Businesses in Coventry & Warwickshire believe that the current credit crunch and time management are two of the major challenges facing them today, according to an opinion poll run by chartered accountants and business advisers, Burgis & Bullock.

Pictured at one of the firm’s Budget Seminars in Rugby, Warwickshire are (left to right): John Payne, Business Tax Partner, Deborah Allan, Tax Manager, John Hulse, Personal Tax Partner at Burgis & Bullock, Chartered Accountants & Business Advisers and Malcolm Smith, Head of Financial Planning, Burgis & Bullock Financial Services Ltd.

The findings were revealed at the company’s Budget Seminars held in Leamington Spa, Rugby and Nuneaton in March 2008.

The poll also showed an expected decline in corporate deals after 6th April 2008 as purchasers may not be able to raise the necessary capital.  Companies are less inclined to spend money on training and investment, which could have a negative effect on continued growth and staff development.

Despite these revelations, many companies continue to believe that the internet and e-commerce investment is improving communications with their customers, providing more direct access to product information via their websites.  It has also helped to increase the buying and selling process.

The poll also revealed that Warwickshire businesses are making a concerted effort to reduce their personal and business carbon footprint.  Measures being taken include continued effort to make business premises more energy efficient; recycling paper and other waste products; stricter control over office heating; a move to lower emissions vehicles and a sharp increase in the number of people working from home.

The Budget Seminars were attended by more than 200 business people from Coventry and Warwickshire to hear how the Chancellor, Alistair Darling’s 1st budget would affect them and their businesses.