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Survey finds Cash flow tops
worry list for business owners
 THE fear of running out of cash is the
thing most likely to keep business owners awake at night, according to a survey
by a Southport based business advisory firm. The online poll, conducted by Moore
and Smalley, revealed that a ⅓, that is 32% of business owners, list cash flow
problems as the biggest fear and the greatest threat to their business.
The thought of losing a major customer kept 1 in 4, that is 26% of
entrepreneurs, tossing and turning at night, while having to sacrifice time
spent with friends and family to focus on the success of the business was the ⅓
most pressing concern, with 22% of respondents noting this worry.
In a sign of the times, 1 in 10 business owners (11%) admitted that the thought
of getting a flurry of bad online reviews or having customers turn on them on
social media was their biggest worry.
James Treadwell, partner at Moore and Smalley, said:- "Cash, or the lack
of it, is undeniably the biggest threat to any business. If a business doesn't
have cash, it lacks the working capital to grow and ultimately this will
threaten the business. It is little wonder that business owners list this as
their primary concern, particularly in these austere times when it is hard to
get paid on time. It once again demonstrates the need for businesses to keep a
tight rein on expenditure, to understand and forecast their cash position, and
to have good systems and procedures in place for getting cash into the
business."
The survey also revealed that HR issues, such as staffing problems and the
prospect of employment claims, were a fear for some business owners (4%). Those
running businesses were also worried about other operational threats, such as IT
failure (4%).
James added:- "The results of this survey show that business owners are
aware of a number of threats to their business. To prevent these issues becoming
major worries and hindering the growth of their business, they need to have a
clear plan in place and to ensure they get good advice from trusted professional
partners."
New mural to be unveiled on
County Road
A stunning piece of artwork is set to
be unveiled on a landmark building in Walton. The former Ethel Austin building
on County Road, Walton, Liverpool, has been transformed into a spectacular mural
by street artist:- 'Whoam Irony', in the 1st of a series of
initiatives to improve the area.
The project is being run by the:- 'Mark
It Street Art Festival' with support from the Mary Portas High Street
Innovation Fund. Local Councillor Roy Gladden, who is chair of the
local Mary Portas Innovation Fund, said:- "I know people are going to be
absolutely blown away by the artwork that has been created on this building.
This is a landmark site on County Road and the mural will grab the attention of
people as well as transforming a building which has lain empty for a while. This
is just the 1st stage in a series of exciting plans that we are working on to
improve County Road. It is a very important shopping district in the City and we
are committed to working with traders to make it better."
Pamela Sullivan from Liverpool Street Artist
Festival, which was commissioned to produce the artwork, said:- "We are
really excited about the unveiling of the artwork and hope that local people and
those passing through the area will absolutely love it. For more information
visit the festivals Facebook
Page." |
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North West
Employers' Upskill Struggle Could Be Eased By Online Education
EMPLOYERS could face an Upskill
struggle when recruiting for the roles available in a changing job
market, set to grow by around 49% in the North West, according to
CBI /
predictions.
The National Careers Council says over ˝ of employers are not confident they will find sufficient recruits
for jobs on offer. Growth is expected in sectors such as computer
technology, tourism and healthcare, with decline anticipated in
areas such as call centre, secretarial and banking employment.
Graduates will be in higher demand as the job market picks up, with
30% of employers expecting to take on more graduates in the next
12 months.
Online distance learning specialist, RDI, believes Upskilling is key
for those in the North West seeking employment and higher job
satisfaction. Over half of UK employers cite additional
qualifications as a fast track route to either pay increase or
promotion.
'Learning while earning' is an attractive option for those
seeking qualifications, or new skills that will enable them to find
employment in growing sectors of the job market experiencing worker
shortages. There is no need for career breaks while studying,
enrolment is possible throughout the year and tuition fee loans are
available, despite fees being significantly lower for online
distance learning courses.
In the North West, more than 1 in 7 people have
2 A Levels or the equivalent, but no degree. With degrees
for undergraduates and MBAs, BTEC Level 7 Diplomas and Masters
qualifications available through online distance learning, the
chance to Upskill should not be overlooked.
But RDI fears that many mistakenly believe they won't qualify for
enrolment on the right courses.
Dr Philip Hallam, CEO of RDI, said:- "Upskilling is going to
be massively important to developing job market and the flexibility
that online learning presents makes it an attractive route. The
problem is that many people in employment looking for a
qualification led career boost think they aren't suitable or
qualified to study for a degree or masters, when in fact they are.
In most cases, courses do take into account relevant workplace
experience and pair this with other qualifications to assess
eligibility."
Although the CBI predicts job creation in all UK regions, the low
level of skills is seen as the greatest workforce threat to UK
competitiveness. So what are your views on this issue? Do you
agree? Let us know by emailing us to:-
news24@southportreporter.com.
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