How firms can cope with recession

15th June 2009

The economic climate is bleak for many small firms
These are undeniably tough times for the UK's small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

With the recession continuing, many of the country's more than four million SMEs continue to have a fight on their hands to stay in business.

Often called "the lifeblood of the economy", the importance of the SME sector should never be underestimated.

While SMEs do not generally make the business headlines, they employ 13.5 million people - 59% of the UK's total private sector workforce - according to the most recent figures from the Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform.

For this reason, their future success is vital.

While nothing can compensate for insufficient turnover and profit, there is now a wealth of support and advice available for small firms.

See the BBC full article for a guide to some of that assistance.

Source: BBC