London Small‑Biz Growth? Harder Than a Pageant Catwalk!
It turns out that 84 % of London‑based small‑business owners feel like they’re stuck behind a wall of barriers. That’s a jump from 77 % last year – so the drama is still on.
What’s Holding Them Back?
- Market Uncertainty (43 %): The market feels like a wild roller‑coaster that no one can predict. Source? The USA’s trade‑tariff tantrums and slow UK GDP. The result? 43 % say it keeps them from scaling.
- Rising Fixed Costs (23 %): The cost‑of‑living crisis is no joke – 23 % can’t grow because rent, utilities, and salaries are climbing faster than a plant in full sun.
- Brexit’s Lingering Bite (22 %): A decade after the referendum, 1 in 5 still feel the after‑taste trying to get their business logic right.
- Red Tape (23 %): Bureaucracy is still a real headache. 23 % say the paperwork slows them down more than a snoring butler.
- Financing Fears (19 %): From high‑street bank fees to unpredictable cash flow, 19 % say money‑issues grow their headaches.
Why Finance is the Big Deal
Finally, 75 % of London small‑biz owners admit they need a loan or fund to pump life into their growth projects. If they can’t get that, 75 % will put at least one plan on hold – a scary fact, because only 42 % of the national average feel the same.
Jo Morris on the Matter
“Small businesses are the heartbeats of the UK economy, yet their voices are drowning in the noise of trade deals and tariffs. We’re seeing this 84 % barrier trend rise day by day.”
“Once a decade after Brexit, a staggering one in five still wrestles with its fallout. And the looming US tariff threat adds a layer of uncertainty that’s tough to plan for.”
“We’re committed to helping these entrepreneurs chart a path forward, but the economic climate still feels like a nitty‑gritty obstacle course.”
Bottom Line
If you’re a London small‑biz owner, you’re not alone. The odds are stacked against you, yet with a touch of grit, humor, and solid financial backing, you can still find a way to break through those barriers.
