The UK’s 5.5 million small business-owners are being urged to seek more support, after fresh data reveals the top business area where Britain’s entrepreneurs need help – including marketing, finance, and productivity.
The research conducted by Small Business Britain and Lloyds Bank – also found that, despite many business-owners needing help across a number of areas, almost half (44%) are still reluctant to access assistance from free business support services.
Almost two-thirds (63%) of business owners cited overall marketing as the top priority when asked what they need help with most. Over half (53%) also said they needed support to increase their social media presence, whilst almost half (46%) saw the necessity for support in business strategy, and a similar number (45%) wanted better access to finance and funding.
Elsewhere, other findings showed that almost a quarter (24%) of respondents said they were looking to boost productivity and would use modern technology to realise this ambition. Two out of five (43%) business owners expressed a strong interest in understanding how AI could assist them.
“Britain’s small businesses will be the engine of growth for our economy, so it is vital that they receive as much help as possible to fulfil their potential and operate at their peak,” said Michelle Ovens CBE, founder of Small Business Britain.
“There is so much free help there for business owners to take advantage of, especially from Small Business Britain and the programme we run with Lloyds Bank. With the world constantly changing – particularly in latest trends and developments in marketing and technology – small businesses shouldn’t struggle alone, but instead reach out and grab the support and opportunities available to them with both hands.”
Jemma Waters, Head of Group Customer Inclusion Lloyds Banking Group said: “Our partnership with Small Business Britain allows the Lloyds Bank Academy to extend its reach and offer support to a broader audience of small business owners. Along with interactive webinars, they can take advantage of free online learning resources, all designed to enhance their digital and business skills supporting their growth and prosperity in today’s challenging economy.”
Small Business Britain has a longstanding partnership with the Lloyds Bank Academy, to offer a comprehensive programme to offer support and expertise to small businesses. This includes interactive webinars and online workshops that range from Finance Management, branding for business growth, productivity hacks and stress management, which are all available free of charge and open to all small businesses.
Livi Parkins, owner of Wirral Whiskers, a cat sitting service based in Birkenhead in the North-West England, is one such business owner to benefit.
“The webinars are a great way to network and connect to other business owners like me, share ideas and get tangible information to help my business, ” said Livi Parkins.
The Lloyds Bank Academy is a free learning hub with resources to upskill businesses on various topics. To learn more visit Lloyds Bank Academy.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here