Welcome to the third Old Mill online survey. Our aim is to use the information collected to help us understand the major issues that our clients are facing, and by summarising the results and comments pass back this information to business so that you can see how if the issues you are facing match those of others. This survey will be repeated four times during the year.

Free prize draw – win a case of wine

As an incentive to spend a few moments completing the questionnaire, all of those who take part and leave their name and address will be entered into a prize draw to win a case of wine. Those who wish to complete the form and remain anonymous are still very welcome to take part.

How has your business performed over the past six months?

1. Excellent
2. Good
3. Okay
4. Poor
5. Bad

How would you assess prospects for profitable performance for your business over the next six months?

1. Excellent
2. Good
3. Okay
4. Poor
5. Bad

There is talk of a slowing down of economic growth and possible recession. If there is a downturn how would you expect it to affect your business?

1. negligible
2. slightly negative
3. significant negative
4. disastrous effect

Which strategies would you be most likely to follow in a recession? Identify all that apply

1. Invest more on the principle that it is best to invest when the market is down
2. Lay off staff
3. Look to exit
4. Look to retrench
5. Carry on as before, but accept a lower margin

Banks seem to have become a different animal these days with a focus on sales targets

1. Do you trust advice from banks as much as you did in the past
   1. Yes
   2. No
2. Are you more likely to change banks than in the past
   1. Yes
   2. No
3. Do you believe offers in Bank 'Sales' are genuine bargains
   1. Yes
   2. No
4. Would you trust your accountant's advice over your bankers
   1. Yes
   2. No

The Government has made a number of changes to the Capital Gains Tax regime over the winter

1. Do you understand the current regulations
   1. Yes
   2. No
2. Do you think the new Entrepreneurs' Relief is a fudge
   1. Yes
   2. No
3. Do you think the new system is fair to small businessmen
   1. Yes
   2. No

With global pressure on food and oil prices and inflation in China there seems to be a real probability that inflation is going to be difficult for the Bank of England to control in the UK. Do you think the Bank of England tactic of holding down interest rates to slow the economy and thus reduce inflation will still be relevant in the face of global inflation?

1. Yes
2. No

At what rate of inflation would you be concerned that your business is likely to seriously suffer?

1. 3%
2. 4%
3. 5%
4. 7%
5. 9%

The past 12 months have seen a succession of changes to the tax regime. Do you feel Old Mill is keeping you up to date with the changes and their implications?

1. Yes, Old Mill keeps me fully up to date
2. Although they keep me informed, I sometimes feel I could do with more information
3. I do not feel Old Mill is keeping me informed on the tax changes

If you would like to be entered into our FREE PRIZE DRAW please complete the following: