This was reflected in FHW’s survey of the second half of 2023. In particular, the Economic Climate Index of small and very small enterprises, following the significant aid recorded in the second half of 2022 (66.5 units) and the mild retreat in the first half of 2023 (66,7 units), declined significantly in the second half of 2023 to 63.9 units. This element in conjunction with the other findings in the investigation suggests that the situation of enterprises after the rise and stabilisation presented in the previous three semesters tends to decline, rather because of the uncertainties that continue to exist and which are fueled by both the liquid economic environment and policies that increase the insecurity of businesses, such as the new method of hypothetical taxation of individual enterprises. Positive findings include the results of the use of small and very small enterprises for 2023, where about 6 out of 10 enterprises (57.3%) said it had profits, an increased rate compared to 2022 (51%). The proportion of firms investing in the second half of 2023 (37.2%) is also high. On the other hand, the serious liquidity problems faced by small and very small businesses remain, while the impact of the inflationary surge over the last 2 years is evident in the increase in business operating costs, which based on the findings of the research has increased by 35%. Main findings 57.3% of businesses said they had profits in 2023 The liquidity problem of small and very small businesses remains. 1 out of 4 (25.5%) of businesses have zero liquids available, while for 25.1% cash is sufficient for a month at the most The operating costs of enterprises over the last 2 years have increased by 35% (medium stations)
FHW – GSEVEE: Significant decline in the second half of 2023 for the Economic Climate Index
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