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Research


Impact of Be the Business SME Support

Independent analysis shows Be the Business support boosts SME growth with up to 7% higher employment and 10% higher turnover within three years compared to similar firms.

A new independent analysis performed by SQW shows that businesses supported by Be the Business experienced stronger growth in turnover and employment than comparable firms. Using a rigorous Difference-in-Differences approach with carefully matched comparison groups, the study found that small businesses participating in Be the Business programmes achieved statistically significantly higher turnover and employment growth than they would have without the support.

The impact of Be the Business activities can be summarised in three figures:

  • c. 2,600 SMEs supported through key high- and medium-intensity BtB programmes by the end of 2023

  • which created around 9.5k additional jobs, with a further 5.5k expected over the next three years

  • and generated £515m in additional GVA, with approximately £400m more expected over the next three years

The results are statistically significant and consistent across all programmes, confirming a measurable and lasting impact on SME productivity and growth.

Download the full report to learn more.

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