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Have your say to ensure that the views of small business are represented effectively. We carry out regular online and email surveys and also provide links to key external projects which you can take part in. Click on the links below to take part in live surveys or view the results of previous surveys.
 Utilities survey
January 2009
Incorrect bills, energy prices not reducing in line with wholesale costs and the lack of a regulator for small businesses have been highlighted recently as issues facing members of the Forum of Private Business at a time when rising costs cannot easily be afforded.
This short survey looks at these issues and asked small business owners about their experiences with utilities companies.
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 Financial advice survey
October 2008
In the current economic climate, financial advice has become more important than ever to businesses. For this reason, the FPB and Graydon UK investigated the usage and quality of financial advice available to SMEs in the UK.
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 Late payment survey
July 2008
Late payment is becoming a growing problem as the economic climate for small businesses worsens. The EU has proposed some potential solutions to the problem of late payment, such as charging 11% interest on late payments or similar fixed penalties. Are such suggestions viable or is the problem intractable? Have your say now.
This short survey looks at the issue and asks small business owners to rate a series of potential solutions. Our findings will be sent to the press and relevant national and European bodies.
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 Skills survey
June 2008
The FPB is undertaking some important research into the skills needs of small and medium-sized businesses in the UK. The results will support our work in making the Government more aware of the requirements of smaller firms when it comes to recruiting and looking for training courses.
Take part in our survey for your chance to win a case of wine or £100 for your nominated charity!
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 BT investigation
May 2008
We have recently received a number of complaints from members about BT's business services. Has your business had problems with BT? Or perhaps you are happy with the service you receive? Whatever your experience, we want to hear from you.
This survey is now closed.
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 Comprehensive Spending Review survey
July 2007
This is a very important time for research at the FPB. The results of a recent survey looking at priorities for the new Chancellor highlighted three areas for action:
- Reducing the tax burden
- Reducing the administrative burden
- Eliminating unfair competition
These topics will form the basis of our submission, on behalf of the UK's smaller businesses, to the Government's Comprehensive Spending Review.
We want to be sure that we accurately represent your views, so please take a moment to complete this short but important survey, which addresses each of these topics in a bit more detail.
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 The new Chancellor
June 2007
Given the changes taking place 'at the top' in government, this is the ideal opportunity for you to ensure that smaller businesses are at the front of the new Chancellor of the Exchequer's mind when s/he steps into Gordon Brown's shoes. Let us know your views by completing our short survey:
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 Regional public sector bodies
June 2007
England's Regional Development Agencies (RDAs) are business-led organisations and provide links to business support and advice. England's RDAs are keen to obtain feedback from smaller businesses to gauge levels of understanding, awareness and use.
Please let us have your views regarding regional governance and regional public sector bodies by clicking on the link below and taking part in our short survey:
This survey is now closed.
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 Let us know what you think of your accountants!
May 2007
UK200Group and Clydesdale Bank are currently running a survey on small businesses and their accountants.
With the ever increasing financial, regulatory and competitive pressures on smaller businesses, the need for effective advice and support from accountants is greater than ever. The aim of this survey is to identify what value businesses get from their accountants and importantly what your expectations are.
If you have an accountant then this is your opportunity to have your say, click on the link to take part in the survey.
If you choose to provide your contact details when you complete the survey you will also be entered into a prize draw for the chance to win a box of 12 bottles of fine wines to the value of £200.
This survey is now closed.
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 Paying for advice on regulation?
May 2007
Has your firm employed a Health and Safety Consultant, accountant or solicitor recently? Or subscribed to a business advice line? Were you happy with the advice received? The Better Regulation Executive (BRE) at the Cabinet Office is investigating how businesses receive information about regulations, with a particular focus on the use of advice services, such as helplines, consultants and online information.
This is your opportunity to share your experience and ensure that smaller businesses experiences and views are heard.
If you would like to complete this survey, please click on the link below.
This survey is now closed.
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 Welsh election
April 2007
We have published a short survey to canvass your opinion in the run up to the National Assembly for Wales elections in May. Please click on the link below to take part, it will only take a few minutes to complete.
This survey is now closed.
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 Scottish election
April 2007
We have published a short survey to canvass your opinion in the run up to the Scottish Elections in May. Please click on the link below to take part, it will only take a few minutes to complete.
This survey is now closed.
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 Late payment
March 2007
The FPB made a submission to the EU Commission in May 2006 regarding late payment, the results of which are due out in March 2007. This survey is currently out with the late payment panel members in order to gain a quantitative indication of the costs of extending payment against profits.
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 The cost of compliance
February 2007
Which regulations are too complex? Which carry a high compliance cost in terms of your time invested? This survey explores the cost of compliance and the findings will be used directly to inform the DTI Employment Law Simplification Review.
This survey is now closed. Click on the link below to see the results.
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 The skills survey
November 2006
This survey explores, amongst other things, small businesses' experience of school leavers' skills levels, skills provision, the proposed skills training levy and management and leadership.
The Campaigns department is currently drafting a skills paper– watch this space for more updates!
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