Monahans study show 40% of SMEs expect to grow in 2014

Research conducted by Monahans in conjunction with the MHA, the UK association of accountancy and business advisory firms, predicts that 40% of SMEs expect their business to grow over the coming year.

The study, titled Funding and Finance, focused on SMEs' experiences of funding and raising finance in 2013 and their expectations for 2014. The sample comprised over 225 SMEs from a diversity of industry sectors.

The Funding and Finance study enables Monahans to help finance providers shape their funding offerings to SMEs. Key findings included:

• 40% of respondents expect growth of over 10% in 2014

• 58% of respondents found fundraising "very easy", "easy" or "average"

• Over a third of funding in 2013 was for investment in property and plant

• 30% of respondents sought advice from their accountants and 29% from their bank

• Banks and asset-based lending accounted for over half of funding granted in 2013

Respondents were asked about a variety of business topics such as research and development, employment and exports. Finance-based questions exploring sustainability, future concerns, banking and pricing were also included.

Ian Lloyd, Relationship Partner at Monahans, says, "There are exciting times ahead for SMEs that are financially strong enough to exploit growth opportunities. This is a great opportunity for the government and the finance industry to support businesses with clear information about available schemes".

Monahans is one of the largest independent chartered accountancy groups in the west of England. The firm, which also incorporates Monahans Financial Services and Monahans Accountancy Services, provides a full range of accountancy, tax, investment and insurance services to businesses and private individuals.

Monahans has offices in Bath, Chippenham, Glastonbury, Swindon and Trowbridge.