Helping small businesses survive downturn

Jan 6 2009 by Karen Dent, The Journal

A NEWCASTLE accountant has put together a survival kit to help small business during the downturn.

Stephen Brownlee, who has worked with small and pre-start firms for more than 30 years, is behind the report which offers advice on how businesses can ensure their finances are in a fit state to continue during the current economic crisis.

The free report has been produced to help businesses become financially fitter and combat the difficult trading conditions many are now being forced to deal with.

Mr Brownlee said: “As trading conditions deteriorate two factors will become evident. First, sales and profits will tend to fall and, second, cash-flow will be under pressure, running out of overdraft, can’t get money in from customers, and so on.

“The real problem is that we have had a long period of steady growth in the economy, we have assumed that the way it has been will continue. Now that we are not so sure if we can maintain sales and profits at previous levels, what do we do next?”

Businesses can get the report free from Mr Brownlee on (0191) 276-6792 or at brownleeacca@hotmail.com