Global uncertainty leaves SMEs 'paralysed by fear'

SMALL and medium-sized enterprises are “paralysed by fear” due to geopolitical uncertainty and a lack of clear economic policy, research claims.

- By Jon Robinson

Many SMEs are holding back on investment despite “sitting on significant piles of cash”, according to the findings by accounting and advisory group Azets.

In the firm’s spring survey, such firms cited economic uncertainty, geopolitical instability and trade tariffs as their top concerns for the next 12 months.

When asked about overall risks to their business, a volatile tax landscape and lack of long-term financial predictability were among the top three worries, topped by higher labour costs.