Mixed views on VAT rise for SMEs ... YouGov

New online research from YouGov's SME Omnibus survey reveals that over half of all SME senior decision makers surveyed (57%) agree the recent VAT rise will make no difference to their business. VAT rose from 17.5% to 20% on January 4th.

London SME decision makers proved to be most confident about the 2.5% rise with 65% believing that it would not make a difference to their business.

However, 41% of those surveyed did believe that the VAT rise would have a negative effect. SME decision makers in the East of England were most pessimistic with 46% saying VAT would have a negative effect on their business.

It was also revealed that regardless of their views on the matter, the majority were ready for the rise with 86% agreeing that they were well-prepared. In contrast, only 10% of SMEs decision makers disagreed that they prepared for the VAT rise.

YouGov�s SME Omnibus surveys 500 senior business decision makers in small to medium business enterprises on a monthly basis.

 Click here for the full table of results

All figures, unless otherwise stated, are from YouGov Plc.  Total sample size was 500 SME senior managers and above. Fieldwork was undertaken 30^th December � 4^th January 2011.  The survey was carried out online. YouGov�s SME Omnibus interviews 500 senior decision makers or above once a month.

via marketinguk.co.uk