SME survey: energy and raw material prices as an operating risk
A survey of decision-makers from SMEs shows that many Swiss SMEs are rather anxious about the coming winter.
A considerable proportion of Swiss SMEs have a gloomy outlook for the coming winter, although at the same time there is also a large proportion that is calmly facing the challenges. While the companies are robust in principle, some are struggling with shrinking profits and fear insolvency. This is shown by a representative survey conducted by the Yougov Institute on behalf of the B2B platform operator Visable.
The current economic and geopolitical situation is clouding expectations for the coming winter among a large number of Swiss SMEs. 37 percent of companies rate the risk of restrictions in business activity due to economic difficulties as high or rather high. In contrast, however, there are also hopes that the effects of the Ukraine war will not be so dramatic. 21 percent rate the risk of operating restrictions as somewhat low and 38 percent as low.
The biggest risk is rising energy costs
At 36 percent, rising energy costs pose the greatest risk for companies. Rising prices for raw materials and intermediate products are feared by 30 percent of SME decision-makers. Only slightly less weight is given to supply chain problems (28 percent). And closely followed by inflation is cited as a risk (26 percent). Corona is still a risk factor to be taken seriously. As many as 23 percent of SMEs expect staff absences this winter due to illness and quarantine. Skilled labor shortages and a slump in demand were mentioned by 22 percent of respondents. War sanctions (7 percent) and a lack of digitization (5 percent) are seen as the lowest risks.
Companies are not remaining idle in the face of the current challenges. When asked about the measures planned to get through the winter as well as possible, energy-saving measures are clearly in first place (29 percent). In second place with 18 percent is the hiring of new employees. After all, 15 percent are considering suspending planned investments. And 11 percent mention staff reductions or wage cuts. Short-time work is hardly relevant (7 percent). 22 percent of SMEs stated that profits will fall somewhat in 2022 compared with the previous year.
