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2018 Business Finance Survey: SMEs

This survey explores the growth, impact of the EU referendum, and finance usage among SMEs in 2018. It includes insights on growth expectations, export plans, obstacles, and changes resulting from the EU referendum.

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2018 Business Finance Survey: SMEs

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  1. 2018 Business Finance Survey: SMEs February 2019

  2. Contents • Background – page 3 • Growth – page 4 • EU Referendum – page 11 • Awareness of Different Types of Finance – page 21 • Finance Usage and Application – page 25 • Perceptions of Raising Finance and Future Use – page 51 • Equity Finance – page 57 • Invoices and Late Payment – page 62 • Summing Up – page 68

  3. Background In 2012, BIS commissioned a new survey exploring the stages SMEs go through when considering the need to raise external finance and the specific actions they take (1,500 SMEs interviewed by CATI) The British Business Bank repeated the survey in 2014 (1,000 SMEs interviewed), in 2015 (1,608 SMEs), 2016 (1,535 SMEs) and in 2017 (2,070 SMEs) 2018 survey is based on 2,000 interviews with SMEs in September and October. Some new questions were added, but core questions remain the same enabling comparison over time Statistically significant changes between the 2017 and 2018 surveys (at 95% confidence level) are identified by green arrows (increases) and red arrows (decreases)

  4. Growth

  5. Three in ten SMEs grew in the past 12 months Growth of business turnover in past 12 months Proportion of firms with 3 years of 20%+ growth Has turnover grown 20+% for previous 2 years? Yes No Don’t know Base = all SMEs in business 3+ years (n=1,927), Question B4. All SMEs grown 20+% past 12 months (n=200). Question B4/B5. (single code, prompted)

  6. SME growth expectations in line with those seen in 2017 % Expect to grow moderately or better Expect to grow turnover in next 12 months 36% 31% 48% 54% 67% 21% have exported in past 3 years 23% plan to export in next 3 years Base = all SMEs (n=2,000 In 2018), no employees n=821, micro n=667, small n=311, medium n=201. Question B6 (single code, prompted). C1/C2.

  7. SMEs that have exported in the past three years have higher growth expectations % Expect to grow moderately or better Growth expectations among SMEs that have exported in past 3 years – by number of employees Non-Exporters Exporters 49% 46% 54% 59% 69% 32% 28% 47% 51% 66% Base = all SMEs who exported in the past 3 years (n=506 exporters in 2018, 1487 non-exporters), no employees exporters n=162, non-exporters n=658; micro exporters n=162, non-exporters n=503; small exporters n=105, non-exporters n=205; medium exporters n=77, non-exporters n=121. Question B6 (single code, prompted).

  8. Similarly, those planning to export are more optimistic regarding growth potential % Expect to grow moderately or better Growth expectations among SMEs planning to export in next 3 years – by number of employees Non- Exporters Exporters 31% 26% 46% 49% 66% • 53% • 52% • 54% • 61% • 68% Base = all SMEs to plan to export in the next 3 years (n=531 in 2018, 1431 non-exporters), no employees exporters n=171, non-exporters n=632; micro exporters n=172, non-exporters n=485; small exporters n=107, non-exporters n=197; medium exporters n=81, non-exporters n=117. Question B6 (single code, prompted).

  9. Small and medium-sized businesses more optimistic about trading conditions than micro businesses and sole traders Expectations for the business’ trading conditions in the next 12 months Better 20% 19% 23% 30% 31% Base = all SMEs (n=2,000 in 2018) no employees n=821, micro n=667, small n=311, medium n=201. B7 (single code, prompted).

  10. Around one in ten view recruitment and cash flow / late payment as significant obstacles • Significant obstacle • Moderate obstacle Obstacles in the next 12 months 8+= 10% in 2018 9% in 2017 6-7 6% in 2018 6% in 2017 Issues recruiting and retaining skilled staff Cash flow or issues with late payment Availability of relevant advice for your business 8+ = 9% in 2018 8% in 2017 6-7 8% in 2018 9% in 2017 8+ = 5% in 2018 6% in 2017 6-7 5% in 2018 5% in 2017 Base = all SMEs (n=2,000). Question B8 (single code, prompted)

  11. EU Referendum

  12. SMEs are more pessimistic about the impact of leaving the EU on growth than in 2017, although the majority see no impact Grow more/less as result of leaving EU - by number of employees 2017 More/Less 5%/22% 5%/21% 5%/25% Base = all SMEs (n=2,000 In 2018, n=2,070 in 2017; no employees n=821 in 2018, n=855 in 2017 ; employees n=1,179 in 2018, n=1,215 in 2017. Question C6 (single code, prompted)

  13. Under a fifth of SMEs have made changes as a result of leaving the EU SMEs who have already made changes as result of leaving EU - by number of employees 17% have already made changes. More likely for those with employees (22% vs. 15% with no employees) % prices of goods and services % exports % investment plans % staff employed Base = all SMEs (n=2,000 In 2018). Question C7 (multi code, prompted).

  14. Around one in four plan to make changes, with more planning changes to investment and staff SMEs who plan to make changes as result of leaving EU - by number of employees 27% plan to make changes. More likely for those with employees (32% vs. 26% with no employees) % prices of goods and services % exports % investment plans % staff employed Base = all SMEs (n=2,000 In 2018). Question C8 (multi code, prompted).

  15. Most SMEs have not seen any impact on sales so far but more expect sales will be affected Impact of leaving EU on sales by sector % Yes - already affected sales % Yes - will affect sales in next 12 months Total yes has/will affect sales: 32% 28% 30% 35% 37% 27% Base = all SMEs (n=2,000 in 2018, Production n= 310, Construction n = 328, Distribution n=450, Business services n=598, Other services n=314). Question C11 (multi code, prompted)

  16. Among SMEs expecting a change to sales, more expect a fall in sales in the next 12 months than in 2017 • Impact of leaving EU on sales by size (employees) and sector % Decrease sales % Increase sales % Don’t know/Refused • Base = all who already had or expect to have changes to sales (n=638 in 2018, Micro n=225, Small n=96, Medium n=59, No employees n=258, Employees n=380, Production n=101, Construction n= 105, Distribution n=158, Business services n=203, Other services n=71) Question C12 (single code, prompted). All SMEs (n=2000 In 2018).

  17. Employers more likely to report scaling back investment in 2018 Changes to investment and staff as a result of leaving the EU – employers only Changes to investment Changes to staff • A greater amount • A smaller amount 23% said a greater amount and 54% a smaller amount in 2017 Base = All employers who have already made or plan to make changes to investment (n=122 in 2018) Question C9 (single code, prompted). All employers who have already made or plan to make changes to staff employed (n=164 in 2018) Question C10 (multi code, prompted)

  18. There is a rise in the share of those expecting a decrease in sales of over 20% Impact of leaving EU on sales Increase 2017/18 % Don’t know/Refused • Base = all SMEs that have or expect changes to sales as a result of leaving EU (n=638 In 2018, n=558 In 2017; Production n=101 in 2018, n=100 in 2017; Construction n= 105 in 2018, n= 51 in 2017; Distribution n=158 in 2018, n=159 in 2017; Business services n=203 in 2018, n=196 in 2017; Other services n=71 in 2018, n=49 in 2017). Question C12 (single code, prompted).

  19. One-third of SMEs think obtaining equity or debt finance will be more difficult More difficult/ easier 36%/3% 34%/3% Impact of leaving EU on obtaining debt and equity Debt (e.g. overdraft, bank loan) Equity Base = all SMEs (n=2,000 in 2018). Question C14 (single code, prompted)

  20. Among SMEs expecting a change to exports, there is rise in the share of those expecting a decrease in exports, with a sharp increase of ‘don’t knows’ Impact of leaving EU on exports Decrease / increase 61% / 11% • Base = all SMEs who have already made or plan to make changes to exports as a result of leaving EU (n=124 in 2018). Question C13 (single code, prompted).

  21. Awareness of Different Types of Finance

  22. Encouragingly, awareness of almost all external forms of finance has increased significantly since 2017 Awareness of forms of external finance 2016-2018 Base = all SMEs (n=2,000 in 2018 n=2,070 in 2017/n=1,535 in 2016). Question A1 (multi code, prompted). Note (a) “Equity crowd funding platforms” in 2016

  23. Awareness of who to approach for specific products has also increased significantly Aware of who to approach for forms of external finance 2016-2018 Base = all SMEs (n=2,000 in 2018 n=2,070 in 2017/n=1,535 in 2016). Question A2 (multi code, prompted). Note (a) “Equity crowd funding platforms” in 2016

  24. Awareness of who to approach for crowdfunding and venture capital is higher in London than in many other regions • Aware of finance type • Aware of who to approach Base = all SMEs (Not London n=1,750, London n=250 in 2018). Question A1 (multi code, prompted). Question A2 (multi code, prompted). Note credit cards, government/LA grants, trade finance and mezzanine finance not shown

  25. Finance Usage and Application

  26. More SMEs are using credit card finance and leasing/hire purchase than in 2017 Finance currently use and sought on last occasion More are using credit cards and loans from directors than in 2017 19% currently use loans or equity from directors, family or friends Base = All SMEs (n=2000 in 2018) Question A6a_AA (multi code, prompted). All SMEs that sought finance in the last three years (n= 913 in 2018) A11b (multi code, unprompted). Those not shown less than 5% for both currently use or sought.

  27. Personal savings are by far the most commonly used source of finance to establish a business Finance used in establishing business, if started in last two years – top mentions Base = all SMEs who started business in last two years (n=67in 2018). Question A3 (multi code, prompted). Those not shown 1% or less.

  28. Proportion seeking external finance in last three years is similar to 2017 Sought external finance in the previous three years - by employee size and sector 54% micro SMEs sought external finance in 2018, compared to 48% in 2017 Base = all SMEs (n=2,000 in 2018). A6a (single code, prompted)

  29. Credit cards and commercial mortgages are most commonly sought from banks Seeking finance from bank vs. another source % Bank % Another source % Don’t know/refused Base = all SMEs who sought each form of non-bank finance (n=194 for credit cards/n=46 for commercial mortgage/n=57 for invoice finance or factoring/n=41 for loans from another individual/organisation/n=280 for leasing or hire purchase. Data not shown for finance categories with a base below 30. Question A6c (single code, prompted). “Don’t know” excluded from chart.

  30. Main reason for seeking finance is still for working capital or purchasing fixed assets Main reason for seeking finance 2016-2018 - last occasion in last three years 9% of SMEs sought external finance for expansion in 2018, compared to 5%in 2017 2016 2017 2018 Base = all SMEs that sought finance in the last 3 years (n=913 in 2018/n=932 in 2017/n=886 in 2016), all SMEs seeking finance for working capital (n=375 in 2018, n=388 in 2017) Question A13b (single code, prompted).

  31. Capital is most commonly sought for the general running of the business and to cover a short term gap in funds Most common reasons for seeking working capital Most common reasons for seeking to re-finance were tokeep business open or expand the business (39%), followed by an attractive offer of finance (27%) Base = all SMEs seeking finance for working capital (n=375 in 2018, n=388 in 2017) Question A14 (multi code, prompted). Codes 1% or less not shown except ‘don’t know’ (8%).All SMEs seeking finance for refinancing (n=34 in 2018), Question A15 (multi code, prompted).

  32. Majority of SMEs sought less than £25,000 finance on the last occasion 2018 median amount £10,000 £8,000 £20,000 2017 median amount £10,000 £6,000 £20,000 Amount of finance sought on last occasion by employee size Base = all SMEs that sought finance in the last 3 years (n=913 in 2018), n=266 no employees, n=647 employees. Question A28/A29 (single code, prompted)

  33. Researching finance types online now second most common step Who spoke to first when finance need identified 36% went directly to main bank in 2017 10% researched online in 2017 Sole traders (43%) and those trading over 10 years (39%) more likely to go directly to their bank Base = all SMEs that sought finance in the last 3 years (n=913 in 2018), n=932 in 2017. Question A19 (single code, unprompted). Those not shown 1% or less.

  34. Banks and finance providers are the top influencer on the decision of who to approach Sources of information that influenced decision Base = all SMEs who sought finance in the last three years (n=913 in 2018), Question A16 and Question A18 (multi code, unprompted). All who have sought more than one source of information on decision on which type of finance to apply for (n=146 in 2018), Question A17 (single code, unprompted).

  35. Four in ten businesses considered more than one provider in 2018 % considering more than one provider 40% 38% 35% Number of providers considered 2016-2018 Base = all SMEs who sought finance in the last 3 years (n=913 in 2018 n=932 in 2017/n=886 in 2016). Question A22 (single code, unprompted)

  36. A majority of SMEs continue to contact one finance provider, although long-term trends suggest a positive shift to more providers being contacted Number of providers contacted 2012-2018 Mean = 1.6 Mean = 1.7 Mean = 1.5 Mean = 1.7 Mean = 1.5 Mean = 1.7 Base = all SMEs that considered a provider of finance in the last 3 years* (n=848 in 2018 n=865 in 2017/n=886 in 2016/n=715 in 2015/n=325 in 2014/n=588 in 2012). Question A23 (single code, unprompted)

  37. Having an existing relationship continues to be the most common reason for choosing providers - fewer say the decision relates to the likelihood of obtaining finance Reasons for choosing provider Having an existing provider continues to be the most common main reason (36%) (7% in 2017) Base = all SMEs that sought external finance in the last 3 years (n=913 in 2018). Question A20 (multi code, unprompted). Those not shown less than 2%. Question A21 (single code, prompted)

  38. Having an established relationship is the most common reason for contacting only one provider Reasons for only approaching one provider on last occasion – top mentions Having a longstanding relationship was also the most common reason last year (55%) Base = all SMEs that contacted only one provider (n=469 in 2018, n=469). Question A26 (multi code, unprompted). Those not shown 1% or less.

  39. Half of SMEs contact providers other than the ‘big five’ banks when seeking finance Was finance sought from any of the five largest UK banks Banks only Other finance providers Don’t know Don’t know Contacted other finance providers Only sought finance from one of the five main UK banks Base = all SMEs (n=2,000 in 2018); employers n=647, no employees n=266; Production n=188, Construction n=153, Distribution n=198, Business services n=252, Other services n=122. A25 (single code, unprompted). Note question changed since 2017 to include Santander in ‘big five’ banks.

  40. Around nine in ten get all or almost all the finance required from first provider Whether successful in obtaining finance from first provider 2012-2018 Offered any finance 2018 = 85%* 2017 = 86% 2016 = 90% 2015 = 86% 2014 = 90% 2012 = 81% Base = all SMEs that sought finance in the last 3 years (n= 913 in 2018 /n=932 in 2017/ n=886 in 2016/n= 715 in 2015/n=325 in 2014/n=588 in 2012). Question A30 (single code, prompted). *Note question wording changes since 2016

  41. Success rates similar to 2017 overall, despite a significant fall for micro businesses Successful getting all finance – by size of business 2016-2018 2016 2017 2018 Base = all SMEs that sought external finance in the last 3 years (n=913 in 2018, n=932 in 2017/n=886 in 2016; 2018: no employees n=266/micros n=324/small n=187/medium n=136). Question A30 (single code, prompted)

  42. SMEs in the distribution sector have become more successful in getting all finance since 2017 but other sectors remain consistent Successful getting all finance – by sector of business 2016-2018 2016 2017 2018 Base = all SMEs that sought external finance in the last 3 years (n=932 in 2017/n=886 in 2016/n=715 in 2015; 2017: production n=158/construction n=127/distribution n=199/ business services n=291/other services n=155). Question A30 (single code, prompted)

  43. Slight increase in SMEs granted bank loans/mortgages for the tenor period requested Whether bank loan/mortgage obtained was for the same tenor period requested 2018 2016 Base = All SMEs with bank loan or commercial mortgage as most recent finance type (n=143 in 2018/ n=152 in 2016). A33 (Single code, prompted)

  44. For around a quarter of SMEs security was required for the loan, most commonly director or personal guarantee Whether security was required for loan, types of security required and value as share of total loan Was security required? • Types of security required The most common value for security as a percentage of the total loan provided was 25% or less (47%). Only 15% said it was 76%-100% of the value, and 8% over 100% of the value Base = all SMEs offered loan in their recent application (n=116 in 2018) Question A35b. All SMEs providing security for loan (n=43) Question A35c (multi-code, prompted). All SMEs providing security for loan (n=43), Question A35d (single code, prompted).

  45. Increase in those giving up or cancelling plans when not receiving all finance required What was done next if not offered full amount 49%either gave up, cancelled plans or put plans for finance on hold Base = offered smaller amount/worse terms/turned down/didn’t accept finance (n= 87 in 2018). Question A32 (single code, prompted).

  46. Applications taking too long overtakes poor customer experience as the top reason for dissatisfaction • Experience of raising finance vs. expectations 2016-2018 • Why worse than expected 2018 • Better/ worse 19%/17% • 26%/13% • 19%/15% Base = all SMEs that sought finance in the last 3 years (n= 913 in 2018, n=932 in 2017/n=886 in 2016), Base = all for whom experience of raising finance was worse than expected (n=130 in 2018). Question A37 (single code, unprompted), A38 (multi code, unprompted). Top five answers shown only for why it was worse.

  47. Experience of raising finance from big five banks more likely than other finance providers not to meet expectations • Experience of raising finance vs. expectations Big five banks vs. other providers • Why worse than expected Big five banks only Other finance providers • Better/ worse 15%/21% • 24%/13% Base = all SMEs that sought finance in the last 3 years from big five bank (n= 378 in 2018) or other provider (n=510 in 2018). Base = all for whom experience of raising finance was worse than expected and sought finance from big five bank (n=70 in 2018) or other provider (n=46 in 2018). Question A37 (single code, prompted), A38 (multi code, unprompted).

  48. 18% of SMEs sought external advice, with half of these going to their accountant Sought external advice when applying for finance on last occasion 81% sought no advice (same as 2017) Base = all SMEs that sought finance in the last 3 years (n=913 in 2018, n=932 in 2017). A36 (multi code, unprompted)

  49. Proportion of SMEs using advice when seeking finance generally in line with 2017 but falls significantly for businesses with 10-49 employees Sought external advice when applying for finance on last occasion* - 2016-2018 – by employee size 2016 2017 2018 Base = all SMEs that sought finance in the last 3 years (n=913 in 2018/n=932 in 2017/2016=886). A36 (multi code, unprompted). *Note this is a net variable generated from use of at least one source of advice on the last occasion.

  50. More SMEs are ‘very likely’ to seek external advice if they needed finance in the future compared with 2017 Likelihood of seeking external advice if had difficulties obtaining finance Half of those likely to seek advice say they are likely to pay for independent advice to help them obtain this finance (47%) Likely 47% Unlikely 50% Sole traders are less likely to seek external advice than SMEs with employees (52% unlikely vs. 46%) Base = all SMEs (n=2,000 in 2018); Question B3ii (single code, prompted). Base: All SMEs likely to seek external advice for external finance in the future (n=956); Question D6 in 2017.

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