Study highlights importance of business image to small businesses

New research from Conqueror, the UK's number one business paper brand, shows that in spite of the rise in digital communications, the majority (90%) of small & medium businesses testify it is the attention to 'little things', such as letterhead and other corporate literature, which make a big difference to their customers.

In fact, the quality of printed materials was ranked as very important to 76% of SMEs compared to 65% who named their company website as an important element of their business image. Moreover, three quarters (76%) of respondents believe that business image has a significant impact on the bottom line.

The survey of 150 SMEs was commissioned to examine the link between business image and profitability, and provides insight into attitudes of the small & medium sized businesses - a growing market for Conqueror, and indeed for many within the retail industry.

Sarah Flower, Conqueror brand manager, comments, "This research is great news for retailers, merchants and dealers who should see this as an opportunity to ultimately maximise sales from SMEs. The research shows they strongly value their business image and, as the purchase of items from corporate identity materials through to desk-top printers is driven by business image, this can only confirm the potential for growth in this area. Our research, together with a dedicated website, will demonstrate Conqueror's business image expertise and has direct sales benefits for all office stationery suppliers."

The dedicated website for SMEs at www.conqueror.com/image will enable company bosses to benchmark their attitudes to business image against other successful small companies.