Following a new survey by the Federation of Small Businesses, which reveals that small firms are more pessimistic than positive about the future for the first time in four years, the Association of Plumbing and Heating Contractors (APHC) is reminding industry members of the many business advantages to be had from belonging to a trade organisation.
The report, which involved surveying 1,035 small firms between July and August this year, revealed the second largest fall in confidence in the Index’s history and was also the first survey undertaken by the Federation of Small Businesses since the Brexit vote. The results mark the third quarter in a row that confidence amongst small businesses has fallen.
Mike Cherry, National Chairman of FSB, commented “The political shock of the Brexit result has taken place at a time of weakening business confidence. Small firms are resilient and will survive the current fragile economic outlook, but to avoid an economic slowdown this data should be a wake-up call for our elected politicians.”
John Thompson, Chief Executive at APHC, commented “Trade organisations such as APHC offer a wide range of benefits which help members of the plumbing and heating industry to run profitable as well as highly professional companies, from discounts on business essentials such as trade insurance and debt collection through to communications on vital industry news and developments, support winning business and lobbying to Government on important industry issues. In these tough times for small businesses, it really does make sense to be part of an established industry body with the experience and resources required for its members to develop their companies and flourish, however bleak the outlook.”
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