Small firms ‘create three times more jobs than big business’ and add to the UK economy
Companies employing fewer than 250 staff added 1.7million jobs, amounting to a 14-per-cent increase, according to a report from Santander Business Banking
WHEN it comes to work, small really can be beautiful.
Tomorrow is Small Business Saturday — when small firms promote the benefits of working for them — and latest figures reveal what a key role they play in the UK economy.
Small and medium-sized firms have created three times more jobs over the past five years than have the bigger players.
Companies employing fewer than 250 staff added 1.7million jobs, amounting to a 14-per-cent increase, according to a report from Santander Business Banking.
Meanwhile, businesses with more than 250 workers added just 650,000 to their payrolls — up only four per cent.
While the larger firms employ 16.47million people, to the smaller enterprises’ 13.96million, if the latter’s growth carries on as at present, by 2030 they will be the country’s leading employers.
But just 35 per cent of people leaving full-time education say they would work for an SME.
In contrast, 49 per cent would rather work for one of the global giants, while 51 per cent prefer the public sector.
SPONSORED: How Switchcraft could save you £100s a year
SWITCHCRAFT is a new automatic switching service that guarantees to find the cheapest gas and electricity tariff for you.
Once you're signed up it continues to search for better deals and automatically moves you onto the cheapest one - and says it could save you £518 a year.
So, how does Switchcraft work?
£5 cashback is paid into your bank account within 4 months of completing the switch. Pre-paid meter customers will receive a £5 Amazon voucher. Promotion ends 31/12/18. Open to those aged 18 and over. UK residents only. Click here for full T&Cs.
NewsUK has a brand partnership with Switchcraft.
Small Business Saturday director Michelle Ovens says: “Working for a small business offers a huge sense of responsibility and value because you quickly become an intricate part of the company.
“With 70 per cent of small businesses also offering flexible hours for their teams — whether that’s working shorter hours or days, or working remotely — such firms are very much at the forefront of modern employment trends.
“Small businesses tend, too, to hire from their local communities.”
- To find out more about opportunities on offer in small and medium businesses, go to .
Dan the man for charity
DANNY WITTER quit his job as an investment banker to set up , which helps small firms donate to charity.
He is currently looking to hire a marketing and social media executive.
Danny, 49, from Haslemere, Surrey, said: “Ever heard of a small cog in a big wheel? That doesn’t really exist in a small business like ours. Each member of the team plays a vital part and their contribution is invaluable. Plus, what better way to demonstrate your abilities in the future than by being able to talk about the real difference you have made?
“You also have the family-like intimacy of a close-knit team – who share the same vision of making the world better by doing something which is wholly achievable as a collective.”
Send a cover letter and CV, including your expected salary, to [email protected].
Payspot
UK workers are expected to get one of the biggest pay rises in Europe next year, averaging three per cent.
But inflation means we will see a real gain of only 0.8 per cent – equal to around £20 a month.
Dress to impress new boss
FINDING cash for an interview outfit can be tough when you are out of work.
But the new “Dress to Impress for £10” initiative from careers app Debut sees 650 charity shops offer interview-ready outfits for a tenner.
Debut fashion expert Amber Butchart says: “The UK’s charity shops are brimming with hidden gems that are waiting to go from being pre-loved to re-loved, and this campaign makes it easier to find them.”
Here are Amber’s top tips for successful interview dressing.
- Research the dress policy of the company you are applying for. Stand outside and see what employees are wearing.
- Don’t be afraid to wear colour, but avoid clashing prints unless you are interviewing for the arts or creative industries.
- Smart separates will look better than an ill-fitting or badly made suit.
- Avoid jeans and T-shirts unless the company has a relaxed attitude to dress.
- Make sure your socks match and clothes are crease-free.
- Avoid garments with slogans or over-sized logos.
- A dark blazer or jacket will smarten up any outfit.
- You can find out more at .
Memory shtick
PUT your memory to the test to discover which type of career is best for you.
The new Memory Matrix tool from the Oxford Open Learning Trust is an online quiz which rates your memory style and suggests potential jobs.
Dr Nick Smith, founder of the Oxford Open Learning Trust, says: “People are happier when doing something that they are good at, and our Memory Matrix tool focuses on matching the strengths of memory types with different professions.”
Take the test at
Jobspot
THE Card Factory has over 60 jobs, including store managers and shop fitters, at cardfactory.
MOST READ IN MONEY
Be a whizz in Oz SL
WANNABE entrepreneurs are urged to go Down Under for a sunny new start.
The Government of South Australia offers an Entrepreneur Visa for Brits with the “best and brightest” new businesses to move to the state.
James Mraz, the state’s Deputy Agent General, said: “We have a relaxed yet prosperous lifestyle. The ease of travel, low population density, safety and endless cultural and leisure activities make for an ideal place to live and work – and we are excited to offer aspiring businessmen and women access to everything South Australia has to offer.”
Apply now at .
Jobspot
SAINSBURY’S is recruiting delivery drivers and cyclists across the UK.
Search at