Business experts from across Europe have come together
to discuss trends and issues affecting small businesses in
Europe.
As part of its commitment to support the business market and
understand how it can respond to small business needs, digital
imaging leader Epson organised a second Business Council where experts from France,
Germany, Italy, Spain and the UK held a discussion on the issues
that matter most to small businesses and start-ups right now.
Drawing on research, conducted on behalf of Epson, the
discussion focused on topics including customer acquisition and
loyalty, business growth, investment and technology as well as the
ongoing fight for survival as a micro business in difficult
economic times.
Representing the UK Sara Murray, founder of insurance comparison
site confused.com and personal safety site buddi.com, was joined on
the panel by six other business figures and academics.
The research found that British small businesses lag behind
their European counterparts when it comes to
e-commerce - just 59% of them see online selling as a business
opportunity as opposed to 72% of small businesses across Europe.
The survey also made it clear that social media is seen as very
important for small firms with 60% of them active on Twitter, but a
large proportion of small businesses admitted they didn't know
where to start when using social media for marketing purposes.
"The
Epson Business Council is part of a significant
on-going commitment from Epson to support small and micro
businesses in Europe," said Maria Eagling, marketing director of
Epson Europe. "Often staffed by between one and ten people we know
that these businesses are frequently lacking in resources,
networking opportunities and the day-today advice which is so vital
to business owners and managers."
The research and the business council should be a useful
resource as it provides a unique insight into how start-ups and
small businesses in Europe operate, what they value in their
business and how they change to keep on top of changes in
technology in order to keep growing.
"In an economic downturn it is so often the one-man bands that
are the first to go under, so it's vital that networking and advice
forums are set up to help support these types of business," said
journalist and broadcaster Anthony Hilton, who moderated the
business council. "Being able to share real solutions and
experiences from some of the most prominent European business
owners and entrepreneurs will be invaluable and a huge opportunity
in these tough times."
To find out more about the issues and challenges faced by small
businesses across Europe and get insight from top entrepreneurs,
follow @EpsonBizUK for the latest information from the
Business Council. Visit the Epson Business blog for more advice.
