This document summarizes a research report from Hanrick Curran about small to medium enterprises (SMEs). It finds that while most SMEs can produce accurate financial information, few know how their key performance indicators compare to industry benchmarks. It also reports that over half of SMEs believe staff are motivated, but only a quarter have strategies to attract, retain, and motivate employees. The document recommends SMEs focus on business planning, protecting assets, and reducing stress and improving work-life balance for owners.

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SME Insights
Small to Medium Enterprises
Research Report
Angela Winton & Stephen Brake

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About us
 Established in 1984
 Over 120 staff
 Multi-disciplined
www.hanrickcurran.com.au

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About us

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SME Research Report

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Executive
Summary

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Business Sale

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Emerging trends

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1
De-risking
the Business

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Emerging trends

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Emerging trends

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Emerging trends
60% of SMEs can produce accurate
financial information on their sales,
costs and profit margins.
However, only 22% of SMEs knew
how their business’s key performance
indicators compared to industry
benchmarks.
2
Improving
Efficiency

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Emerging trends
55% of SMEs believe their staff are
motivated to grow their business.
However, only 26% of SMEs have
strategies in place to attract, retain
and motivate staff.
3
Working
Smarter

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Emerging trends
1. Business Planning
a) Only I in 5 respondents have a documented business
Plan
b) One third of respondents were focussed on improving
business value
c) 73% of owners wanted to benchmark their business
d) 87% of owners felt immediate growth planning was
important
2. Protecting the Business and Family Assets
a) 53% of owners had no understanding of Estate
Planning
b) Asset Protection is up from #5 in last year’s survey
c) De-Risking the business is a strong emerging trend
3. Stress and Lifestyle
a) Only 27% of Business Owners believed their business
could operate without them
b) Less than half of the respondents (owners) stated
that they spend enough time with their family.

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Popular Advisory Solutions

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The Better Business Program

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=23sH6toTs5Y

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Sessions for Success

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1. Don’t know what we need or what’s available
2. Don’t know where to find expert help
3. Concern about the cost
Barriers to getting started

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10 question
Business Improvement
Survey
How to get started

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Grant Funding to support
business growth

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Thank you
Angela Winton
Director
angela.winton@hanrickcurran.com.au
Stephen Brake
Partner
Stephen.brake@hanrickcurran.com.au

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This document contains information in summary form and discusses proposed but not legislated
rules and is therefore intended for general guidance only.
It is not intended to be a substitute for detailed research or the exercise of professional judgement.
It does not purport to be comprehensive or to render professional advice. The reader should not act
on the basis of any matter contained in this publication without first obtaining specific professional
advice.
We believe that the statements made by us in this document are accurate but no warranty of
accuracy or reliability is given. Our conclusions are based on interpretations of accounting
standards and other relevant professional pronouncements and legislation current as at the date of
this document. Should the interpretations, accounting standards, other relevant professional
pronouncements or legislation change, our conclusions may not be valid.
© Hanrick Curran, 2018
All rights reserved
Disclaimer