As might be expected, such a large geographical area encompasses a wide range of differing economic conditions and issues affecting small businesses. 

 

GDP ranges from 150% UK average in Swindon to just 70% UK average in Cornwall.

 

According to the FSB’s latest survey, 44% of SW businesses have a turnover of less than £100, 000, compared with 39% UK average. 99% of SW businesses employ fewer that 50 people.

 

Did you know that

Businesses with fewer than 4 staff employ more people in the South West than those with over 250 staff?

 

Small business employees suffer fewer accidents or work related illnesses?

 

Small business employees are happier with their work life balance than employees of large businesses?

 

Full details of these and other statistics about small businesses, especially those in the South West, together with SW FSB Policies and the discussion documents used to develop them are to be found here.

 

The statistics have been sourced from the DTI, Small Business Service and other Government sources as well as the FSB's 'Lifting the Barriers' survey.

 

1.Source: SBS stats 2005

 

2 Source: HSE Self Reported Work related Illness by workplace size 2004/05

 

3 2004 Workplace Employment Relations Survey -DTI