Decline in exports puts pressure on small firms

HALF of struggling small businesses are having orders cancelled as concern mounts over the dramatic fall in exports and the weak sterling hits firms harder than it was firstanticipated.

Small and medium-size business group ISME said three out of four companies expect profits to plunge in the coming months, while almost half expect to shed jobs.

An ISME survey during the first three months of the year of 600 firms also found two out of three expect revenues to drop in the next 12 months.