SME confidence up, but not all plain sailing ahead | | https://www.businesspartners.co.za/en-za/media-centre/sme-index/2018-results/sme-confidence-up-but-not-all-plain-sailing-ahead | SME confidence up, but not all plain sailing ahead | Against a challenging economic background, broad small business confidence indicators have exhibited a unanimous quarterly uptick. This was revealed in the third quarter 2018 Business Partners Limited SME Index – a survey measuring the attitudes and confidence levels of South African small and medium enterprise (SME) owners. | 2018/12/19 10:00:00 PM | | |
SA SMEs to stay competitive with AI | | https://www.businesspartners.co.za/en-za/media-centre/sme-index/2018-results/sa-smes-to-stay-competitive-with-ai | SA SMEs to stay competitive with AI | 80% of South African small and medium enterprise (SME) owners surveyed in the first quarter 2018 Business Partners Limited SME Index believe that they will need to invest in automation or other advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), 3D printing and robotics over the next three to five years in order to remain competitive. This is despite 67% of respondents saying that the evolution of such technology has not yet contributed to the growth of their businesses. | 2018/07/09 10:00:00 PM | | |
SME owners to plan for growth in 2018 | | https://www.businesspartners.co.za/en-za/media-centre/sme-index/2017-results/sme-owners-to-plan-for-growth-in-2018 | SME owners to plan for growth in 2018 | Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) should prepare to take action and plan for increased growth in 2018. This is according to Ben Bierman, Managing Director of Business Partners Limited (BUSINESS/PARTNERS), commenting on the latest Business Partners Limited SME Index – a survey measuring the attitudes and confidence levels of South African small and medium enterprise (SME) owners. | 2018/03/07 10:00:00 PM | | |
SMEs: funding alone not a quick fix, especially in times of volatility | | https://www.businesspartners.co.za/en-za/media-centre/sme-index/2017-results/smes-funding-alone-not-a-quick-fix-especially-in-times-of-volatility | SMEs: funding alone not a quick fix, especially in times of volatility | For the first time this year, broad business confidence indicators have increased, according to the third quarter 2017 Business Partners Limited SME Index – a survey measuring the attitudes and confidence levels of South African small and medium enterprise (SME) owners. | 2017/12/05 10:00:00 PM | | |
SA's growth engines feeling the weight of economic strain | | https://www.businesspartners.co.za/media-centre/sme-index/2017-results/sas-growth-engines-feeling-the-weight-of-economic-strain-14-09-17 | SA's growth engines feeling the weight of economic strain | Business confidence indicators plummeted further in the second quarter of this year as the South African macroeconomic environment remains dire, resulting in increased pressure on small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and their ability to deliver as one of South Africa’s leading growth engines. | 2017/09/13 10:00:00 PM | | |
SA's growth engines feeling the weight of economic strain | | https://www.businesspartners.co.za/en-za/media-centre/sme-index/2017-results/sas-growth-engines-feeling-the-weight-of-economic-strain-14-09-17 | SA's growth engines feeling the weight of economic strain | Business confidence indicators plummeted further in the second quarter of this year as the South African macroeconomic environment remains dire, resulting in increased pressure on small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and their ability to deliver as one of South Africa’s leading growth engines. | 2017/09/13 10:00:00 PM | | |
Public-private partnership essential to combat economic woes | | https://www.businesspartners.co.za/media-centre/sme-index/2017-results/public-private-partnership-essential-to-combat-economic-woes | Public-private partnership essential to combat economic woes | While South Africa prepares for what will likely be a rollercoaster period, it is once again evident how big a role economic and political uncertainty can play in the minds of local business owners, and the extent to which this impacts small and medium enterprises’ (SMEs’) confidence levels and their ability to do business. | 2017/05/02 10:00:00 PM | | |
Public-private partnership essential to combat economic woes | | https://www.businesspartners.co.za/en-za/media-centre/sme-index/2017-results/public-private-partnership-essential-to-combat-economic-woes | Public-private partnership essential to combat economic woes | While South Africa prepares for what will likely be a rollercoaster period, it is once again evident how big a role economic and political uncertainty can play in the minds of local business owners, and the extent to which this impacts small and medium enterprises’ (SMEs’) confidence levels and their ability to do business. | 2017/05/02 10:00:00 PM | | |
Local SMEs resurface upbeat for business growth in 2017 | | https://www.businesspartners.co.za/media-centre/sme-index/2016-results/local-smes-resurface-upbeat-for-business-growth-in-2017 | Local SMEs resurface upbeat for business growth in 2017 | 77% of South African small and medium enterprise (SME) owners surveyed in the fourth quarter 2016 Business Partners Limited SME Index believe that 2017 will yield greater growth for their businesses than 2016. The survey measured the attitude and confidence levels of South African SME owners across various sectors of the economy. | 2017/02/01 10:00:00 PM | | |
Local SMEs resurface upbeat for business growth in 2017 | | https://www.businesspartners.co.za/en-za/media-centre/sme-index/2016-results/local-smes-resurface-upbeat-for-business-growth-in-2017 | Local SMEs resurface upbeat for business growth in 2017 | 77% of South African small and medium enterprise (SME) owners surveyed in the fourth quarter 2016 Business Partners Limited SME Index believe that 2017 will yield greater growth for their businesses than 2016. The survey measured the attitude and confidence levels of South African SME owners across various sectors of the economy. | 2017/02/01 10:00:00 PM | | |
Economic and political certainty necessary for SME growth | | https://www.businesspartners.co.za/media-centre/sme-index/2016-results/economic-and-political-certainty-necessary-for-sme-growth | Economic and political certainty necessary for SME growth | South Africa’s small and medium enterprises (SMEs) require a less volatile business environment if they are to grow and continue creating employment opportunities. The current challenging economic landscape – which is compounded by economic uncertainty caused by the potential ratings downgrade and the increasing uncertainty around the pivotal role of the finance minister – is rapidly eroding the South African business owners’ confidence levels and the calls for a strong and stable political framework to facilitate the country’s economic recovery is growing increasingly louder. | 2016/10/12 10:00:00 PM | | |
Economic and political certainty necessary for SME growth | | https://www.businesspartners.co.za/en-za/media-centre/sme-index/2016-results/economic-and-political-certainty-necessary-for-sme-growth | Economic and political certainty necessary for SME growth | South Africa’s small and medium enterprises (SMEs) require a less volatile business environment if they are to grow and continue creating employment opportunities. The current challenging economic landscape – which is compounded by economic uncertainty caused by the potential ratings downgrade and the increasing uncertainty around the pivotal role of the finance minister – is rapidly eroding the South African business owners’ confidence levels and the calls for a strong and stable political framework to facilitate the country’s economic recovery is growing increasingly louder. | 2016/10/12 10:00:00 PM | | |
Public-private sector action needed to boost SME confidence | | https://www.businesspartners.co.za/media-centre/sme-index/2016-results/public-private-sector-action-needed-to-boost-sme-confidence | Public-private sector action needed to boost SME confidence | Economic conditions continue to strain the operating environment for small and medium enterprises (SMEs), and unless the private sector and Government work more closely together to create a more conducive business environment, confidence levels amongst business owners will continue to lag. | 2016/05/11 10:00:00 PM | | |
Public-private sector action needed to boost SME confidence | | https://www.businesspartners.co.za/en-za/media-centre/sme-index/2016-results/public-private-sector-action-needed-to-boost-sme-confidence | Public-private sector action needed to boost SME confidence | Economic conditions continue to strain the operating environment for small and medium enterprises (SMEs), and unless the private sector and Government work more closely together to create a more conducive business environment, confidence levels amongst business owners will continue to lag. | 2016/05/11 10:00:00 PM | | |
Deflated SME confidence levels result of economic uncertainty | | https://www.businesspartners.co.za/media-centre/sme-index/2015-results/deflated-sme-confidence-levels-result-of-economic-uncertainty | Deflated SME confidence levels result of economic uncertainty | In the current economic landscape, South African businesses find themselves fighting to overcome one headwind after the next. This constantly changing environment is negatively impacting small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and business owners’ growth projections for 2016. As a result SMEs’ confidence levels about economic and business growth declined significantly in the last quarter. | 2016/02/09 10:00:00 PM | | |
Deflated SME confidence levels result of economic uncertainty | | https://www.businesspartners.co.za/en-za/media-centre/sme-index/2015-results/eflated-sme-confidence-levels-result-of-economic-uncertainty | Deflated SME confidence levels result of economic uncertainty | In the current economic landscape, South African businesses find themselves fighting to overcome one headwind after the next. This constantly changing environment is negatively impacting small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and business owners’ growth projections for 2016. As a result SMEs’ confidence levels about economic and business growth declined significantly in the last quarter. | 2016/02/09 10:00:00 PM | | |
Tough economic conditions keep SA SME owners awake, index reveals | | https://www.businesspartners.co.za/media-centre/sme-index/2015-results/tough-economic-conditions-keep-sa-sme-owners-awake-index-reveals | Tough economic conditions keep SA SME owners awake, index reveals | Small and medium enterprise (SME) owners confidence levels that the South African economy will be conducive for business growth in the next 12 months has declined for the second successive quarter. And, SMEs surveyed have almost unanimously indicated that their main challenges in the next 6 to 12 months would be economic conditions, cash flow and funding. | 2015/10/07 10:00:00 PM | | |
Tough economic conditions keep SA SME owners awake, index reveals | | https://www.businesspartners.co.za/en-za/media-centre/sme-index/2015-results/tough-economic-conditions-keep-sa-sme-owners-awake-index-reveals | Tough economic conditions keep SA SME owners awake, index reveals | Small and medium enterprise (SME) owners confidence levels that the South African economy will be conducive for business growth in the next 12 months has declined for the second successive quarter. And, SMEs surveyed have almost unanimously indicated that their main challenges in the next 6 to 12 months would be economic conditions, cash flow and funding. | 2015/10/07 10:00:00 PM | | |
SMEs remain positive about growth but hesitant to hire more staff | | https://www.businesspartners.co.za/media-centre/sme-index/2015-results/smes-remain-positive-about-growth-but-hesitant-to-hire-more-staff | SMEs remain positive about growth but hesitant to hire more staff | South African small and medium enterprise (SME) owners reported a slight decline in confidence levels for the second quarter of 2015, but remain optimistic about business growth in the next 12-months. However, despite this level of optimism, half of these business owners have not employed new staff in the last 12-months, pointing to possible muted growth expectations for the SME sector. | 2015/07/22 10:00:00 PM | | |
SMEs remain positive about growth but hesitant to hire more staff | | https://www.businesspartners.co.za/en-za/media-centre/sme-index/2015-results/smes-remain-positive-about-growth-but-hesitant-to-hire-more-staff | SMEs remain positive about growth but hesitant to hire more staff | South African small and medium enterprise (SME) owners reported a slight decline in confidence levels for the second quarter of 2015, but remain optimistic about business growth in the next 12-months. However, despite this level of optimism, half of these business owners have not employed new staff in the last 12-months, pointing to possible muted growth expectations for the SME sector. | 2015/07/22 10:00:00 PM | | |
SMEs remain upbeat despite increasing economic woes | | https://www.businesspartners.co.za/media-centre/sme-index/2015-results/smes-remain-upbeat-despite-increasing-economic-woes | SMEs remain upbeat despite increasing economic woes | The latest Business Partners Limited SME Index (BPLSI), which measures attitudes and confidence levels among South Africa's small and medium enterprises (SMEs) owners, reported record average confidence levels of 81% that their business will grow in the next 12 months during the first quarter 2015 BPLSI – an increase of 7 percentage point quarter-on-quarter (q/q) and 8 percentage point year-on-year (y/y). | 2015/05/13 10:00:00 PM | | |
SMEs remain upbeat despite increasing economic woes | | https://www.businesspartners.co.za/en-za/media-centre/sme-index/2015-results/smes-remain-upbeat-despite-increasing-economic-woes | SMEs remain upbeat despite increasing economic woes | The latest Business Partners Limited SME Index (BPLSI), which measures attitudes and confidence levels among South Africa's small and medium enterprises (SMEs) owners, reported record average confidence levels of 81% that their business will grow in the next 12 months during the first quarter 2015 BPLSI – an increase of 7 percentage point quarter-on-quarter (q/q) and 8 percentage point year-on-year (y/y). | 2015/05/13 10:00:00 PM | | |
Poor economic conditions impact confidence levels of SA SMEs | | https://www.businesspartners.co.za/media-centre/sme-index/2014-results/poor-economic-conditions-impact-confidence-levels-of-sa-smes | Poor economic conditions impact confidence levels of SA SMEs | Local small and medium enterprise (SME) owners continue to be apprehensive about the regulatory and economic challenges facing the sector and country as a whole. This is according to the fourth quarter 2014 Business Partners Limited SME Index (BPLSI), which measures attitudes and confidence levels among local SME owners. | 2015/01/31 10:00:00 PM | | |
Poor economic conditions impact confidence levels of SA SMEs | | https://www.businesspartners.co.za/en-za/media-centre/sme-index/2014-results/poor-economic-conditions-impact-confidence-levels-of-sa-smes | Poor economic conditions impact confidence levels of SA SMEs | Local small and medium enterprise (SME) owners continue to be apprehensive about the regulatory and economic challenges facing the sector and country as a whole. This is according to the fourth quarter 2014 Business Partners Limited SME Index (BPLSI), which measures attitudes and confidence levels among local SME owners. | 2015/01/31 10:00:00 PM | | |
Load shedding impacts SME confidence levels in SA | | https://www.businesspartners.co.za/media-centre/sme-index/2014-results/load-shedding-impacts-sme-confidence-levels-in-sa | Load shedding impacts SME confidence levels in SA | Heading into 2015, South African Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) owners are cautiously optimistic that the current economic environment is conducive for business growth, but factors, such as the country's constrained power supply, are impacting confidence levels. This is according to Gerrie van Biljon, executive director of Business Partners Limited (BUSINESS/PARTNERS), speaking on the third quarter 2014 Business Partners Limited SME Index (BPLSI) results | 2014/12/09 10:00:00 PM | | |