More than four in ten small and micro businesses have experienced digital crime, according to a survey by the Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT).
The survey of 1,000 business owners with less than 49 employees reveals that 42% have suffered online security issues.
Important figures:
- 23% have had business computers infected by viruses
- 22% have had personal or sensitive information stolen
- 12% have suffered from card fraud
A third of small and medium-sized business owners are operating without a business plan, according to research by Close Brothers Asset Finance.
The survey found that 29% of SMEs do not have a business plan, with 43% of these claiming that they don't believe they need one.
Furthermore, a fifth say they prefer to memorise their business plan rather than writing it down, while 15% say that having a plan isn't a top priority.
Brian Dhenin, Managing Director of the Broker Division at Close Brothers Asset Finance, said:
The process of auto-enrolment continues to rumble on quietly with the majority of companies passing their staging dates without major incident. However, for the few that fail to comply with their workplace obligations, the consequences can be costly in time and resources.
