Small business costs continue to rise despite fall in inflation

Despite the continued fall in inflation over the past year, small business costs have continued to rise during 2014, with energy costs still the most commonly seen increase, according to the latest research from the national business group, the Forum of Private Business (FPB). The FPB's latest Cost of Doing Business survey, carried out among its members, shows firms are still feeling the squeeze despite signs that the economic recovery continues to gather momentum. The results showed that 63% of businesses have seen an overall increase in their business costs. 70% of businesses reported an increase in energy costs, 65% in transport costs, 76% a rise in marketing costs, and 65% a rise in staff costs. The report also identified that 38% of small business owners admitted to being unable to pass any rising costs onto customers, forcing them to cut their own costs to keep prices static. Just 3% were able to pass on costs in full. Phil Orford, the FPB's chief executive, said: "The major reasons for increases in prices are predominantly down to transport and energy prices rising. The economic outlook continues to improve but costs still remain an issue for our members and a key focus of our lobbying and support services. “This is a timely reminder that despite all the talk of a need for above-inflation wage rises businesses continue to feel the strain of rising costs. With the auto enrolment of staff into pension schemes just around the corner, the affordability of significant wage rises coupled with increased pension contributions will be called into doubt.” While annual inflation has continued to fall from 2.7% to 1.6% the research also found that prices have continued to rise faster for micro, small and medium-sized employers at 4.7%, although this is less than the 6% figure reported by the FPB last year in research into business costs, suggesting things are slowly improving. Some 81% of firms indicated that rising business costs have been detrimental to their business. 73% have had cash flow issues as a result and it has had detrimental effect on 51% of firms when looking to invest. 51% also reported that it has been detrimental to employment levels and 63% felt that it had inhibited their plans for growth. Despite the recent positive news on the economy, rising business costs could continue to restrict the ability of many SMEs to take full advantage of the signs of recovery, with an overwhelming 82% of business owners quizzed expecting prices to continue to increase, and 16% expecting a significant increase.