Cash Flow Management Is Biggest Worry

Despite the positive news and recent data suggesting that the economy has turned the corner, almost two thirds of SME owners and senior managers say their personal lives continue to be negatively impacted by the recession.

Thirty percent say that the situation has worsened since last year and according to the Close Brothers Business Barometer, a third are experiencing more stress with 14% saying that they are unable to sleep well.

CEO of Close Brothers Invoice Finance, David Thomson, said: “Despite recent signs of economic growth, our findings suggest that the difficulties of the last few years are really taking their toll for bosses on a personal level.”

Highlighting one of the key reasons for the stress, he added: “More than a third of SME owners confirm that their biggest worry in relation to their business is managing their cash flow, so it’s important that these businesses are aware of the full range of funding options available to them.”

Expert Opinion

This survey provides a clear message that SME owners are worried about managing their cash flow. It is vital that these businesses are aware of the full range of funding options available to them when seeking to manage cash flow or recover cash. <br/> <br/>“SMEs might also want to consider mediation as a cost–effective alternative to resolving payment and cash flow disputes or issues. Indeed as a CEDR accredited mediator, I believe that mediation is cost-effective and a valuable part of the armoury for managing cash flow. <br/> <br/>“Organisations in the construction and civil engineering sector might also want to think about referring cash collection issues to adjudication. We have lost count of how many successful adjudications we have worked on and believe that adjudication remains a useful tool in the armoury for managing cash flow.” <br/>