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46% of smaller SMEs say they’re not confident that the government will drive a ‘pro-business’ agenda going forward Smaller SMEs are half as likely to be excited about the year ahead compared to medium sized ones – 17%

Almost half (49%) of SMEs are positive about the year ahead, but face the same cost barriers one year on Two-fifths (40%) are calling for help with high energy costs in the upcoming Budget – up from 33%

Over half of businesses (53%) expect growth from lower business rates, with 48% supporting the fuel duty freeze and 46% backing infrastructure investments. 55% of medium-sized businesses see growth opportunities in business rate cuts, while 53% of micro-businesses

50% of UK SMEs expect the policy to hinder business growth Increasing prices (24%) is the most common response to the challenge Around one in ten (9%) businesses are looking to reduce pension contributions In the aftermath of the

74% of UK SMEs say that the upcoming budget will impact their future growth plans 16% of SMEs have paused or reduced investment in innovation/ growth But 42% are optimistic about the year ahead Help with energy cost

Almost a third (32%) of UK SMEs have no Net-Zero plan in place, despite the Government’s target to meet Net Zero by 2050.  While Net Zero is a priority for over half of SMEs (54%), other financial pressures

64% of UK SMEs want more resources and support to be made available to support them and their businesses  Almost half of SMEs (48%) admit that they don’t know where to look to find support for their business