OREANDA-NEWS. May 29, 2009. The survey carried out by SEB banka and Data Serviss of small and medium companies shows that small and medium entrepreneurs are currently most worried about the issue regarding the payment of taxes – it was so confirmed by 48 % of the surveyed entrepreneurs. The issue of tax payments is followed by a concern regarding the existence of new outlet markets and the disbursement of salaries to employees – this is a concern of utmost importance for 36 % and 32 % of entrepreneurs (respectively). Entrepreneurs admitted in the survey that they also care about issues regarding loan repayment, the existence of current assets, debts to creditors and receivables, reported the press-centre of SEB banka.
 
When providing their assessment on the condition of business operations in Latvia during the last year, 89 % of entrepreneurs admit that it has worsened, 8 % indicate that it has remained the same, but 1 % indicated that the situation has improved, regardless of difficulties in the economic situation. The overall condition of companies is assessed by the entrepreneurs as follows: 76 % consider that the condition has worsened, 17 % say it has remained the same and 3 % think it has improved.

When evaluating the forecasts of turnover, 23 % forecast that the turnover generated by companies will decrease by 41 % or more, 19 % consider that the turnover will decrease by 21 % to 40 %, 24 % of the companies forecast their turnover from 1 % to 20 % lower than previously. 16 % of small and medium companies already estimate that the turnover has remained where it was in 2008, but 6 % estimate that it has even increased.

Information gained survey results shows that the most frequently met business planning period is now for the time up to one year, regardless of the number of employees.

The survey of small and medium companies carried out by SEB group was carried out in March and April of 2009. The telephone interview method was used for the survey. The target group of the survey was the heads of Latvian small and medium companies. 500 interviews were used in the research.