Key Issues in Small Business Management: ‘Small Is Beautiful’ Or a Bleak House in the Brexit Backdrop

Abstract

Chapter Contribution

The exploration of small businesses has risen in prominence over the last years in the UK context, particularly given the impact they carry in terms of their contribution to national productivity and overall economic and financial performance. The exit of the UK from the European Union has created new conditions and issues that organisations are called to face. This chapter attempts to draw on pertinent literature to sketch out and map the challenge that Brexit poses for small business owners and managers. This chapter will elicit information primarily through an extensive scan and analysis of the available literature to crystallise the main arguments and frameworks that can help understand and interpret the more nuanced aspects. Ensuing, building on the findings from the literature, there will be an attempt to present a range of potential recommendations to assist small business with their planning to address the issues that might emerge both during the transition phase, but equally in the medium- and long-term future. The topic is of interest to both academics and practitioners as it explores the interplay between two very important and contemporary themes, the specific characteristics of small business and the unfolding exit from the EU, exploring how management and organisations can adapt to tackle this new landscape.

Citation

Sarantinos, V. (2022), "Key Issues in Small Business Management: ‘Small Is Beautiful’ Or a Bleak House in the Brexit Backdrop", Biginas, K., Sindakis, S., Koumproglou, A., Sarantinos, V. and Wyer, P. (Ed.) Small Business Management and Control of the Uncertain External Environment (Advanced Strategies in Entrepreneurship, Education and Ecology), Emerald Publishing Limited, Leeds, pp. 137-150. https://doi.org/10.1108/978-1-83909-624-220211009