The findings, from the annual transport survey carried out by specialist business cash flow provider Bibby Financial Services, bring to life the seriousness of the situation highlighted in a recent report from the Centre for Economics and Business which claimed transport costs in the UK are double those of every other European country.

But fuel costs are not the only concern for construction firms. Nearly a quarter (22 per cent) cite congestion on the UK’s road networks as a key challenge, with other impacts of Britain’s poor transport infrastructure including turning up late for, or even missing, important business meetings (17 per cent), and suffering high levels of staff lateness (10 per cent).

Transport costs
In terms of future transport concerns, many owners and managers are worried about further hikes in fuel prices with almost a quarter (24 per cent) claiming this will remain a problem for years to come. And, although government plans to force motorists to address environmental concerns through toll roads, ‘pay per mile’ schemes and the introduction of more congestion charge zones, it is no surprise that nearly a third (28 per cent) owners and managers feel the introduction of such measures will have a negative effect on their businesses.

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“With constant worries about the everyday business issues, such as maintaining a smooth cash flow, meeting targets and coping with ever increasing amounts of red tape, the importance of a reliable and effective transport infrastructure for the owners and managers of UK small businesses, should not be underestimated.”

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Susie Hughes
The Editor © Hardhatter 2007