PRESS RELEASE

27 October 2009

RETAILERS RISE ABOVE THE RECESSION

More than three quarters (80%) of retailers* in Kent are confident of surviving the recession, according to the latest research from Business Link.

However, one in four (26%) of the owners of small and medium sized businesses (SMEs) interviewed for the quarterly South East Business Monitor had seen a drop in customer numbers over the past 12 months. Almost half (49%) of the retailers reported lower spend per customer and 55% had adopted discounting.

Retailers (including motor and wholesale businesses) account for more than 19,000 SMEs in Kent, half of which are shops. The research found a link between having a website, a broad customer base, and loyal customers and those retailers expressing most confidence for the future.

Retailers from across the South East that are part of a chain or wider group identified key challenges as: responding to competition (65%); improving staff performance/skills (64%); reducing waste/improving energy efficiency (61%); developing management/leadership skills (46%) and recruiting skilled staff (40%).

Tony Logan, Adviser Manager at Business Link, said: “Business Link can help retailers identify areas of improvement, whether it be to attract more customers, increase unit spend per customer or improve their stock turn. It is certainly worth retailers engaging with their local business adviser for a free business health check.”

Business Link’s free retail guide, which includes practical advice on how to increase footfall, improve sales and reduce costs, is available at www.businessquestionsanswered.co.uk/retail.

To arrange to speak to a Business Link adviser for advice and a free business health check, call 0845 600 9 006.

ENDS

For more media information, please contact:
Rachel Knight or Richard Coleman
Maxim
01892 513033
rachel@maxim-pr.co.uk or richard@maxim-pr.co.uk

Notes to editors
* 91 small and medium sized retailers were surveyed in Kent
South East Business Monitor is a quarterly survey of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) based in the South East, conducted by the region’s Business Link Providers. Every three months, at least 1,200 telephone interviews are carried out with business owners and senior decision makers, to give an ongoing ‘temperature check’ of business issues and concerns. The survey results are weighted to reflect the size and structure of the SME universe in the South East. Business Link uses the insights gained from this research, to help tailor business support services to meet the expressed needs of business owners.

Business Link in Kent provides the information, advice and support businesses need to start, maintain and grow a business. It exists to help anyone thinking of starting a business; to help small and medium-sized businesses to grow and to help businesses deal with problems, challenges and opportunities. Over the last year Business Link in Kent provided support to over 4,000 people considering starting a business and to 1,500 who actually started. Over 20,000 businesses were assisted with general information and advice with more than 2,500 being assisted in depth by a Business Link adviser. 

The Business Link service in Kent and Medway is delivered by Business Support Kent Community Interest Company.

 
SEEDA is the Government funded agency responsible for the sustainable economic development and regeneration of the South East of England – the driving force of the UK’s economy. Our aim is to create a prosperous, dynamic and inspirational region by helping businesses compete more effectively, training a highly skilled workforce, supporting and enabling our communities while safeguarding our natural resources and cherishing our rich cultural heritage.