Inflation is top concern for SMEs in 2022

Anxieties about rising costs in 2022 are growing for small businesses, as new research finds that 71% of SMEs view inflation as their biggest cause for concern in the new year.

The survey of 500 UK small businesses conducted by fintech group iwoca, alongside online research panel Panelbase, reveals that surging demand for raw materials is putting added financial pressure on small business owners.

Inflation is currently on course to hit 6% over the coming months, despite a government target of 2%.

In light of the dual impact of Brexit and the pandemic disrupting global trade routes in the past year, iwoca’s findings also reveal a quarter of small business owners are concerned about how supply chain issues might affect them.

Rising costs cause for concern

Despite remaining fairly steady for the past 14 years, inflation has ballooned as the pandemic has disrupted almost every aspect of the global economy.

Consequently, small businesses have experienced a barrage of price rises, as  energy and fuel costs spiral, and raw materials become harder to source and import.

In an attempt to tackle the issue, interest rates have been raised to 0.25%. The Bank of England isn’t ruling out further hikes in future monetary policy meetings.

One expense that’s seen a particularly high surge in demand is gas. Earlier this month, government data revealed that 11.7% of SMEs said their production, or their supplier’s production, has already been affected by increased gas prices.

As energy costs soar, iwoca’s results found that 46% of respondents – who are not protected by Ofgem’s domestic consumer price cap – view increased running costs as a main concern for their business in 2022.

Growth plans stalled

As concerns mount over the future of the economy and its effect on their business, four-in-five small business owners say that they do not expect to hire new employees this year.

Only one-in-ten (9%) of SMEs are predicting they will hire over the next 12 months, despite record vacancies across the economy, according to the iwoca report.

How can small businesses minimise the impact of rising costs?

Whilst the rate of inflation stays high, it will continue to have an impact on small business costs.

Additional government support is now available to ease some of this burden for leisure and hospitality firms and their suppliers, including grants of up to £6,000.

But there are other, more self-directed ways that SME leaders can keep ahead of the storm, and stay fully up to date and knowledgeable about company finances.

This includes using accounting software, an automated service that will carry out important daily tasks and help you manage your time more cost-efficiently.

Another option is to speak to a financial expert or consultant, to help you identify areas of your business where you may be able to absorb the added costs. They can also help you to manage debt should you find yourself running into money trouble.

SMEs might not be optimistic about 2022 and the prospect of a rising rate of inflation. But using third-party experts, or the aid of helpful business tools, is the best way to take control of your finances, and minimise its effect.