Critical challenges for SMEs in the UK chemical distribution industry

The UK chemical distribution industry, despite its significant contribution to the economy and employment generation, remains largely unexplored with no academic research regarding small businesses and their success. This is the first study to investigate the challenges that SMEs operating in the specific industry are facing, arguing that only when a small business is able to cope with, adapt to and overcome these, can it be successful. Utilizing a survey strategy, qualitative data were collected from 118 SMEs, out of the 180 identified, generating a response rate of 65.5%. Regulatory compliance, supplier management, human capital and access to capital are identified as critical. Findings suggest that success is a multidimensional phenomenon where all contributing factors need to be taken into consideration and addressed simultaneously. This paper informs thinking in this field and provides guidelines to various stakeholders to improve strategy formulation and decision-making process in order to support chemical distribution SMEs.

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