Majority of SMEs confused about the Levelling Up agenda

As the government prepares to release its levelling up white paper later this month, new research from fintech company Nucleus Commercial Finance has found that more than half (52%) of SMEs are confused about the plans.

The survey of 500 medium to small-sized businesses was commissioned to examine SME opinion of the levelling up agenda, and find out more about the impact of regional inequalities on their operations.

According to the findings, SME leaders are largely pessimistic about whether the government is turning stated plans into action. Of those surveyed, only a third (30%) believe that the government will deliver on its levelling up agenda.

No clarity on North-South disparity

Whilst regularly using the term ‘levelling up’ in press conferences and political campaigns, Boris Johnson has been criticised for not clearly defining what the policy means for the UK and its business population.

Earlier this year, the government added to SME confusion by scrapping the proposed Eastern Leg of HS2. The project had been heavily publicised as an example of the government’s ‘levelling up’ agenda, as an investment in important infrastructure for the Midlands and North of England.

Despite these concerns, it has been promised that the levelling up white paper, due out later this year, will provide an actionable timeline for making the plan a reality.

The explanation is desperately needed by small business owners, particularly in light of the economic disruption caused by coronavirus.

Nucleus’ research reveals that 50% of SMEs don’t know what levelling up the country means for their business, leaving them in the dark on how they will be supported through the post-Covid economic recovery.

How are regional inequalities affecting SMEs?

Small businesses currently make up over 99% of the UK business population. Their success is ultimately essential to ensure an economic recovery from Covid-19.

But, according to the report by Nucleus, some 55% of SME respondents said they believe regional inequalities are affecting their ability to hire highly skilled workers.

Regional inequalities were also found to be having a profound effect on SME finances.

Some 47% of respondents said that regional differences are impacting the financial health of their business, while 42% say they are affecting their ability to get a loan from a bank.