What are the growth prospects like for brokers active in the SME Commercial, D&O, Public Liability insurance sectors? It’s been a very tough 2023 for many small retailers and those in the UK hospitality business too. Although wholesale energy costs are now back to pre-Ukraine conflict levels, (see Ofgem graph data here) but there is no sign of energy suppliers lowering prices, in fact they are putting them up. The recent heavy rainfall and localised flooding doesn’t help matters either.
Unsurprisingly then, according to a new survey, 84.2% of SMEs list rising costs as their top business concern. For insurers serving the UK SME sector the keywords have to be growth and investment. If you can find a business that is implementing a strategy this year, rather than simply making cutbacks, then they need digital insurance that offers flexibility, some dashboard control by the client and overall good value. Offer that package and you’ll be in business.
Here’s the word.
Peninsula Group conducted a survey of 79,000 SME’s across 5 countries – Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, and the UK – to see what the top priorities and concerns were for employers in 2024.
The global survey revealed:
- Growth is the main business goal for 44.7% of SME’s; a significant drop from 58.7% this time last year, reflecting the tough economic environment faced by businesses around the world. Australia and New Zealand appear hardest hit, with 22.4% and 26.6% respectively listing survival as their main goal for the year.
- It’s more positive news for the UK and Ireland, however, with just 18.8% in both countries listing survival as their top goal, compared to 38.4% and 34.7% respectively a year ago.
- Rising costs are the top concern for 84.2% of all businesses, while staffing continues to be a big issue. Labour shortages came in second highest at 45.6% with retention in third place at 41.5%.
- The cost-of-living crisis and staffing shortages are having a significant impact, with 56.3% of employers offering financial remuneration to help retention. Canada ranked highest here, at 64.9%.
- Those who are unable to give financial incentives are turning to reward and recognition to aid retention; this saw a huge 131% increase YoY. While mental health support was highly valued in all countries last year, this year it’s only in the UK where mental health is the second highest retention aid, with 48.7% of employers continuing to offer it – an increase of 8% from last year.
- Employers are also getting creative as they look to offset the ongoing skills shortage with 46.5% investing in upskilling and training their existing staff. Apprenticeships are also on the rise, with a 36% increase globally. Canadian employers especially are turning to apprentices with a massive 217% increase YoY. 25.7% of employers list recruitment as their biggest challenge staffing wise, with pay increase requests coming in second at 22%.
- In terms of working patterns, despite all the headlines surrounding a 4-day work week it’s clear that this is not a reality for many businesses. Only 2.2% of SMEs globally have moved to a 4-day working week, with a further 0.6% having trialled it and found it did not work for them. Instead, 50% of all employers say that their employees are all in the workplace full-time, 14.7% have flexible working hours, and 10.1% have made hybrid working a permanent policy.
Peninsula Group Chief Operations Officer Alan Price says “Despite the tough economic climate, there is an air of optimism amongst small business owners as we move into 2024. Compared to this time last year, while recession remains a top concern, it’s been overtaken by rising costs – unsurprising given the ongoing cost-of-living crisis, conflicts in the Middle East and Ukraine, and soaring interest rates.”
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