| 85%
of small businesses are negatively impacted by fuel costs Buffalo
Grove, IL (November 21, 2005) – Although fuel costs have moderated in
recent weeks, International Profit Associates Small Business Research
Board (IPA SBRB) studies conducted from April through October show
heightened concern about these costs and a majority of those impacted
are now passing them on to customers.
In the most recent IPA SBRB survey, 85% of those surveyed said that
rising fuel costs were negatively impacting their businesses. This
compares to 72% in July and 64% in April.
Of those who were negatively affected, 62% now say they are passing
on those increased costs to customers. In April and July, the figures
were 48% and 49%, respectively.
"Whether it is fuel or other variable costs that fluctuate,
businesses must have a strategic plan in place to deal with unforeseen
events," said Gregg Steinberg, President of International Profit
Associates, the largest privately-held provider of management consulting
and professional services to small and medium-size businesses in North
America. "While no one can predict a natural disaster or other event
that increases the cost of doing business, every business owner needs to
have a plan in place to make the necessary adjustments in their business
operation to minimize the negative impact when the unexpected happens."
The International Profit Associates Small Business Research Board
ascertains and reports the opinions of small business owners and
managers on a wide variety of topics related to their own businesses as
well as national and international issues that may impact their
operations.
Participants in the poll provide feedback on significant issues and
allow for real-time insight into the state of small businesses
nationwide. The universe of participants is developed from among small
businesses across the United States. A total of 325 small business
owners and senior managers participated in this IPA SBRB poll. The IPA
SBRB study is a voluntary survey conducted via phone and email. The poll
was structured and supervised through an independent resource.
The latest information about the IPA Small Business Research Board
can be found at www.ipasbrb.com.
International Profit Associates, Inc. (IPA) is the largest privately
held provider of management consulting services to small and medium-size
businesses in North America. IPA and its more than 1,800 professionals
offer a wide range of proven and innovative methodologies to help
businesses grow and prosper regardless of the economic cycle. IPA either
provides directly or through its affiliated companies a comprehensive
array of business advisory services, tax and estate planning services or
merger, acquisition and other financial advisory services in the United
States and Canada. More information about IPA can be found at
www.ipa-iba.com.
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