There are nearly 300,000 more small business current accounts in credit now than there were at the end of 1995 - does this indicate improved relationships between companies and financial providers?

How major a factor can the Internet become as a source of financial or business advice for SME owners?

With the increase in freelance writers and independent IT consultants, is it time for service providers to focus more on zero businesses?

This report analyses the market for small business finance at a vital period of its development. Small businesses represent a huge potential marketplace for providers of finance and a major source of revenue to the banking community. However, in the wake of the Cruickshank report into Competition in UK Banking, change is afoot. Steps may be taken to open the market up, and it is in this light that the information provided in this report is significant.

This report looks at the number of small businesses in operation and moves on to take a detailed look at some of the issues facing finance providers at present. These specifically include the issue of competition; the level at which small businesses link their personal and business financial affairs; and the degree to which the information/advice needs of both finance providers and small businesses are met. Mintel has conducted primary research among small business owners in order to ascertain many of the prevailing attitudes towards these matters.