A recent survey by Plantronics of 1,096 owners, managers and IT directors of SMEs has revealed that 43% of all small businesses expect to reduce staffing levels over the next six months. Tthe sectors where cuts will be highest are retail, construction, manufacturing and catering - with over half of small businesses in these areas expecting to see staffing levels reduce significantly.

However, while almost two thirds (67%) of small-medium sized firms are expecting to see a reduction in financial turnover in the next six months, 21% indicate that the slowdown is either having no effect on their business or that business is booming. These ‘Super SMEs' have all increased or maintained levels of investment in one of the three key areas; IT infrastructure, staff training and marketing and are confident about the future.

Super SMEs

Despite the gloomy forecast for UK business, the research reveals a new and growing breed of company; the ‘Super SME' businesses still unaffected by the economic slowdown and confident about the future. The study found that these Super SMEs, regardless of their sector, are more likely to be continuing investment in IT infrastructure, staff training and marketing. Super SMEs were also three times more likely to have a plan in place for a worsened economic climate illustrating the power and relevance of a classic business philosophy - hoping for the best but planning for the worst

Increased investment in IT Infrastructure is an area of commonality amongst Super SMEs. Almost half of all successful small firms surveyed had kept up investment in IT, indicating investment in this area had a significant impact on their ability to stay afloat.

Specifically, an area which is paying dividends is workforce mobility. A fifth of small firms that have invested directly in IT - including mobile and hands free technology - said that they were not worried about the current recession affecting their long term survival because of the IT infrastructure they had in place was helping to keep the workforce optimised for success.

Businesses with a mobile-enabled workforce were found to be 60% more likely to forecast an increase in growth during the next 12 months - indicating the vital role flexible working practices and technologies play in successful business.

"During times of economic uncertainty SMEs tend to view investment in IT, staff training and marketing as luxuries instead of necessities," comments Paul Clark, general manager of Plantronics.

"This research shows Super SMEs bucking convention and investing wisely in some or all of these areas are the most confident about the future and better placed to operate in the changing marketplace. Being a Super SME is within the grasp of most businesses, it's never too late. With the right approach to forward planning, investment in the right technology, staff training and marketing, it is possible to survive tough times."

Plantronics has produced a survival guide for SMEs with best practice advice from experts. To download it visit http://www.be-a-super-sme.com/advice