Firms putting customers first despite recession

Date: 11th February 2009

Britain's small businesses are opting to put customers ahead of profits, despite the dismal economic climate.

An investigation by technology provider Cisco UK found that around 88 per cent of businesses - including sole traders - believed that success was based on going the extra mile with customers, while half of firms had introduced measures to better build relationships.

The research also suggested that new technological platforms were playing a part in better interaction with patrons.

Bernadette Wightman, head of small enterprise at Cisco UK and Ireland, said: "Now, more than ever, UK [small businesses] … are devoting time, money and effort to improving their customer relationships.

"It is important that businesses achieve a happy balance between … traditional values and technology that can help them do business smarter."

Last month, the British Chambers of Commerce claimed that companies needed a reduction in regulatory burden to better do business during the recession.