Released, 6 July 1998.

The McCannics e-survey, month just ended June 1998

e-businesses want the euro

Two-thirds of the internet-connected UK firms taking part in the McCannics e-survey believe that, in principle, the UK should at some point join the Single European Currency (see chart, right).

One-quarter believe that the UK should shun the euro, while the remaining 9 per cent were undecided.

An earlier survey established that almost two-thirds of the firms taking part in this survey are exporters.

However, even among supporters of the euro, there was some caution. One respondent said:

"If the European currency system works it will be advantageous, but after ERM we must be cautious & wait & see!"

However, another thought:

"The UK cannot hope to keep trading in Europe unless it adopts the Euro."

More comments...

" Do you believe, in principle, that
the UK should at some point join the
Single European Currency (the euro)?"

Sales and Prices

The internet-connected firms taking part in this e-survey continue to report a weakening economy.

Although 51 per cent of the firms said that their sales were higher in June 1998 than in June 1997, 33 per cent said that they were lower.

The resulting balance (the proportion saying higher minus the proportion saying lower) of +18 per cent is once again the lowest since this survey began, in July 1997 (see chart). The balance has fallen for four months in succession.

"Was your sales turnover in the month just ended higher, about the same, or lower than in the same month last year?"

Note: Chart shows percentage balances (percentage saying higher minus percentage saying lower). Earlier surveys include late responses and so may differ from figures published elsewhere.

"Were your average selling prices in the month just ended higher, about the same, or lower than in the same month last year?"

Note: Chart shows percentage balances (percentage saying higher minus percentage saying lower). Earlier surveys include late responses and so may differ from figures published elsewhere.

The balance of firms reporting increased prices was also considerably down. Only 22 per cent said that their prices were higher in June 1998 than June 1997 and 16 per cent said that they were lower. The balance of +6 per cent compares with +17 per cent in the last survey.

This twelfth survey questionnaire was sent out on 1st July 1998 and by 6th July responses had been received from 55 businesses across the UK.

Owners or managers of businesses in the UK which would like to take part in the survey should send a blank e-mail to: volunteer@mccannics.demon.co.uk

All individual replies will be kept strictly confidential. Only anonymised results will be published, and your e-mail address will not be passed on to any third party.

Details of the sample were included in the first survey.

E-mail us with comments, queries or suggestions for future topical questions at: esurvey@mccannics.co.uk

e-survey: