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Concerns around disruption are almost universal ( 98 % express fears ) yet just seven per cent of leaders have a plan to deal with issues which could arise over changes in government policy , legislation or factors such as cybercrime .
Over half of business owners are not being proactive – admitting they haven ’ t thought about disruption or have thought about it but not done anything ( 54 %). Many say they are waiting to see what disruption brings and then hoping to respond after the event .
National accountancy firm Haines Watts ’ For Love Or Money study is based on interviews with 542 UK business owners , whose businesses are at least two years old , with a turnover of between £ 1 and £ 50 million . They have between ten and 249 employees . The research was conducted in 2017 .
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The top three findings were :
• Disruption is a universal fear for South West business owners – 98 % express concern
• 7 % have a plan in place to address disruption
• Uncertainty over government policy and regulation tops the worry list with almost half ( 49 %) of business owners concerned .
SMEs ’ most common concern was government-related disruption , including legislation and regulatory changes . More traditional forms of disruption include competition from larger businesses entering the market ( 45 %) and changing customer expectations ( 31 %). One in five ( 22 %) business owners say disruption makes them more determined and 22 % say it makes them more ambitious .
Mike Lloyd , managing partner at Haines
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Watts Swindon said : “ Brexit has distracted UK business owners from the very real threat of industry disruption . While fears around regulatory disruption are exceptionally high , business owners may not be concerned enough about the kind of disruption that will threaten their specific business model .”
“ It ’ s hard to envisage exactly how threats like new technology could unfold but that doesn ’ t mean preparation can ’ t get under way . There are steps every business can and should take to prepare the ground for changes .”
Haines Watts Swindon is a firm of chartered accountants and business advisors based in Old Town , Swindon . They offer a variety of accountancy and tax planning services to owner-managed businesses , charities and not-for-profit organisations across the south west . The firm is part of the national Haines Watts network of offices .
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mlloyd @ hwca . com 01793 533838 |
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Wellington Barn is more than just an events venue – it ’ s the perfect place for businesses to work hard and play even harder . Our spacious venue and grounds leave ample room for team building events or corporate away days . It ’ s the perfect place to let your hair down at a company party , enjoy some luxury ‘ glamping ’ time or to simply use as a working retreat , so you and your team can take a break from the office and work in a beautiful , secluded environment perfect for getting the creative juices flowing .
The barn provides an idyllic location nestled in the countryside while still providing fantastic facilities and a range of flexible dining options to suit your needs . It provides a perfect meeting point for businesses around Bristol , London , Swindon , Oxford or even Southampton – with a convenient , easy to reach location that exudes professional style . Wellington Barn has been used to hold successful team building days to increase morale in the workforce , provided a neutral meeting place for boards or team briefings , and even as a flexible workspace that offers an open and
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relaxed environment , boosting productivity and promoting good mental health within the business .
Wellington Barn ’ s director Keri Maundrell said ; ‘ We are extremely excited to be able to serve corporate businesses , and can provide everything from a boardroom or informal meeting space for 40 people to a team building activity event , with evening entertainment and a full dining experience included for 400 people . The businesses that come to us love our open space and the tranquillity of the barn – so they always go away feeling refreshed and full of ideas .’”
The barn is also perfect for Christmas party celebrations , dates are booking fast with prices from just £ 45 per person which includes our fully licensed bar as standard in every package . The space can be hired exclusively for your party or if your company is smaller , our Christmas party evening will be perfect , enabling you to buy as many tickets as you need . Please see the website to download our Christmas Party menus .
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For more info : www . wellingtonbarn . co . uk |
events @ wellingtonbarn . co . uk 01249 400014 |
@ welliebarn |
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18 THE BUSINESS EXCHANGE 2017 |