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More than 4 million fear they`ll be made redundant Consumers took on more mortgage debt in July Debts called in by parents Teenagers `scared of debt` Rising household costs could pressure people in debt Pensions debt may impact workers` retirement funds Welsh young adults `at highest risk of debt problems` Over 50s can`t afford to enjoy retirement because of debts Budget: tackling the nation`s debt Short-term debt: `no need for price control` The cost of clearing debt Education debt Tackling the national debt Number of mortgage deals on offer exceeds 3,000 Almost 5 million take on debt to pay household bills OECD: household debt more than 120% of disposable income Petrol price falls help people in debt Amount of mortgage debt taken on at lowest level in ten years Northern Ireland sees significant IVA rise Overdraft debt `becoming more expensive`

A third of SMEs worried about financial future

22/07/2008

A new study from Abbey Business Banking has found over a third of small to medium enterprise (SME) owners are concerned about their companies` economic prospects for the next year.

A total of 39 per cent of the SME bosses questioned said they considered future finances to be "somewhat concerning" or "poor" – an increase from last year when 15 per cent had this outlook.

There has also been a rise in clients failing to pay bills, according to the study.

Paula Ickinger, head of Abbey Business Banking, said: "The coming year could prove a testing time for a large number of small business owners with many being squeezed by consumers reluctant to part with their cash and suppliers pushing prices up."

The situation may create financial management worries in the future.

However, 14 per cent of those questioned believed opportunities came from economic uncertainty and those in the home improvement and online retailing industries are benefiting from the credit crunch, Abbey said.

Also this week, GoCompare.com said 49 per cent of consumers were worried about their future finances.

More than 4 million fear they`ll be made redundant 16/12/2010 - According to R3`s quarterly personal debt tracker, more than 4 Consumers took on more mortgage debt in July 26/08/2010 - Consumers took on £2bn more mortgage debt than they repaid Debts called in by parents 26/08/2010 - According to research, `the bank of Mum and Dad` is Teenagers `scared of debt` 19/08/2010 - Nearly two thirds of teenagers are `scared` of debt, according