The report

Simply Business presents its trend analysis of the state of the SME sector. Following this, recommendations are communicated to the government. There is no shortage of challenges in the most recent report. For instance, there is concern about the increasing pressure on SMEs. It is argued that successive crises take away the view on structural trends and the future. It is then even more difficult to do business when government policy is also an uncertain factor. Whether it is rising gas prices, inflation, or climate issues, entrepreneurs are expected to evolve along with them, regardless of all the social and financial consequences this entails. Yet, the report recognizes that SMEs need to invest more than ever, citing that this can only be done if entrepreneurs are offered a beckoning perspective.

National roadmap

To tackle the storm of difficulties, it stresses the importance of the three central pillars: namely, structure, coherence and cooperation. With an eye on these principles, the foundations of the British entrepreneurial landscape can be strengthened. Improvements can only take place in a context of coherent, and above all, clear guidelines. For this reason, various government agencies should join hands with partners from the business community to draw up a national roadmap. In it, four transition themes will receive extra attention, namely sustainability, digitization, labour market and financing respectively. A long-term plan will not solve crises, but it will give entrepreneurs the perspective they so desperately crave.

Sustainability and the state of the SMEs

Professor Linda Steg comments to the Dutch report, which is alike, that "consumers often underestimate SMEs when it comes to sustainability. There are often negative perceptions about their willingness to become more sustainable". This is despite the fact that a third of SMEs label their operations as sustainable. Yet in this, it often remains unclear what is required to be allowed to label your business as sustainable. Also, for many - especially small - companies, it is not clear who they can turn to in order to initiate the sustainability process. Therefore, three things are especially recommended. First, the government should make clear what is expected of SMEs in terms of sustainability. Second, the government should strengthen the preconditions for entrepreneurial sustainability. Third, services to SMEs must be strengthened. Specifically, such a plan should address the resources available and the bodies responsible on the issues such as social sustainability and reducing emissions.

Transition entrepreneurship

Altogether, the report further incentivizes the need for transition entrepreneurship. Also, the survey indicated how this should take shape with a view to the future. The first step in this would be to formulate a clear vision of the future - a green dot on the horizon. Thus, British politics is to be held responsible for defining a sustainable economy and the role of the various players in it. Meanwhile, the topic of sustainability also remains worth investing in for you as an entrepreneur: after all, laws and regulations do not take long to develop. Not only politicians but also entrepreneurs can take a leading role and make the necessary preparations. Eevery helps you take these steps towards a sustainable future.  

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