Business costs rise in 2013

Business costs have continued to rise throughout 2013, making it hard for some companies to make ends meet, a poll shows.

The Forum of Private Businesses (FPB) claims that while the cost of doing business has been rising above the level of inflation, just 2% of firms have managed to pass these increased costs on to their customers. The organisation’s Cost of Doing Business survey claims total business costs have increased 3.5% ahead of inflation.

The report says 94% of companies have seen their overall business costs go up in 2013. One of the main reasons for this is rising energy costs with 87% reporting they are paying more for their gas and electricity. 

The poll also reveals 83% are now spending more on transport while 78% have had to increase their marketing budget. And almost seven out of 10 have experienced a rise in the cost of their stock or raw materials.

Small firms struggle to pass increases on

According to the research, small business owners are struggling to recoup any of these extra costs as they do not feel they can increase their prices. Only 2% of companies who took part in the survey said they had been able to pass on the cost increases to their customers.

The FPB’s Head of Policy Alexander Jackman says: “The major reasons for increases in prices are predominantly down to transport and energy prices rising, coupled with the continued weakness of sterling for importers.”

Small businesses and start-ups have been the worst affected by the increases in business costs. While inflation is 2.7%, the costs for SMEs have been rising by 6%.

More than eight out of 10 companies say the cost hikes are damaging their business while almost three out of four say they have been experiencing difficulties when it comes to cash flow.

Out of the SMEs who participated in the research, 63% say the cost increases have hindered their plans for business growth.

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