Flyerzone have recently undertaken a study, which discovered that small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are keeping an eye on the stiff competition and continue to rely on discounts to encourage new trade. The study discovered that the average discount offered by SMEs in the UK is now 21 per cent – a five per cent increase on 2011 figures.

We examined more than 5,000 print orders for promotional flyers that had been placed on our website over the last year by SME businesses. The discounts analysed show an increase – 16 to 21 per cent – compared to similar data from 2011.

Focusing on regions, businesses in the North East offered the highest discount (23 per cent) followed closely by those in the North West (22.8 per cent).

One Flyerzone customer that has been offering discounts is The Hair Room in Chester. Toni Hazeldine from the company said: “Discounting is becoming a common occurrence, especially in the hair and beauty industry. Due to sites like Groupon, customers now expect a discount before walking through the door. However, it has become a great way to drive more business.”

New leaf Projects’ Eliot Bassett who is also a Flyerzone customer said: “We’ve recently launched our venture and it is tough to compete with the established businesses. We have seen an increase in discounts so new entrants have to match them in order to compete.”

It has been a long and difficult four years for SMEs in the UK and although our economy is stronger, the need for enticing offers and discounts for customers is still there.

At Flyerzone we are trying to support SME businesses to help them keep promoting and growing their businesses during these highly competitive times with our own discounts and low prices.