The use of external assistance by mature SMEs in the UK: some policy implications

This paper is concerned with the use of external assistance by small and medium-sized enterprises and with the role of the public and private sectors in small business support. The paper focuses on ‘mature’ firms rather than new firms and the results from an empirical study of firms drawn from three different areas in the UK are used as a basis for assessing the adequacy of existing support for this type of firm. The survey covered the use of external assistance from a range of sources including banks, accountants and consultants as well as public sector agencies. The final part of the paper considers the priorities for improving the effectiveness of support for established SMEs with the aim of mobilizing more of the growth potential of the sector. These include the identification of particular target groups, recognition of the value of sector-based support and improvements in the delivery of consultancy.