The latest SME confidence tracker by Bibby Financial Services (BFS) has found that while 70% of SMEs were aware of the Northern Powerhouse, nearly a third (29%) saw it as a politically motivated investment gimmick.
Awareness of the Midlands Engine was lower at 46%, with 24% believing it was politically motivated.
The research also revealed that UK SMEs felt investment was focused on large UK cities.
Over a third (36%) believed Manchester was overly favoured by the Northern Powerhouse, while 28% claimed that the Midlands Engine was too focused on Birmingham.
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Awareness of the UK’s industrial strategy was rising, however, with those aware of the Northern Powerhouse increasing by 13%.
Edward Winterton, UK CEO at Bibby Financial Services, said: “After decades of under-investment in the UK regions, a patchwork approach to investment is not delivering on the government’s promise of a fairer economy.
“SMEs need better support to re-set the balance between the regions and provide business owners with the confidence to invest and grow.
“SMEs are doing their upmost to get on with things amid Brexit uncertainty.
“Brexit must stop being a distraction from a domestic agenda that needs to deliver for businesses and the people they employ.”
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