62% of small firms 'expect to grow' during the New Year and recruit

Small companies in the construction, building, KBB and DIY industry - like independent builders' merchants and bathroom and kitchen retailers and showrooms - are among the 62% of small businesses expecting to grow and take on more staff during Q1 2014, says the latest research by the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB). 

However, they still need support from the government to alleviate some of the barriers still apparent.

The FSB’s Small Business Index revealed that firms are expecting to increase their staff count, increase exports and grow in the first quarter of 2015.

The index showed that productivity among small firms was up by 1.1% year-on-year in Q4 2014, while 16% of small businesses hired more staff.

However, with almost a quarter of businesses – 22% – saying the cost of finance was 'a barrier to growth' – up from 10% in Q4 2013, FSB national chairman John Allan said “certainty in the domestic economy, including interest rates” was needed.

The FSB revealed that just 11% of small firms without employees found new credit 'affordable', compared with 44% of businesses that employ 51 or more staff.

Allan added: “The perception of increasing cost of finance, and further warnings of a downturn on the continent, demonstrate that ministers need to continue to do all they can to support small firms. Building on extensions to schemes like Funding for Lending, the Employment Allowance, and recently improved business support programmes are crucial to this.”

If you are looking to recruit, contact us on 01480 405225. Pinnacle Consulting: sales and marketing recruitment for the building products sector. www.pinnacleconsulting.co.uk

At Pinnacle Consulting, we understand the importance of the smaller companies within the building and construction industry. In the overall sales and marketing strategy of a building products’ manufacturer or stockist, these trades may not appear to be that important. As a collective, however, they are a vital audience to reach.

So, what makes them stay loyal? How do they become aware of a new product or a change in legislation? What support and information do they need? What is the best way to communicate with them? How can you maximise their effectiveness as part of your sales strategy? 

To get some answers, we have gone straight to the people who know: the tradespeople themselves.

• Find out more on selling and marketing to small independent builders
• Find out more on selling and marketing to the independent plastering companies
• Find out more on selling and marketing to independent bathroom showrooms

www.pinnacleconsulting.co.uk