Small Business Week

This year, over 7,200 small businesses have helped set the agenda for Small Business Week by contributing to the 2009 Business Pulse, the UK's largest survey of small businesses this year.

It was commissioned by BT Business, NatWest, British Chambers of Commerce, Business Link, ACCA, Growing Business, everywoman and supported by The Design Council and The Prince's Trust.

The 2009 Business Pulse has measured the current health, drivers and inhibitors to successful business in the UK to understand the full impact of the recession on smaller enterprises and the resources and support structures needed to support this vital community on its road to recovery.

The survey reveals who is hardest hit by the recession, the extent to which businesses have adapted their operations in the face of new challenges and measures business confidence. It has given businesses and their people the chance to think about and say how much of an impact the recession is having on them, how well they are equipped to succeed at this time and how optimistic they are about getting through the downturn.

It gives business experts from a range of government, business support and independent organisations the chance to listen to the voice of small businesses in the UK and take action to support this vital community.