site.bta Over 70% of Small-, Mid-Sized Businesses Complain of Labour Shortages

Over 70% of Small-, Mid-Sized Businesses Complain of Labour Shortages

Sofia, November 9 (BTA) - Staff shortages are among the most serious setbacks faced by small- and mid-sized businesses, according to Marieta Zaharieva, head of the Agency for Promotion of Small and Midsized Businesses. Quoting an agency's survey among 400 businesses she addressed a forum on Wednesday on the fastest developing small and mid-sized businesses.

Seventy-two per cent of polled entrepreneurs complain of staff shortages. Most in demand are mid-level specialists.

Low taxation is key element of government support. Nearly 70 per cent of respondents said that they can rely on assistance from the state when starting a business. Over 55 per cent rally around the opinion that the government promotes entrepreneurship. Twenty-six percent of respondents said that tax breaks and low taxes are essential, while 13 per cent rely on grants and EU projects.

Forty-six per cent of respondents said that they succeed in finding markets for their output, while as many find it hard to sell their products. Forty-three per cent of businessmen expect assistance from the state to help them sell their products, said Zaharieva.