Charlie Mullins OBE

Entrepreneurs are the saviours of our economy

As an entrepreneur with decades of experience under my belt, I've seen my fair share of economic ups and downs. I’ve traded through several recessions and a pandemic, and now we’re slap bang in the middle of another perfect storm that continues to threaten to blow the roof off the economy.

Saviours

With high energy costs still not going away, fuelling high inflation that’s sparked a cost of living crisis, it can be easy to feel a bit overwhelmed and disheartened. However, after recently attending and speaking at the SME XPO in London, I was reminded of something important - entrepreneurs and SMEs are the saviours of economies in trouble.

Now, I know that might sound a bit over the top, but hear me out. When the chips are down, it's often small businesses that are the first to feel the squeeze. They don't have the same resources and safety nets as larger corporations, and as such, they can be more vulnerable to economic downturns. However, they're also uniquely positioned to weather the storm and help lead the charge towards recovery.

More agile than their larger counterparts

Why? Well, for one thing, small businesses are often more agile than their larger counterparts. They're able to adapt and pivot quickly in response to changing market conditions. If one revenue stream dries up, they can quickly identify and pursue another.

They're also able to make decisions more quickly, without having to navigate the bureaucracy and red tape that larger organisations often have to contend with – although the war against red tape for small firms is far from over!

Additionally, small businesses are often more deeply embedded in their communities than larger companies. They know their customers and their needs intimately, and they're able to respond to those needs in a way that larger organisations simply can't. They're also more likely to hire locally, which can have a positive ripple effect on the surrounding economy.

Risk-takers

But perhaps most importantly, entrepreneurs and small business owners are risk-takers by nature. They're willing to put their own money, time, and energy on the line in pursuit of their vision.

And while that can be a scary prospect, it's also what makes them uniquely positioned to drive economic growth and recovery. They're willing to take chances on new ideas and new ventures, even in uncertain times.

Of course, none of this is to say that small businesses and entrepreneurs are immune to the challenges of a struggling economy. They're certainly feeling the pinch, just like everyone else. But what I saw at the SME XPO was a room full of people who were undeterred by the challenges ahead. They were brainstorming new ideas, sharing their experiences, and rallying around each other to find solutions.

That kind of resilience and determination is what gives me hope for the future. While the challenges we face may be daunting, I believe that entrepreneurs and small businesses are uniquely positioned to help lead the way towards a brighter future.

Positive, but realistic

By continuing to take risks, innovate, and support each other, we can help drive economic growth and create a better future for ourselves and our communities.

I’ve always been positive, but realistic about business. I believe it’s part of what makes a good entrepreneur.

The challenges we face should be seen as obstacles to overcome, not mountains that can’t be scaled. The current economic issues are just the latest in a series of such challenges and I’m sure that it’ll be the country’s entrepreneurs that lead the charge that drags this country back to prosperity.

ENDS