LONDON, March 5, 2014 /PRNewswire/ --

*Exporting will play a significant part in UK business expansion*

*Red tape hampering growth plans*

*Customer base, financial expansion, quality improvement & implementing sustainable practices - growth areas*

*Dame Helen Alexander invites UK's organisations & individuals to enter National Business Awards*

*Visit  http://www.nationalbusinessawards.co.uk*

Over half of UK businesses say that they are "quite confident" or "very confident" about growth for the year ahead when compared to 2013 - according to a study from The National Business Awards. The Business Without Barriers report published today surveyed over 500 business decision makers in the UK and found that 75% of businesses have seen growth in the last 3 years, with over a third saying they are offering new products and services.

     (Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20140205/673666-a )

     (Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20140205/673666-b )

Businesses report the biggest growth areas in the last three years as customer base and loyalty, overall financial growth and development in quality of service, as well as 15% also reporting sustainable practices as an area where their business is currently growing. In contrast, only 4% have seen development in talent or recruitment in the last three years and one in eight stated talent attraction, retention and development as standing in the way of growth. 5% have invested in service/ production channels, showing that few organisations are increasing the number of stores or expanding into new markets.

The industries that have experienced the biggest growth has been finance, IT and telecommunications, as well as travel sectors, alongside medium sized businesses (251-500 employees) who have enjoyed the most success in the area of growth. Regionally it's no surprise that London has seen the most growth. However, businesses in the Midlands and South West have also seen encouraging signs in the last three years. However, growth has not been as steady for very small businesses (2-9 employees) and more established businesses (30 years old or more).

Other major factors to support business growth were seen as adapting and updating existing business plans and upgrading IT infrastructure, while almost one in five have invested in marketing and PR and increased their social media presence. Only one in 10 have invested in customer research and less than one in five admit they haven't put any plans in place to support and encourage business growth.

Despite general optimism, 70% say their growth is hampered by a variety of factors. Too much business red tape is seen as the biggest barrier (23%) and this is a particular problem for very small and very big businesses. More than a fifth cite a lack of investment as problematic to their growth plans.

Dame Helen Alexander, National Business Awards Chair of Judges, former Chief Executive of The Economist and first female president of the CBI, said: "During the recession I think we've seen some fantastic examples of organisations that have thrived and continued to grow, despite the tough economic backdrop. I think businesses have learnt from this and the years ahead will bring exciting and innovative strategies for many UK businesses. This report establishes that the key to business growth lies not in linear, regimented business plans, but in the ability to adapt to fast and ever-changing demands."

When it comes to growing internationally, 40% of businesses say they currently export outside of the UK, with almost double of all businesses (79%) highlighting that they think it will be a major growth factor for UK businesses in the coming years. The sectors highlighting this as key to their current business model include sales, media & marketing, IT and telecommunications, manufacturing and obviously travel businesses.

Martha Lane Fox, Entrepreneur and National Business Awards Advisory Board member, commented: "Growth seems to be returning tentatively to the UK and it is wonderful to see the tech sector leading the way. There is undoubtedly room for more UK small businesses to gain the digital skills to grow faster but this work shows that confidence is increasing all the time."

Overall UK businesses see traditional European Union markets such as Germany and France as the key trade regions, followed by China and India, with fellow BRIC countries Russia and Brazil also seen as important trade partners. Eastern Europe and the Middle East were seen as slightly less attractive options, while only 4% identified the new emerging MINT markets of Mexico, Indonesia, Nigeria and Turkey as key target areas.

The study comes as the 2014 National Business Awards opens for entries to organisations of all sizes from all sectors across the UK. Recognising enterprise excellence, innovation and ethics, the thirteenth annual National Business Awards will celebrate a range of achievements through accolades including the Inflexion International Growth Business of the Year, the ICAEW Sustainable Business Award, the Smith & Williamson Entrepreneur of the Year and the QBE FTSE 100 Business of the Year.

Alex Evans, Programme Director of the National Business Awards, said: "The organisations that win National Business Awards overcome barriers by considering the bigger picture, looking outside their organisations and industries for best practices that they can adapt to become market leaders. They also understand the value of talent and how to enable their people to deliver beyond expectation.

"As we launch the 2014 National Business Awards to find Britain's leading organisations and individuals, it will be fascinating to see the innovative ways they are approaching growth in a global landscape."

Organisations from all regions and sectors across the UK are invited to enter, from SMEs and social enterprises to FTSE 100s. The National Business have distinguished themselves by the quality of businesses taking part and the robust judging process, which is led by Dame Helen Alexander as Chair of Judges, nearly 100 multi-disciplinary CEOs and senior directors participate as judges, bringing their expertise and insight to the three-tier judging process.

To enter the National Business Awards visit http://www.nationalbusinessawards.co.uk

To see the full Business Without Barriers here

The deadline for entries is 23 May 2014.

The National Business Awards ceremony takes place 11 November 2014 at The Grosvenor Hotel, Park Lane, London.

About the National Business Awards
Open to organisations of all sizes from all sectors across the UK, the National Business Awards is the UK's most prestigious independent business recognition platform with its particular emphasis on excellence, innovation and ethical business. Now in its 13^th year, the National Business Awards connects the nations' professionals through its annual awards ceremony; year-round thought leadership and round table events; and is UBM plc's flagship awards programme. Visit http://www.nationalbusinessawards.co.uk for further information or follow us on Twitter @businessawards.

Categories includes -

The Daily Telegraph Award for a Decade of Excellence in Business

The Duke of York New Entrepreneur of the Year

The BlackBerry Business Enabler of the Year

The Smith & Williamson Entrepreneur of the Year

The Inflexion International Growth Business of the Year

The QBE FTSE 100 Business of the Year

The Digital Business of the Year

The New Business of the Year

The Customer Focus Award

The ICAEW Sustainable Business Award

The Social Enterprise of the Year

The Corporate Citizenship Award

The Innovation Award

The Growth Business of the Year

The Employer of the Year

The Santander Small to Medium-Sized Business of the Year

The Ashridge Business School Leader of the Year

About UBM Live

The National Business Awards is organised by UBM Information Limited. UBM Live connects people and creates opportunities for companies across five continents to develop new business, meet customers, launch new products, promote their brands and expand their markets. Through premier brands such as MD&M, CPhI, IFSEC, TFM&A, Cruise Shipping Miami, the Concrete Show and many others, UBM Live exhibitions, conferences, awards programs, publications, websites and training and certification programs are an integral part of the marketing plans of companies across more than 20 industry sectors.

For further information or interview opportunities contact:
Rachel Branigan
Head of Communications
Tel: +44-(0)207-955-3843
Email: Rachel.branigan@ubm.com

SOURCE National Business Awards, London