According to the latest survey by Lloyds TSB confidence in job prospects and safety of employment are way down compared with just a year ago.
Around 35 percent of those asked by Lloyds TSB felt that their job was less secure now than it was last year. One in ten thought their prospects were actually better now than in 2007, though this figure is 40 percent down on last year, reflecting the changing attitudes of the nation.
Added to this downbeat view was the fact that there is also an expectation of increased inflation, with costs already soaring. The people of Britain would really like to say things are looking better but they are thwarted at every turn by the look of this Lloyds TSB information.
A study by the Abbey National Business Bank department has found that around a third of small business owners are worried about the coming 12 months.
They see their economic prospects for the period as being of concern and even poor according to the feedback received by the Abbey National. About 12 percent of respondents claimed to see an increase in clients not paying bills, with about thirty percent seeing payment delays.
On a positive note though the Abbey National also saw some 14 percent of small business owners feeling that economic difficulties will bring opportunities. It is all about perspective said a spokesman, that and the ability to effectively manage cashflow to maintain the business when money is slow to come in.
Research carried out by the Alliance and Leicester has found that around 38 percent of small business organisations are run by the owner with the support of their partner.
Partners can be found in a variety of roles around the business, especially administration and operations. This enables them to have an overall understanding of the business whilst being fully supportive of their managing partner. The Alliance and Leicester research also revealed that around 35 percent of couples share the decisions on finance in the business.
An Alliance and Leicester spokesman felt that this approach to business showed how committed both partners were to making their organisation successful. He felt that this approach enabled them to share some of the stresses, making them easier to deal with, and also the highs, bringing a sense of achievement for both of them.
