SMEs to increase headcount in 2017, says research

SME owners are planning to increase their headcount in 2017, new research from Opus Energy has found.

The research found that 15 per cent of SME owners are looking to increase their number of staff by up to 10 per cent this year, whilst 10 per cent are planning to increase their headcount by up to a fifth.

Growth

The research identified how businesses are planning to achieve growth this year, with 38 per cent aiming to increase their revenue through new business wins, 47 per cent planning to grow their company with current clients and 12 per cent looking to grow through product development.

The report highlighted the importance of jobseekers having the right skills, with 20 per cent of SME owners believing that having higher skilled workers would help to provide their business with a boost over the next two years and 15 per cent believing that a shortage of skills prevents their company from achieving growth.

SMEs are also planning to help their staff to improve their skills, with 25 per cent aiming to focus on providing them with better training and 23 per cent planning to improve leadership from the top.

Purpose

Opus Energy Operations Director, Andy Nash, stated: “January is a good time to start looking for a new role as it gives a purpose to the start of the year.”

He said that employers want excellent employees that have commitment to the cause of driving forward business, and crucially workers that are loyal. He added that this is truer in smaller companies because success and growth may be quicker.