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Disappointing GDP growth figures show the need to support small businesses to flourish

Disappointing GDP growth figures show the need to support small businesses to flourish
Dan Martin
Dan MartinDan Martin Content & Events

Posted: Fri 15th Nov 2024

The UK economy grew by a lower than expected 0.1% between July and September, official figures show.

Economists had predicted growth of 0.2%, but the figure was a sharp fall on the 0.5% rise recorded in the second quarter of the year. In September, growth actually declined.

The fall, during the first three months of the new Labour government, was blamed on business uncertainty and concerns ahead of the Autumn Budget which took place in October.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves said she was "not satisfied" with the figures.

Commenting on the news, Emma Jones, founder of Enterprise Nation, said:

"The disappointing GDP figures suggest it's time to reflect on what it takes for entrepreneurs, start-ups and small businesses to flourish.

" Entrepreneurs are diverse and resilient by nature but they have been faced with a tough set of challenges leading up to and following the Budget. They are going to need help to rethink their strategy to cope with an increased tax burden in order to boost growth.

"This is an opportunity to prioritise business support to help businesses build resilient supply chains, and innovate and access new revenue streams in order to create the conditions to ensure the UK remains a great place to start and grow a business."

Dan Martin
Dan MartinDan Martin Content & Events
I'm a freelance content creator and event host who helps small businesses and the organisations that support them. I'm also Enterprise Nation's Local Leader for Bristol. I have 20 years of experience as a small business journalist having interviewed hundreds of entrepreneurs from famous names like Sir Richard Branson and Deborah Meaden to the founders behind brand new start-ups. I've worked for a range of leading small business publications and support groups, most recently as head of content at Enterprise Nation where I was responsible for the prolific output of content on the company's blog and social media. I now freelance for Enterprise Nation as the website's news reporter and as the host of the Small Business sessions podcast. I'm based in Bristol where I run and host regular events with the local small business community in my role as Enterprise Nation's Local Leader for Bristol. I also have strong connections with other major business organisations in the south west region. In total, I've hosted over 100 events including conferences with an audience of hundreds for international brands like Xero and Facebook and live web chats from inside 10 Downing Street. With my partner, I co-run Lifestyle District, a lifestyle blog focused on culture, art, theatre and photography.

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