FSB 'Voice of Small Business' survey
Through the roll out of the Member Survey, the FSB has recruited almost 7,000 businesses to the FSB ‘Voice of Small Business' Survey Panel. This panel of members will answer regular questions on different policy issues. The regular surveys will give the FSB the information it needs to make sure members' views are heard by policy makers. Together we can ensure the interests of small firms are at the top of the political agenda.
Have your voice heard, join the survey panel.
2013
May - 'Cyber security and fraud: the impact on small businesses'
A new by the FSB 'Cyber security and fraud: the impact on small businesses' has found that 41 per cent of members have been a victim of cyber crime with the average cost at just under £4,000 per business. As a result, the FSB has developed 10 top tips for businesses to protect themselves.
April - The digital imperative, small businesses, technology
The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) and Intellect have produced a joint report which outlines how small firms have invested in technology and the benefits they have derived from doing so. The report surveyed 2,200 people and found that on average small firms have spent around £3,500 on technology in the last 12 months, proving that investment doesn't have to break the bank to see rewards.
April snap poll - impact of the weather
More than half of UK small firms have been impacted financially by the recent prolonged cold weather costing them £174 million. The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) says that on average each business lost £1,580 according to the findings of a new survey.
January snap poll - reservists
One in three small firms said they are struggling to hire reservists and 86 per cent of FSB members said that any Government support to businesses employing reservists should focus on the specific needs of small and micro firms, rather than big business.
2012
October snap poll - Real Time Information
A quarter of small businesses have said that they are unaware that there will be a major change to the way they do their payroll, and 60 per cent have said they have not had any communication from HMRC.
June survey panel - education
Eight in 10 businesses don't section school leavers are ready for work and say more should be done to help prepare them for employment.
More than 50 per cent of small businesses said the National Insurance Holiday contributions would incentivise them to take on staff.
April survey panel
Rural affairs
Six in 10 rural busineses said they are suffering with the slow speed of their broadband, a third (34%) are dissatisfied with the reliability and 24 per cent with the value for money.
Planning
Only 13 per cent of members have applied or are currently applying for planning permission for their businesses but of those receiving final notification, around seven in 10 waited more than eight weeks.
March survey panel
Procurement and local government
Four in 10 small firms said they wanted to the tendering process to be simpler, nearly the same figure said they believe that the public sector should actively use small businesses and 37 per cent of businesses believe they are sidelined by public officials who favour bigger businesses.