SME Data Hub
Each quarter 1,000 UK SME owners across a range of sectors, regions and sizes, are surveyed by specialist independent researcher, Kantar, on Close Brothers’ behalf.
Use the drop-downs to select a year and quarter to look at the data we collected at that time.
Accessing the data
This data is free for you to use. All we ask is that you credit 'Close Brothers Asset Finance' if you do use it.
Select the year/quarter: Each 'wave' was collected at a specific time. Just select from the drop-down (above) the year/quarter you wish to view.
Choose a question set: Below you can also choose different question sets to select data about a specific category or topic.
Filter the data: Use the filters on the right to see the results split by gender, location, turnover, and industry.
Compare data: If the same question has been asked in other years/quarters, you can use the drop-down underneath each chart to see how results have changed over time.
Ageism
88
%
of firms agreed that there are 'real benefits' to employing older workers
Summary
Published August 2019
Despite SMEs overwhelmingly understanding the benefits of employing older workers - with their experience being particularly valued along with their ability to mentor more junior members of the workforce - most felt that the recruitment process discriminated against older workers. This caused half of those polled to admit to already struggling to recruit the talent they need or to foresee problems in the future. The larger the business, the bigger the concern becomes.
