SME survey examines impact of power crisis

LAST WEEK saw the launch of SME Survey 2008, an in-depth examination of how small to medium enterprises are coping with the many challenges facing them – from power cuts and the prospect of erratic supply for the next half-decade to crime and South Africa’s failing infrastructure. Sponsored by Standard Bank and Fujitsu Siemens Computers, the survey is in its 6th year and measures sentiment, confidence and the factors that contribute to the competitiveness of an SME. Arthur Goldstuck, principal researcher for SME Survey, notes that the economic landscape in South Africa has changed dramatically in just six months. “From a buoyant economic climate and abundant availability of credit, from a relatively reliable and stable power supply and the assurance that the water from the tap is arguably the best in the world, companies today find themselves challenged in ways they had never expected,” he says. “In examining the infrastructure challenges which business must cope with, we are referring to the physical environment in which the SME operates. This includes roads, electricity, traffic lights and congestion, transport costs and more. Results of the survey will be released in August.