UK SMEs ignored by service providers

17/04/2007  17:32:24

Large service providers are neglecting Britains small-to-medium sized businesses and therefore jeopardising their relationships with larger firms, a study has found.

According to the report conducted and published by the online purchasing service for SMEs, Companeo, 62 per cent of those small businesses questioned claimed that they had been deterred from working with large service providers due to their perceived lack of interest in smaller firms.

Given that recent figures put the number of UK SMEs at over 4 million, with these firms being accountable for in excess of half of all UK turnover, such a situation is damaging the chances of larger firms looking to work within this dynamic and lucrative sector.

Commenting on the findings, Andrew Blackwood, UK country manager for Companeo, stated: "Weve seen a huge number of large organisations acknowledge the value of the business start-up markets and outline new models for servicing it.

"However, the results of the survey show that the reality of the situation falls far short of the promises made."

In addition, Mr Blackwood argued that it was down to the larger firms to make business start-ups feel valued and work towards meeting their needs to ensure effective and profitable relationships.

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