Women‐owned small and medium enterprises in England: Analysis of factors influencing the growth process
Journal of Small Business and Enterprise Development
ISSN: 1462-6004
Article publication date: 15 May 2009
Abstract
Purpose
This study attempts to understand the nature and activities of growth‐oriented women‐owned businesses in the East of England by highlighting the problems faced by women entrepreneurs during the growth process.
Design/methodology/approach
The approach analysed the main growth factors and their influence on the adoption of different growth strategies. An online questionnaire was designed using Snap survey software™, with results exported to SPSS™ for analysis. Both quantitative and qualitative data were collected via a variety of scaled, open‐ended, rank order, dichotomous, multiple choice and open questions.
Findings
The research indicates that most do not opt to develop growth‐oriented businesses, choosing instead small, non‐scalable, locally focused businesses providing services or operating in low‐tech industries. Women who are growth‐oriented appear to be inhibited due to a lack of access to, and control over such resources as, capital, business premises, information and technology, production inputs, appropriate childcare, qualifications, experience, training facilities and appropriate assistance from business development agencies. Non‐effective accumulation and use of social capital hinders access to appropriate decision‐making circles, and limits the probability of accessing critical management and financing resources, especially through the venture capital industry.
Practical implications
This research has implications for government or other business development agencies seeking to understand the growth patterns and problems of women‐owned enterprises in the East of England.
Originality/value
There are few British studies that have focussed on growth oriented women‐owned businesses. This study contributes to the body of knowledge by attempting to understand the nature and activities of such business, by analysing the main growth factors and their influence on different growth strategies.
Keywords
Citation
Azam Roomi, M., Harrison, P. and Beaumont‐Kerridge, J. (2009), "Women‐owned small and medium enterprises in England: Analysis of factors influencing the growth process", Journal of Small Business and Enterprise Development, Vol. 16 No. 2, pp. 270-288. https://doi.org/10.1108/14626000910956056
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2009, Emerald Group Publishing Limited