Small and medium-sized businesses are calling on Government to give them more support to fend off the challenges brought on by Brexit.
Research carried out Bibby Financial Services in its latest SME Confidence Tracker suggests almost nine out of ten smaller companies feel they should be getting more help to deal with Brexit.
The issues highlighted include cashflow, costs, and general uncertainty.
Managing Director of Bibby Financial Services Mark O'Rourke said SMEs are looking for more tax breaks and lower VAT rates, which "given the recent budget and the increase in services tax could be quite timely".
He added that feedback from firms suggests they also need supports such as additional funding, subsidised staff training and assistance with growing their company.
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Mr O'Rourke said budget time "is a time for making adjustments" but small businesses should be listened to but instead "it should be something that they're listened to all year round ... there should be more consultation with SMEs to ensure Government are listening to them, because they are actually the life-blood of the economy".
Bibby's research indicates a fifth of SMEs see Brexit as biggest challenge they're facing.
Mr O'Rourke said one of the main challenges includes the ability to access cash flow, with a high rate of decline when SMEs seek funding from banks.
"It's incumbent on financiers like ourselves to make SMEs aware that there are alternative options out there to help them with their cash flow."
The Bibby MD added that it's also important to ensure SMEs are well educated so as to be able to maximise their cashflow and how best to use it.
Despite the uncertainty, Bibby's study says 80% of SMEs are planning to invest in their business in the short-term.
"There is a positive sentiment out there in the market place and what SMEs need is help and assistance to get them to where they want to get to, and I think there are options out there," Mr O'Rourke said.
