Business facts
Your view
We ask small business owners about the work issues that affect them.
Their replies are always enlightening...
Economic change can't dampen UK small business optimism
Our new national survey of 2,019 small business owners shows a positive outlook for the future. The findings reveal how the UK's small businesses are feeling optimistic, with many prepared to make changes to their services and take their companies in new directions to ensure success.
Martin Lyne, Director of SME at T-Mobile, said: 'We commissioned this research to take the pulse of UK small business and its attitude to the future, and it's really encouraging to see such positivity about the months ahead... We know that the ability to adapt quickly is crucial to small business success, which is why we believe providing shorter-term contracts that don't lock them in for huge periods of time is the right approach to meeting the needs of today's small businesses.'
Feeling positive
58% of UK small business owners feel positive about their business future
Getting stronger
55% believe their business is in a stronger place to succeed than it was a year ago
Expected growth
48% expect to see some business growth over the next six months
New developments
One in three (31%) are planning to develop new products/services and 30% plan to expand their business within the UK
Successful changes
One in four (24%) have made significant changes to their business to continue to succeed in tough times
Stop. Time Thief! Are you a Straight Talker in business?
As a proud supplier to small businesses across the UK, T-Mobile recognises the importance of allowing you to get on with what you do best and not waste time with jargon or complex products and services.
To explore your views on the importance of Straight Talking in business, we've recently commissioned research among 2,000 small businesses owners across the UK to better understand the time pressures you're under and .determine how you prefer to communicate in business.
Some Straight Talking facts
Time wasting
Small business owners said they waste time every single day talking to suppliers, customers, colleagues and partners who don't get to the point
Jargon-heavy suppliers
30% of the businesses we polled stated half or more of their suppliers are not straight talking
Straight Talkers
Small businesses see themselves as Straight Talkers and have very little patience for those who do not take this approach
Jargon attention span
Small business owners admitted to switching off after just five minutes if they feel someone isn't Straight Talking and one in five of you (19%) will not listen at all
Husbands and wives are trusted over professionals for straight talking business advice
We asked 2000 small business owners who they trust most for straight talking advice, and they said their husband, wife or partner, who would 'tell them the truth'.
Behaviour expert Judi James says: 'This highlights how highly we value those who get to the point and give it to us straight when discussing business issues. Unlike other advisors, partners have no hidden agenda and aren't trying to impress us to secure a contract.'
Trusted for the truth
53% of small business owners choose their business advisor based on who they trust to tell them the truth. 27% cent seek business advice from those who were most likely to "give it to them straight".
Partners as advisors
51% O of UK small business owners will turn to their partner before anyone else for straight talking business advice, 22% trade bodies or other local businesses (3%) and bank managers (2%).
Business Jargon Simplified with Kevin Duncan - part 1
Kevin Duncan talks about some of the nonsense in business and shares some typical business jargon that doesn't make sense
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