The key factors in the profiles of small firm owner‐managers that influence business performance. The South Coast Small Firms Survey, 1997‐2000

This regional survey involved 90 small manufacturing firms over the three‐year period, 1997‐2000. Ninety face‐to‐face interviews using a personal, open, unstructured approach were conducted in 90 cluster‐located small manufacturing (engineering) firms with up to 50 employees (but with 75 per cent below 20 staff) in the Hampshire, Sussex, Dorset and Wiltshire region. Selected follow‐up discussions also occurred during the three‐year period. The objectives of the undertaking were: to identify the key factors in the profiles of small firm owner‐managers that influence business performance; and to contribute to the body of knowledge in this area. The full report comprised some 43,000 words and this paper can only be a mere summary of an investigation of immense scope and complexity.