice, business plans, the 'buzz' of entrepreneurship, plus retirement and other work related questions.
Survey analysis BB107 April 2007
The April survey revisits a series of questions posed in June 2005 on behalf of government on the subject of New Product Development. Also included this month are questions on pre-tax profit margins, capacity, the medium to long term future plus, what you would do if you had the use of an expert for the day.
Survey analysis BB106 March 2007
March’s survey seeks your views on unpaid labour, blogs and podcasts, volatility in the world’s stock markets, British Summer Time, Seasonal Affective Disorder, corporate identity theft and monitoring competitors’ prices plus the quarterly trends questions.
Survey analysis BB105 February 2007
February's survey seeks your views on business continuity, insurance, the environment and green credentials, alternatives to 'face to face' meetings and grants plus a question on Intellectual Property and competitive advantage.
Survey analysis BB104 January 2007
The first survey of 2007 looks at the supplier/customer relationship, starting a business and familiarity with WiFi. Panellists' views were also sought on school leavers and graduates and the value they bring to business.
Survey analysis BB103 December 2006
December's survey asked panellists for their views on responsibilities that banks have to their smaller business customers, comparing the charges and services of alternative banks, upgrading your IT system and 'WiFi' technology plus the usual quarterly trends questions.
Survey analysis BB102 November 2006
The themes for the November survey were cash flow, pension reforms and investment, road pricing schemes, 'Family friendly' policies, changing banks, email access, business websites and two questions on the subject of running/managing a business.
Survey analysis BB101 October 2006
The October survey, seeks your views on the National Minimum Wage, the Royal Mail's new tariff, literacy and numeracy, government provided training, R&D tax credits, employment legislation, multiple suppliers and unpaid invoices.
Survey analysis BB100 September 2006
For the September survey we invited panellists to give their views on training for innovation, employees resistance to change in organisational culture, the new fire regulations, "The customer is always right" and graduates applying for non graduate vacancies. We also asked "Are young people attracted to your industry in sufficient numbers?" and this month also included the usual quarterly trends questions.
Survey analysis BB99 August 2006
The themes of the 99th UK Business Barometer Survey were: drawing on MPs and/or councils for business help, the July heat wave, corporate social responsibility, wages, keeping in touch with work whilst on holiday, sales strategy, how entrepreneurs are regarded, how business failure is regarded, public procurement for smaller businesses, the driving force behind small business and what makes panellists most irate when trying to run their businesses successfully.
Survey analysis BB98 July 2006
July's survey asked for views on the biggest threat facing the UK economy, banking, tolerance of late payment, training needs, internet search engines, gathering tacit knowledge and online 'Health Checks'/Reviewing tools' for business.
Survey analysis BB97 June 2006
In the June 2006 survey we invited panellists to give their views on dealing with complaints, truthfulness and trust in business, small business rate relief and websites plus the quarterly trends questions.
Survey analysis BB96 May 2006
The May survey invited views on stimulating business, online purchases, flexible working hours, consultants, economic crime, trade shows and employing workers from the new EU accession countries.
Survey analysis BB95 April 2006
The April survey asks a series of questions posed by the Bank of England, which offer the opportunity to examine issues such as pre tax profit margins, growth of costs, working up to capacity and changes in numbers of employees. Also included are questions on the depiction of business in programmes such as 'The Apprentice' and 'Dragon's Den', media coverage for smaller businesses, trade association membership and environmental sustainability issues.
Survey analysis BB94 March 2006
The March survey sought views on the latest marketing "must dos", online tax returns, monitoring competitors' prices, dealing with suppliers, raising the value of the Business Barometer experience, guiding RDA business support strategies plus the quarterly trends questions.The trends charts from the responses to the regular quarterly questions, analysed by size of firm and sector, can be accessed via the 'Trends' link on the ukbb 'Home' page.
Survey analysis BB93 February 2006
February's survey sought panellists' views on increases in energy prices, price setting, Diversity training, team building, fuel expenditure, research & development expenditure, the Job Centre's 'work/trial' scheme, late payment, seeking additional finance, cigarette breaks, 'Enterprising Britain' and the best way forward on waste.
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Survey analysis BB92 January 2006
The first survey of 2006 looked at insurance cover for temporary incapacity, dependency upon IT, time set aside for own training, outsourcing administrative services, accredited business advice and its confidentiality.
Survey analysis BB91 December 2005
December's survey asked panellists for their views on encouraging exporting, upcoming Employment Equality Regulations, effective management styles, stock levels, and the main current source of concern for their businesses. The trends charts from the responses to the regular quarterly questions, analysed by size of firm and sector, can be accessed via the 'Trends' link on the ukbb 'Home' page.
Survey analysis BB90 November 2005
The 90th UK Business Barometer Survey was shorter than usual, with only six questions this time. Themes were: security problems, payment behaviour, cash flow, trading online and market research.
Survey analysis BB89 October 2005
The themes of the 89th UK Business Barometer Survey were: key influences on a firm's growth rate, the National Minimum Wage, marketing costs, business advice and expertise, time allowed for strategic matters and the medium to long term economic future compared to a year ago.
Survey analysis BB88 September 2005
For the September survey we invited panellists to give their views on graduates as promising entrepreneurs, externally provided business advice, evaluating strategic matters, collateral, A levels as an indicator of ability, 'yob culture' as it affects business, unreported crime, sporting success and an enthusiastic and positive attitude to work plus the quarterly trends questions. The trends charts from the responses to the regular quarterly questions can be found via the 'Trends' link on the ukbb 'Home' page
Survey analysis BB87 August 2005
The August survey put a series of questions posed by the Bank of England and the Government Office, which offer the opportunity to examine issues such as investment in plant and equipment, pre tax profit margins, growth of costs, working up to capacity and changes in numbers of full time equivalent employees. Also included were questions on how frequently respondents upgrading their computer hardware, the user friendly they find modern technology and the impact of the recent increase in oil prices.
Survey analysis BB86 July 2005
The July Survey covered a number of different topics. Five on risk management and insurance were followed by two on e-communication and its current impact on meetings and travel. The final two questions were about incentivising employees to put forward innovative ideas. Other questions covered whether a degree is advantageous for job applicants, accounting and auditing problems, and the impact of retail sales levels.
Survey analysis BB85 June 2005
The June survey looks further at a theme aired in the April survey, that of New Product Development; touching upon aspects such as product/service design, available advice, intellectual property, external experts, finance for developing new products/services/processes and associated limiting factors. This month also sees the return of the quarterly trends questions. The trends charts from the responses to the regular quarterly questions, analysed by size of firm and sector, can be accessed via the 'Trends' option on the Home page.
Survey analysis BB84 May 2005
The May survey sought views on stimulating business, purchasing online, the National Minimum Wage, the working time directive, the length of the working week, priority of family commitments, annual leave and bank holidays, contingency planning, business and lifestyle: alterpreneur or entrepreneur? and cheque processing delays.
Survey analysis BB83 April 2005
The topics covered in the 83rd UK Business Barometer Survey were: the UK road infrastructure; training needs analyses; 'elearning'; the best route to greater growth; local business crime prevention initiatives; follow up questions on media coverage for smaller businesses; managing waste paper; breaking for lunch; developing new products/services.
Survey analysis BB82 March4005
For the March survey, we invited panellists to give views on the business impact of the budget, delaying strategic decisions before the upcoming General Election, strategic planning, keeping in touch with contacts, and using temps, plus the quarterly trends questions. The trends charts from the responses to the regular quarterly questions, analysed by size of firm and sector, can be found on the project's website at www.ukbb.ac
Survey analysis BB81 February 2005
The February survey asked for views on late payment, switching banks, vacancies, training, projected sales, conditions in the respondents' own sectors of the economy, the business impact if the Internet were to collapse, and use of sector/business membership organisations.
Survey analysis BB80 January 2005
The first Barometer survey of 2005 enquired about growth aspirations for businesses, types of legislation as constraint or encouragement for growth, sources of advice by type and, following recent headlines on the health and performance effects of caffeine, preferred beverage throughout the day.
Survey analysis BB79 December 2004
December's survey asked panellists to name a single issue of concern and sought views on Work/Life balance, management style, stock levels, computer glitches, IT skills and authors of computer software. The trends charts from the responses to the regular quarterly questions, analysed by size of firm and sector, can be found on the UKBB Trends page
Survey analysis BB78 November 2004
November's survey investigated panellists' views on Internet Banking, running a business, the New Company Law Bill, continuing membership of the EU, data back up, changes to the retirement age, Profit Margins and whether Business Skills should be a compulsory subject in schools.
Survey analysis BB77 October 2004
October's survey asked for panellists' views on the 'single most important problem' confronting their business, then on aspects of red tape: new dismissal rules, the increase in the National Minimum Wage, premises and Disability Discrimination legislation and the use of government e-services, also annual sales and potential oligopsonies, businesses' reactions to unsolicited phone calls, crime against businesses and discussing business matters with other small business owners/managers.
Survey analysis BB76 September 2004
September's survey asks for your views on developing new product ideas, current account interest, second mortgages, easier access to universities and working to capacity plus the quarterly trends questions. The trends charts from the responses to the regular quarterly questions, analysed by size of firm and sector, can be found on the UKBB Trends page
Survey analysis BB75 August 2004
The August survey asked for views on investment in plant & equipment, reinvesting profits, transfer of ownership, research & development tax credit, holidays and abuse from customers.
Survey analysis BB74 July 2004
The July survey asked for views on Creative Problem Solving techniques and training, work based learning and to rank various aspects of government service.
Survey analysis BB73 June 2004
The June Survey focused on aspects of recruitment, pressures on pay, profitability and numbers of Full Time Equivalent posts, seeking advice on Corporate Social Responsibility generally and on environmental and sustainability issues specifically. The Survey also included the 5 regular quarterly questions. The trends charts from the responses to the regular quarterly questions, analysed by size of firm and sector, can be found on the UKBB Trends page
Survey analysis BB72 May 2004
The 72nd UK Business Barometer Survey asked for views on EU enlargement, the quality of the postal service, credit as it affects sales and orders, recruitment and staff retention and the extension of the Telephone Preference Service.
Survey analysis BB71 April 2004
The 71st UK Business Barometer Survey focused on organisational and environmental issues, as well as how businesses react to changes in government regulations.
Survey analysis BB70 March 2004
The March Survey asked for views on absenteeism, insurance, impact of the Budget, the risk of failing and whether 'entrepreneurship' runs in the family. Two questions, both on the impact of the Budget on businesses, called for free-format responses and the responses to these will be published later.
Survey analysis BB69 February 2004
The February survey was an exceptional one in that it was longer than normal, consisting of 22 questions instead of the usual 12. Ahead of the 2004 Budget, it focused strongly on aspects of business connected with the impact of regulation on growth, innovation and productivity. Respondents were asked what their top three practical choices were for government to reduce the impact of regulation on their businesses.
Survey analysis BB68 January2004
The January survey raised questions on sales and competition, business expectations for 2004, the 'terrorist threat', stress related illnesses in the workplace, health, age and productivity growth.
Survey analysis BB67 December 2003
December's survey focused on questions about union recognition, new product development and marketing. It also included the regular quarterly 'core questions' about business and trading conditions.
Survey analysis BB66 November 2003
November's survey commenced with questions on profit margins, cash and borrowing requirements. It also sought views about whether call centres affect business arrangements, on changing banks, efficient meetings and email.
Survey analysis BB65 October 2003
October's survey asked for views on contact with universities, crime and security, buying via the Internet, road and rail traffic conditions, meetings, smaller businesses and party conference proceedings, start up advice and scheduling regular exercise.
Survey analysis BB64 September 2003
September's survey asked for views on delayed payment, expectations, credentials and qualifications, computer based viruses, absenteeism and the quarterly trends questions.
Survey analysis BB63 August 2003
With recent mention in the media of the increase in the rest of Europe in flexibility in the workforce versus skills lags in the UK, the emphasis in the August survey was on skills and externally sourced training.
Survey analysis BB62 July 2003
The July survey sought views on job satisfaction, the EU campaign on business opportunities, long term strategy, investment plans, starting a business, risk management procedures, filling key positions, attracting and retaining staff, the impact of the weather, current use of email and payment extensions.
Survey analysis BB61 June 2003
The June survey sought views on likely influences on the future Euro Referendum vote, expected changes in employment levels, the Internet for business advice, Clusters and labour market flexibility.
Survey analysis BB60 May 2003
The May survey looked for views on the Euro, commercial property prices, time off for leisure, hard to fill vacancies, new jobs, visits to UKBB and UK Business Adviser Barometer websites, and regional sales.
Survey analysis BB59 April 2003
The April survey asked for views on the Budget, credit terms, use of the Internet and of business information websites, seeking advice, the minimum wage, dialogue with staff, the impact of the Iraqi war on business expectations, expenditure cuts, and Employment Tribunals.
Survey analysis BB58 March 2003
The March survey asked for views on the upcoming Budget, car tax charges, average hours worked, policy on flexible working, risk of business failure, the most common motivation for starting a business, plus the quarterly trend questions.
Survey analysis BB57 February 2003
The February survey asked for views on oil prices, the Pound, Capacity utilisation, order cancellations, investment decisions, red tape, the impacts of recent decreases in interest rates, competitive advantage, staff retention and challenges facing women in starting businesses.
Survey analysis BB56 January 2003
The first Business Barometer of 2003 asked a series of questions on Customer Feedback and sought views on the impact of House Price Changes, New Product Developments, Seeking Reliable Information, Economic Uncertainty, the Euro, Sales and Exports.
Survey analysis BB55 December 2002
The December survey asked about pay settlements, investment in physical assets and in training, late payment and two issues with a Christmas theme.
Survey analysis BB54 November 2002
November's survey asked for views on the entrepreneur, profit margins, cash holdings and bank deposits, borrowing, call centres, export orders, interest rates and how important it is to have a personal point of contact at the bank.
Survey analysis BB53 October 2002
The October survey asked for views on oil prices, employee rights, management, training both for those running their own businesses and for their staff, government grants, 'road charging', crime and security, selling and buying through the internet and the biggest source of time waster.
Survey analysis BB52 September 2002
In the September survey, the opening question was "How would you use a consultant for a day?" We then turned to emerging new factors possibly affecting the running costs of businesses: Trades Union membership, cost increases due to pension legislation, responses to increased insurance, N.I. contribution costs, and Data Protection. In the light of recently published national statistics we asked, "Are you a family run business?" Our quarterly business trends results are also included this month.
Survey analysis BB51 August 2002
The August survey took recruitment as its major theme. This time, from the factors directly impacting on recruitment, we asked if employment legislation deters from taking on new staff; if young people are being attracted into industries; for views on skill shortages, and on the employability of new graduates. The August Survey also looked at sales to the public sector, government plans for flexible working, the EU Work Time Directive, interaction with local schools and expanding barometer coverage.
Survey analysis BB50 July 2002
The July survey sought views on the recent fall in share prices, corporate fraud, direct marketing, the use of CCTV, the use of consultants and issues around sustainability and the environment.
Survey analysis BB49 June 2002
The June survey sought views on inflation, intellectual property, changing banks and sales to businesses and to end customers. The 5 core questions, now asked on a quarterly basis, were also included in June, to allow an update of trends data.
Survey analysis BB48 May 2002
The May survey asked for views on UK entry to the Euro, reflections on starting a business, aspects of staffing and pressure of competition, - and the World Cup.
Survey analysis BB47 April 2002
Following the announcement of budget measures affecting smaller businesses, the April Survey asked for views on the likely overall impact. It also included questions on Cost Increases, Bonus Schemes, Pay Settlements, Business Advice and U.S. Export Orders.
Survey analysis BB46 March 2002
The March Survey looked at changing attitudes to investment and sought the panellists' views on networking, postal deliveries and the issue of home working.
Survey analysis BB45 February 2002
This months Survey looks at the impact of Insurance cost increases, availability of spare capacity, and whether grants and subsidies influence investment plans. Aspects of the Internet, Broadband and ICT are also surveyed, plus our core trends questions.
Survey analysis BB44 January 2002
The first survey of 2002 focused on innovation, trains, the impact of Christmas holidays and the incidence of illness in the workforce.
Survey analysis BB43 December 2001
It is claimed that consumer spending is sustaining the UK economy. In survey BB43, December 2001, we focused on sales, stocks and investment plans.
Survey analysis BB42 November 2001
In the light of recent discussions on the Euro and the implications for business, survey 42 asked about your preparations for its continental wide introduction on January 1st 2002.
Survey analysis BB41 October 2001
In the light of world events over the last few weeks, the October survey set out to assess the impact of increased economic uncertainty upon different aspects of business experiences and strategies.
Survey analysis BB40 September 2001
The Setember survey sought views and experiences on a number of issues including current talk of recession, recruitment issues, and questions on the turnover of computer and telecoms equipment amongst panellists..
Survey analysis BB39 August 2001
The August survey looked at the impact on businesses of the holiday season and also enquired into two areas of recruitment - the ease of recruiting graduates and the significance of the age of recruits.
Survey analysis BB38 July 2001
The July Survey topical questions related to the declared intentions of the Government to make it easier for smaller businesses to become suppliers to the public sector. The other area of attention in July was business to business Internet based trading. We compared the results with the same questions asked back in March 2000, to see whether use of the Internet by our respondents for trading is growing.
Survey analysis BB37 June 2001
UKBB Panellists'views on how pressures on profit margins are currently changing for smaller businesses and what they believe may lie ahead. It also examines recent cash availability and familiarity with Intellectual Property issues.
Survey analysis BB36 May 2001
UKBB Panellists'views on what influences Investment planning, about Export orders and the issue of Security and Crime.
