Conducted in November 2020 as England’s second lockdown came into effect, the research - in partnership with Kantar - focuses largely on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic but also contains regular 'set' questions, including firms' economic outlook, performance expectations, and investment plans.

The data on the SME Data Hub stretches back to the start of 2016 and allows both graphs and tables to be downloaded and shared on social media by users.

The only requirement the company has placed on the use of the data is it must be credited as the source of the data.

How it works

The data can be manipulated in several ways, including sector, business size and location.

To access the data:

• Select the year/quarter: Each 'wave' was collected at a specific time. Just select from the drop-down (above) the year/quarter you wish to view
• Choose a question set: You can choose different question sets to select data about a specific category or topic
• Filter the data: Use the filters to split the results
• Compare data: If the same question has been asked in other years/quarters, you can use the drop-down underneath each chart to see how results have changed over time

Sectors surveyed:

• Construction
• Engineering
• Manufacturing
• Food and Drink
• Transport & Haulage
• Wholesale and distribution
• Print and Packaging
• Public sector
• Retail
• Recruitment
• Services

Regional breakdown:

• North East England
• North West England
• Yorkshire/Humberside
• East Midlands
• West Midlands
• East Anglia
• Greater London
• South East England
• South West England
• Scotland
• Wales
• Northern Ireland
• Republic of Ireland