QBE’s THIRD BUSINESS SENTIMENT SURVEY

DATA EXTRACT
London, 15 January 2010

About the QBE’s Third Business Sentiment Survey

Data were collected by The Survey Shop in November 2009. A total of 402 interviews
were conducted by telephone using quota sampling. Respondents were qualified as
owners, managers and decision-makers, and the data are representative of SMEs in
UK and Ireland. The data are representative of SMEs in the UK and Ireland, grouped
by region (East, London, Midlands & Wales, North Midlands, North West, Scotland,
South West, Yorkshire & North East and Ireland) and by number of employees (Up to
10, 10 to 49 and 50 to 250).

About QBE
Founded in Australia over 100 years ago, QBE Insurance Group is a specialist
business insurer, now operating out of 45 countries across the globe. We have been
active in the UK since 1904, orginally within the marine insurance market, but
branching out more recently to offer commercial insurance to companies across the
UK. At the end of 2008, the Group’s turnover was over £6bn, making it one of the
largest insurance firms in the UK.

We provide insurance for a broad range of business categories, including property,

motor (commercial, bus and fleet), public and product liability insurance, professional
indemnity, leisure and sport, marine, energy, aviation, and specialty insurance,
including bloodstock.

In the UK QBE is rated a leading insurer for claims service,* among the top three
insurance companies for service overall by Insurance Times, 2008 and was chosen
as ‘most competitive insurer’ in July 2009**.
* June 2009, source: Gracechurch Survey
** Source: Insurance Times

Page 1 of 47
QBE is proud to be the official insurance partner of the Guinness Premiership. This
partnership with the world’s most competitive domestic rugby union competition will
allow QBE’s brand to develop and business to grow in the UK.

-ENDS-

For further information please contact:

Samantha Whiteley, Haggie Financial

Tel: + 44 20 7417 8989; email [email protected]

Henny Breakwell, Haggie Financial

Tel: +44 20 7417 8989 email: [email protected]

Page 2 of 47
Extracts from QBE’s Third Business Sentiment Survey

How do you expect your business to be affected in the next 6 months?

Region

All Eastern London Midlands North North Scotland South Yorks/ Ireland
England & Wales Midlands West west N. East
Total (402) (37) (38) (38) (37) (37) (39) (40) (36) (100)

Sales turnover to increase

greatly in the next 6 5% 5% 11% 11% 8% 5% 0% 3% 8% 2%
months
Sales turnover to increase
a little in the next 6 28% 27% 24% 32% 35% 27% 36% 33% 33% 18%
months
Sales turnover to stay the
41% 49% 37% 34% 30% 57% 51% 50% 39% 33%
same in the next 6 months
Sales turnover to decrease
a little in the next 6 19% 16% 18% 11% 19% 5% 10% 13% 17% 37%
months
Sales turnover to decrease
a great deal in the next 6 7% 3% 11% 13% 8% 5% 3% 3% 3% 10%
months
Column Total 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100%

Page 3 of 47
Extracts from QBE’s Third Business Sentiment Survey

How do you expect your business to be affected in the next 6 months?

Country Number of employees

All Ireland UK 1 to 9 10 to 49 50 to 249

Total (402) (100) (302) (284) (83) (35)

Sales turnover to increase

5% 2% 6% 5% 6% 6%
greatly in the next 6 months
Sales turnover to increase a
28% 18% 31% 26% 31% 31%
little in the next 6 months
Sales turnover to stay the
41% 33% 43% 44% 35% 31%
same in the next 6 months
Sales turnover to decrease a
19% 37% 14% 17% 25% 26%
little in the next 6 months
Sales turnover to decrease a
great deal in the next 6 7% 10% 6% 8% 2% 6%
months
Column Total 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100%

Page 4 of 47
Extracts from QBE’s Third Business Sentiment Survey

How do you expect your business to be affected in the next 6 months?

Main business sector

All Building Business Financial IT, Leisure Manufng. Retail & Other
/ / Prof. services Media / / /Eng. Distn.
Constn. services Printing Catering
Total (402) (38) (114) (20) (40) (40) (55) (73) (22)

Sales turnover to
increase greatly in the 5% 3% 4% 0% 3% 5% 9% 7% 9%
next 6 months
Sales turnover to
increase a little in the 28% 13% 32% 25% 43% 15% 24% 33% 23%
next 6 months
Sales turnover to stay
the same in the next 6 41% 47% 44% 45% 38% 35% 40% 33% 55%
months
Sales turnover to
decrease a little in the 19% 29% 19% 20% 8% 30% 13% 23% 9%
next 6 months
Sales turnover to
decrease a great deal in 7% 8% 1% 10% 10% 15% 15% 4% 5%
the next 6 months
Column Total 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100%

Page 5 of 47
Extracts from QBE’s Third Business Sentiment Survey

Are current business conditions the most favourable you have experienced in the last 18 months?

Region

All Eastern London Midlands North North Scotland South Yorks/ Ireland
England & Wales Midlands West west N. East
Total (402) (37) (38) (38) (37) (37) (39) (40) (36) (100)

Yes 29% 43% 32% 26% 30% 24% 26% 28% 44% 20%

No 67% 54% 66% 68% 59% 76% 74% 63% 53% 77%

Don’t know 4% 3% 3% 5% 11% 0% 0% 10% 3% 3%

Column Total 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100%

Page 6 of 47
Extracts from QBE’s Third Business Sentiment Survey

Are current business conditions the most favourable you have experienced in the last 18 months?

Country Number of employees

All Ireland UK 1 to 9 10 to 49 50 to 249

Total (402) (100) (302) (284) (83) (35)

Yes 29% 20% 31% 28% 29% 34%

No 67% 77% 64% 68% 67% 66%

Don’t know 4% 3% 4% 5% 4% 0%

Column Total 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100%

Page 7 of 47
Extracts from QBE’s Third Business Sentiment Survey

Are current business conditions the most favourable you have experienced in the last 18 months?

Main business sector

All Building Business Financial IT, Leisure Manufng. Retail & Other
/ / Prof. services Media / / /Eng. Distn.
Constn. services Printing Catering
Total (402) (38) (114) (20) (40) (40) (55) (73) (22)

Yes 29% 29% 27% 25% 25% 25% 44% 23% 32%

No 67% 63% 69% 65% 70% 75% 53% 77% 55%

Don’t know 4% 8% 4% 10% 5% 0% 4% 0% 14%

Column Total 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100%

Page 8 of 47
Extracts from QBE’s Third Business Sentiment Survey

Would you say your business is now better placed to make the most of an upturn in the economy than it was 18 months ago?

Region

All Eastern London Midlands North North Scotland South Yorks/ Ireland
England & Wales Midlands West west N. East
Total (402) (37) (38) (38) (37) (37) (39) (40) (36) (100)

Yes 54% 49% 37% 50% 54% 46% 56% 60% 61% 60%

No 37% 43% 45% 39% 30% 46% 36% 30% 33% 34%

Don’t know 9% 8% 18% 11% 16% 8% 8% 10% 6% 6%

Column Total 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100%

Page 9 of 47
Extracts from QBE’s Third Business Sentiment Survey

Would you say your business is now better placed to make the most of an upturn in the economy than it was 18 months ago?

Country Number of employees

All Ireland UK 1 to 9 10 to 49 50 to 249

Total (402) (100) (302) (284) (83) (35)

Yes 54% 60% 52% 47% 66% 77%

No 37% 34% 38% 42% 27% 17%

Don’t know 9% 6% 11% 11% 7% 6%

Column Total 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100%

Page 10 of 47
Extracts from QBE’s Third Business Sentiment Survey

Would you say your business is now better placed to make the most of an upturn in the economy than it was 18 months ago?

Main business sector

All Building Business Financial IT, Leisure Manufng. Retail & Other
/ / Prof. services Media / / /Eng. Distn.
Constn. services Printing Catering
Total (402) (38) (114) (20) (40) (40) (55) (73) (22)

Yes 54% 53% 53% 55% 55% 53% 56% 51% 64%

No 37% 42% 39% 25% 40% 40% 36% 37% 18%

Don’t know 9% 5% 9% 20% 5% 8% 7% 12% 18%

Column Total 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100%

Page 11 of 47
Extracts from QBE’s Third Business Sentiment Survey

How long do you expect it will before we see full economic recovery in [the UK / Ireland]?

Region

AllEastern London Midlands North North Scotland South Yorks/ Ireland

England & Wales Midlands West west N. East
Total (402) (37) (38) (38) (37) (37) (39) (40) (36) (100)

6 months 4% 3% 0% 11% 3% 8% 3% 0% 3% 4%

12 months 22% 30% 16% 16% 27% 14% 41% 28% 31% 13%

18 months 17% 8% 29% 21% 14% 16% 3% 18% 31% 16%

2 years 47% 38% 42% 42% 41% 54% 38% 43% 28% 66%

[Unprompted] Don’t know 10% 22% 13% 11% 16% 8% 15% 13% 8% 1%

Column Total 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100%

Page 12 of 47
Extracts from QBE’s Third Business Sentiment Survey

How long do you expect it will before we see full economic recovery in [the UK / Ireland]?

Country Number of employees

All Ireland UK 1 to 9 10 to 49 50 to 249

Total (402) (100) (302) (284) (83) (35)

6 months 4% 4% 4% 4% 4% 6%

12 months 22% 13% 25% 20% 33% 17%

18 months 17% 16% 17% 17% 16% 23%

2 years 47% 66% 41% 48% 43% 46%

[Unprompted] Don’t know 10% 1% 13% 12% 5% 9%

Column Total 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100%

Page 13 of 47
Extracts from QBE’s Third Business Sentiment Survey

How long do you expect it will before we see full economic recovery in [the UK / Ireland]?

Main business sector

All Building Business Financial IT, Leisure Manufng. Retail & Other
/ / Prof. services Media / / /Eng. Distn.
Constn. services Printing Catering
Total (402) (38) (114) (20) (40) (40) (55) (73) (22)

6 months 4% 5% 2% 5% 3% 8% 9% 0% 5%

12 months 22% 26% 20% 15% 25% 18% 25% 21% 32%

18 months 17% 18% 14% 20% 18% 23% 16% 15% 23%

2 years 47% 42% 53% 50% 55% 43% 38% 48% 36%

[Unprompted] Don’t
10% 8% 11% 10% 0% 10% 11% 16% 5%
know

Column Total 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100%

Page 14 of 47
Extracts from QBE’s Third Business Sentiment Survey

How long do you expect it will take your business to recover from the recession?

Region

All Eastern London Midlands North North Scotland South Yorks/ Ireland
England & Wales Midlands West west N. East
Total (402) (37) (38) (38) (37) (37) (39) (40) (36) (100)

It already has 22% 27% 29% 24% 27% 30% 15% 28% 31% 8%

6 months 12% 19% 16% 18% 11% 14% 3% 23% 14% 6%

12 months 21% 14% 18% 11% 22% 14% 36% 15% 19% 27%

18 months 12% 8% 16% 13% 11% 16% 5% 8% 17% 12%

2 years 26% 19% 13% 26% 27% 16% 33% 13% 11% 45%

[Unprompted] Don’t know 7% 14% 8% 8% 3% 11% 8% 15% 8% 2%

Column Total 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100%

Page 15 of 47
Extracts from QBE’s Third Business Sentiment Survey

How long do you expect it will take your business to recover from the recession?

Country Number of employees

All Ireland UK 1 to 9 10 to 49 50 to 249

Total (402) (100) (302) (284) (83) (35)

It already has 22% 8% 26% 21% 23% 26%

6 months 12% 6% 15% 12% 18% 3%

12 months 21% 27% 19% 20% 25% 14%

18 months 12% 12% 12% 13% 8% 6%

2 years 26% 45% 20% 27% 18% 40%

[Unprompted] Don’t know 7% 2% 9% 7% 7% 11%

Column Total 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100%

Page 16 of 47
Extracts from QBE’s Third Business Sentiment Survey

How long do you expect it will take your business to recover from the recession?

Main business sector

All Building Business Financial IT, Leisure Manufng. Retail & Other
/ / Prof. services Media / / /Eng. Distn.
Constn. services Printing Catering
Total (402) (38) (114) (20) (40) (40) (55) (73) (22)

It already has 22% 29% 22% 25% 23% 15% 27% 14% 27%

6 months 12% 8% 14% 5% 15% 15% 20% 5% 14%

12 months 21% 21% 14% 25% 23% 20% 24% 26% 23%

18 months 12% 13% 11% 25% 13% 10% 5% 14% 14%

2 years 26% 18% 27% 15% 25% 38% 18% 34% 18%

[Unprompted] Don’t
7% 11% 12% 5% 3% 3% 5% 7% 5%
know

Column Total 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100%

Page 17 of 47
Extracts from QBE’s Third Business Sentiment Survey

If current conditions were to continue for another twelve months how would your business be affected?

Region

All Eastern London Midlands North North Scotland South Yorks/ Ireland
England & Wales Midlands West west N. East
Total (402) (37) (38) (38) (37) (37) (39) (40) (36) (100)

It would provide the

opportunity for 9% 11% 5% 16% 16% 5% 0% 13% 8% 7%
profitability and growth
It would not be difficult to
maintain sales and 21% 35% 29% 21% 16% 30% 18% 20% 33% 9%
manage costs
It would be difficult but
50% 32% 47% 42% 43% 49% 69% 55% 44% 54%
manageable
It would be extremely
21% 22% 18% 21% 24% 16% 13% 13% 14% 30%
difficult to survive

Column Total 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100%

Page 18 of 47
Extracts from QBE’s Third Business Sentiment Survey

If current conditions were to continue for another twelve months how would your business be affected?

Country Number of employees

All Ireland UK 1 to 9 10 to 49 50 to 249

Total (402) (100) (302) (284) (83) (35)

It would provide the

opportunity for profitability 9% 7% 9% 7% 16% 6%
and growth
It would not be difficult to
maintain sales and manage 21% 9% 25% 20% 23% 23%
costs
It would be difficult but
50% 54% 48% 49% 52% 49%
manageable
It would be extremely
21% 30% 18% 24% 10% 23%
difficult to survive

Column Total 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100%

Page 19 of 47
Extracts from QBE’s Third Business Sentiment Survey

If current conditions were to continue for another twelve months how would your business be affected?

Main business sector

All Building Business Financial IT, Leisure Manufng. Retail & Other
/ / Prof. services Media / / /Eng. Distn.
Constn. services Printing Catering
Total (402) (38) (114) (20) (40) (40) (55) (73) (22)

It would provide the

opportunity for 9% 5% 11% 5% 15% 3% 15% 3% 9%
profitability and growth
It would not be difficult
to maintain sales and 21% 26% 21% 20% 23% 20% 22% 15% 32%
manage costs
It would be difficult but
50% 53% 47% 65% 43% 50% 44% 59% 36%
manageable
It would be extremely
21% 16% 20% 10% 20% 28% 20% 23% 23%
difficult to survive

Column Total 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100%

Page 20 of 47
Extracts from QBE’s Third Business Sentiment Survey

Do you expect each of the following business issues to increase, decrease or stay the same for your business in the next six
months?
Region

All Eastern London Midlands North North Scotland South Yorks/ Ireland
England & Wales Midlands West west N. East
Total (402) (37) (38) (38) (37) (37) (39) (40) (36) (100)

Competitors reducing
53% 49% 42% 55% 51% 57% 62% 43% 42% 61%
prices

Taxation issues 48% 46% 47% 61% 38% 51% 46% 38% 44% 53%

Shrinking sales 40% 32% 34% 34% 41% 46% 31% 35% 31% 52%

Increased costs from

39% 35% 39% 61% 46% 54% 44% 43% 42% 21%
suppliers
Business partners ceasing
32% 38% 29% 21% 22% 27% 33% 25% 28% 44%
trading
Crime-related issues (.i.e.
32% 19% 18% 24% 24% 16% 36% 25% 22% 57%
arson, theft etc)

Credit issues 29% 43% 16% 32% 30% 19% 31% 13% 11% 42%

Employment issues 18% 16% 18% 13% 16% 16% 10% 10% 17% 27%

Currency/ foreign
16% 11% 11% 18% 22% 11% 18% 33% 11% 13%
exchange issues

Page 21 of 47
Extracts from QBE’s Third Business Sentiment Survey

Do you expect each of the following business issues to increase, decrease or stay the same for your business in the next six
months?
Country Number of employees

All Ireland UK 1 to 9 10 to 49 50 to 249

Total (402) (100) (302) (284) (83) (35)

Competitors reducing prices 53% 61% 50% 54% 47% 57%

Taxation issues 48% 53% 46% 48% 47% 49%

Shrinking sales 40% 52% 35% 40% 40% 31%

Increased costs from

39% 21% 45% 39% 37% 43%
suppliers
Business partners ceasing
32% 44% 28% 31% 35% 34%
trading
Crime-related issues (.i.e.
32% 57% 23% 32% 28% 34%
arson, theft etc)

Credit issues 29% 42% 24% 27% 35% 29%

Employment issues 18% 27% 15% 16% 23% 17%

Currency/ foreign exchange

16% 13% 17% 15% 20% 14%
issues

Page 22 of 47
Extracts from QBE’s Third Business Sentiment Survey

Do you expect each of the following business issues to increase, decrease or stay the same for your business in the next six
months?
Main business sector

All Building Business Financial IT, Leisure Manufng. Retail & Other
/ / Prof. services Media / / /Eng. Distn.
Constn. services Printing Catering
Total (402) (38) (114) (20) (40) (40) (55) (73) (22)

Competitors reducing
53% 47% 48% 75% 45% 50% 55% 63% 45%
prices

Taxation issues 48% 39% 45% 40% 63% 50% 56% 44% 50%

Shrinking sales 40% 34% 32% 30% 30% 53% 53% 48% 27%

Increased costs from

39% 47% 31% 15% 33% 43% 53% 38% 68%
suppliers
Business partners
32% 21% 36% 35% 35% 35% 35% 29% 18%
ceasing trading
Crime-related issues (.i.e.
32% 32% 21% 35% 33% 48% 31% 42% 18%
arson, theft etc)

Credit issues 29% 32% 26% 30% 33% 35% 33% 23% 23%

Employment issues 18% 26% 15% 10% 15% 23% 22% 16% 14%

Currency/ foreign
16% 13% 14% 15% 25% 10% 25% 11% 18%
exchange issues

Page 23 of 47
Extracts from QBE’s Third Business Sentiment Survey

Do you expect to invest in your business in the next 6 months?

Region

AllEastern London Midlands North North Scotland South Yorks/ Ireland

England & Wales Midlands West west N. East
Total (402) (37) (38) (38) (37) (37) (39) (40) (36) (100)

Yes 38% 35% 29% 39% 49% 32% 36% 38% 53% 34%

No 57% 46% 68% 55% 46% 59% 62% 58% 42% 64%

Don’t know 5% 19% 3% 5% 5% 8% 3% 5% 6% 2%

Column Total 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100%

Page 24 of 47
Extracts from QBE’s Third Business Sentiment Survey

Do you expect to invest in your business in the next 6 months?

Country Number of employees

All Ireland UK 1 to 9 10 to 49 50 to 249

Total (402) (100) (302) (284) (83) (35)

Yes 38% 34% 39% 33% 47% 51%

No 57% 64% 55% 62% 49% 37%

Don’t know 5% 2% 7% 5% 4% 11%

Column Total 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100%

Page 25 of 47
Extracts from QBE’s Third Business Sentiment Survey

Do you expect to invest in your business in the next 6 months?

Main business sector

All Building Business Financial IT, Leisure Manufng. Retail & Other
/ / Prof. services Media / / /Eng. Distn.
Constn. services Printing Catering
Total (402) (38) (114) (20) (40) (40) (55) (73) (22)

Yes 38% 29% 34% 35% 38% 48% 44% 37% 41%

No 57% 58% 61% 55% 55% 48% 55% 62% 50%

Don’t know 5% 13% 5% 10% 8% 5% 2% 1% 9%

Column Total 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100%

Page 26 of 47
Extracts from QBE’s Third Business Sentiment Survey

Which of the following investments do you expect to make in the next six months?

Region

All Eastern London Midlands North North Scotland South Yorks/ Ireland
England & Wales Midlands West west N. East
Total (402) (37) (38) (38) (37) (37) (39) (40) (36) (100)

New software/hardware/
23% 22% 16% 24% 32% 24% 23% 23% 33% 17%
equipment/plant/machinery

Marketing and advertising 17% 19% 11% 13% 30% 16% 10% 23% 19% 15%

New product lines/

15% 14% 3% 21% 24% 8% 13% 13% 25% 14%
services

Increased staff base 9% 16% 3% 11% 5% 3% 5% 8% 31% 6%

New premises 6% 5% 5% 8% 5% 5% 10% 5% 6% 4%

Youth employment and

6% 8% 0% 3% 5% 3% 5% 3% 11% 9%
training

Acquisitions 4% 3% 0% 5% 5% 3% 10% 8% 3% 2%

Not applicable – not

expecting to invest in 58% 59% 71% 58% 51% 68% 67% 60% 47% 53%
business

Page 27 of 47
Extracts from QBE’s Third Business Sentiment Survey

Which of the following investments do you expect to make in the next six months?

Country Number of employees

All Ireland UK 1 to 9 10 to 49 50 to 249

Total (402) (100) (302) (284) (83) (35)

New software/hardware/
23% 17% 25% 18% 39% 26%
equipment/plant/machinery

Marketing and advertising 17% 15% 18% 14% 24% 23%

New product lines/ services 15% 14% 15% 13% 17% 26%

Increased staff base 9% 6% 10% 6% 14% 17%

New premises 6% 4% 6% 4% 14% 3%

Youth employment and

6% 9% 5% 4% 10% 9%
training

Acquisitions 4% 2% 5% 2% 8% 6%

Not applicable – not

expecting to invest in 58% 53% 60% 63% 51% 43%
business

Page 28 of 47
Extracts from QBE’s Third Business Sentiment Survey

Which of the following investments do you expect to make in the next six months?
Main business sector

All Building Business Financial IT, Leisure Manufng. Retail & Other
/ / Prof. services Media / / /Eng. Distn.
Constn. services Printing Catering
Total (402) (38) (114) (20) (40) (40) (55) (73) (22)

New software/hardware/
23% 24% 20% 25% 35% 23% 29% 12% 27%
equipment/plant/machinery

Marketing and advertising 17% 8% 13% 15% 23% 28% 16% 21% 14%

New product lines/

15% 5% 12% 5% 13% 13% 18% 23% 23%
services

Increased staff base 9% 11% 11% 20% 8% 5% 9% 4% 9%

New premises 6% 3% 7% 0% 3% 3% 11% 7% 5%

Youth employment and

6% 8% 6% 5% 5% 5% 5% 4% 9%
training

Acquisitions 4% 3% 4% 0% 5% 5% 7% 1% 5%

Not applicable – not

expecting to invest in 58% 68% 66% 65% 55% 50% 53% 53% 50%
business

Page 29 of 47
Extracts from QBE’s Third Business Sentiment Survey

If you expect to make an investment in your business in the next 6 months, how will you fund it?

Region

All Eastern London Midlands North North Scotland South Yorks/ Ireland
England & Wales Midlands West west N. East
Total (402) (37) (38) (38) (37) (37) (39) (40) (36) (100)

Finance from cash flow 28% 35% 18% 29% 38% 24% 28% 30% 31% 25%

Bank loan 7% 3% 11% 11% 0% 5% 3% 10% 6% 11%

An investment from an
3% 0% 3% 0% 3% 3% 3% 0% 11% 5%
outside party
Finance from cost
3% 0% 3% 0% 3% 0% 0% 0% 8% 8%
reductions

Not applicable – not

expecting to invest in 57% 62% 61% 58% 51% 68% 59% 63% 47% 51%
business

Page 30 of 47
Extracts from QBE’s Third Business Sentiment Survey

If you expect to make an investment in your business in the next 6 months, how will you fund it?

Country Number of employees

All Ireland UK 1 to 9 10 to 49 50 to 249

Total (402) (100) (302) (284) (83) (35)

Finance from cash flow 28% 25% 29% 23% 41% 40%

Bank loan 7% 11% 6% 7% 8% 6%

An investment from an
3% 5% 3% 3% 2% 6%
outside party
Finance from cost
3% 8% 2% 2% 4% 9%
reductions

Not applicable – not

expecting to invest in 57% 51% 59% 62% 46% 43%
business

Page 31 of 47
Extracts from QBE’s Third Business Sentiment Survey

If you expect to make an investment in your business in the next 6 months, how will you fund it?

Main business sector

All Building Business Financial IT, Leisure Manufng. Retail & Other
/ / Prof. services Media / / /Eng. Distn.
Constn. services Printing Catering
Total (402) (38) (114) (20) (40) (40) (55) (73) (22)

Finance from cash flow 28% 24% 25% 20% 40% 30% 25% 29% 41%

Bank loan 7% 5% 4% 5% 0% 10% 18% 10% 5%

An investment from an
3% 0% 2% 5% 3% 5% 5% 3% 9%
outside party
Finance from cost
3% 0% 2% 5% 5% 8% 2% 4% 5%
reductions

Not applicable – not

expecting to invest in 57% 66% 65% 60% 55% 43% 53% 53% 45%
business

Page 32 of 47
Extracts from QBE’s Third Business Sentiment Survey

In the current environment, how easy is it, or how easy would you expect it to be, for you to access commercial credit?

Region

All Eastern London Midlands North North Scotland South Yorks/ Ireland
England & Wales Midlands West west N. East
Total (402) (37) (38) (38) (37) (37) (39) (40) (36) (100)

Very difficult 23% 24% 24% 24% 14% 16% 28% 8% 8% 38%

Difficult 35% 19% 34% 32% 35% 30% 31% 35% 53% 38%

Same as in previous times 35% 54% 29% 34% 46% 43% 38% 43% 31% 21%

Easy 5% 0% 11% 11% 3% 8% 0% 13% 6% 0%

Very easy 2% 3% 3% 0% 3% 3% 3% 3% 3% 3%

Column Total 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100%

Page 33 of 47
Extracts from QBE’s Third Business Sentiment Survey

In the current environment, how easy is it, or how easy would you expect it to be, for you to access commercial credit?

Country Number of employees

All Ireland UK 1 to 9 10 to 49 50 to 249

Total (402) (100) (302) (284) (83) (35)

Very difficult 23% 38% 18% 27% 13% 17%

Difficult 35% 38% 33% 33% 40% 31%

Same as in previous times 35% 21% 40% 33% 37% 43%

Easy 5% 0% 6% 4% 8% 3%

Very easy 2% 3% 2% 2% 1% 6%

Column Total 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100%

Page 34 of 47
Extracts from QBE’s Third Business Sentiment Survey

In the current environment, how easy is it, or how easy would you expect it to be, for you to access commercial credit?

Main business sector

All Building Business Financial IT, Leisure Manufng. Retail & Other
/ / Prof. services Media / / /Eng. Distn.
Constn. services Printing Catering
Total (402) (38) (114) (20) (40) (40) (55) (73) (22)

Very difficult 23% 21% 25% 20% 28% 20% 22% 27% 5%

Difficult 35% 24% 34% 35% 35% 48% 36% 36% 23%

Same as in previous
35% 39% 39% 30% 28% 28% 36% 27% 64%
times

Easy 5% 13% 1% 10% 8% 5% 4% 5% 0%

Very easy 2% 3% 1% 5% 3% 0% 2% 4% 9%

Column Total 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100%

Page 35 of 47
Extracts from QBE’s Third Business Sentiment Survey

Considering each of the following sources of business advice, which do you or your business expect to seek advice from in the
next six months?

Region

AllEastern London Midlands North North Scotland South Yorks/ Ireland

England & Wales Midlands West west N. East
Total (402) (37) (38) (38) (37) (37) (39) (40) (36) (100)

Accountants 68% 65% 74% 71% 73% 54% 74% 75% 72% 62%

Banks 23% 19% 29% 34% 19% 16% 28% 35% 28% 13%

Local Chambers of
18% 11% 21% 24% 24% 11% 15% 18% 25% 17%
Commerce

Financial advisors 14% 19% 5% 16% 16% 5% 10% 28% 11% 16%

Lawyers 14% 14% 13% 16% 16% 8% 8% 23% 22% 12%

Marketing, advertising and

12% 8% 5% 5% 16% 3% 15% 23% 17% 12%
PR consultants

Insurance brokers 11% 8% 8% 21% 14% 0% 13% 13% 19% 10%

Insurers 5% 5% 3% 5% 0% 3% 3% 10% 3% 8%

Page 36 of 47
Extracts from QBE’s Third Business Sentiment Survey

Considering each of the following sources of business advice, which do you or your business expect to seek advice from in the
next six months?

Base = all Country Number of employees

All Ireland UK 1 to 9 10 to 49 50 to 249

Total (402) (100) (302) (284) (83) (35)

Accountants 68% 62% 70% 66% 75% 69%

Banks 23% 13% 26% 21% 27% 29%

Local Chambers of Commerce 18% 17% 19% 17% 16% 34%

Financial advisors 14% 16% 14% 11% 23% 23%

Lawyers 14% 12% 15% 11% 23% 20%

Marketing, advertising and PR

12% 12% 12% 10% 19% 6%
consultants

Insurance brokers 11% 10% 12% 8% 19% 20%

Insurers 5% 8% 4% 4% 6% 11%

Page 37 of 47
Extracts from QBE’s Third Business Sentiment Survey

Considering each of the following sources of business advice, which do you or your business expect to seek advice from in the
next six months?

Main business sector

All Building Business Financial IT, Leisure Manufng. Retail & Other
/ / Prof. services Media / / /Eng. Distn.
Constn. services Printing Catering
Total (402) (38) (114) (20) (40) (40) (55) (73) (22)

Accountants 68% 71% 68% 35% 83% 60% 67% 75% 59%

Banks 23% 24% 20% 25% 8% 20% 29% 25% 45%

Local Chambers of
18% 11% 19% 25% 18% 23% 9% 22% 23%
Commerce

Financial advisors 14% 21% 12% 15% 15% 20% 15% 7% 27%

Lawyers 14% 18% 18% 30% 10% 8% 13% 5% 23%

Marketing, advertising
12% 8% 8% 20% 20% 15% 13% 12% 5%
and PR consultants

Insurance brokers 11% 13% 10% 20% 5% 5% 18% 7% 32%

Insurers 5% 3% 8% 10% 3% 0% 7% 3% 5%

Page 38 of 47
Extracts from QBE’s Third Business Sentiment Survey

When buying business insurance, would you prefer to go direct to the insurer, rather than via a broker?

Region

All Eastern London Midlands North North Scotland South Yorks/ Ireland
England & Wales Midlands West west N. East
Total (402) (37) (38) (38) (37) (37) (39) (40) (36) (100)

Yes 37% 38% 34% 21% 35% 32% 38% 40% 39% 42%

No 52% 43% 55% 66% 51% 59% 56% 45% 44% 52%

Don’t know 11% 19% 11% 13% 14% 8% 5% 15% 17% 6%

Column Total 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100%

Page 39 of 47
Extracts from QBE’s Third Business Sentiment Survey

When buying business insurance, would you prefer to go direct to the insurer, rather than via a broker?

Country Number of employees

All Ireland UK 1 to 9 10 to 49 50 to 249

Total (402) (100) (302) (284) (83) (35)

Yes 37% 42% 35% 39% 33% 23%

No 52% 52% 53% 51% 52% 69%

Don’t know 11% 6% 13% 10% 16% 9%

Column Total 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100%

Page 40 of 47
Extracts from QBE’s Third Business Sentiment Survey

When buying business insurance, would you prefer to go direct to the insurer, rather than via a broker?

Main business sector

All Building Business Financial IT, Leisure Manufng. Retail & Other
/ / Prof. services Media / / /Eng. Distn.
Constn. services Printing Catering
Total (402) (38) (114) (20) (40) (40) (55) (73) (22)

Yes 37% 29% 32% 35% 43% 50% 36% 41% 27%

No 52% 58% 56% 60% 43% 43% 49% 53% 59%

Don’t know 11% 13% 12% 5% 15% 8% 15% 5% 14%

Column Total 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100%

Page 41 of 47
Extracts from QBE’s Third Business Sentiment Survey

Thinking of how the banks are handling requests for borrowing from businesses during the downturn, which of the following best
describes your opinion?

Region
All Eastern London Midlands North North Scotland South Yorks/ Ireland
England & Wales Midlands West west N. East

Total (402) (37) (38) (38) (37) (37) (39) (40) (36) (100)

Banks are holding back

from lending and stalling
68% 73% 63% 61% 59% 73% 69% 60% 72% 74%
sound business
propositions
Banks generally are
lending wisely and
20% 8% 18% 32% 22% 22% 10% 33% 25% 17%
assessing each request on
its business merits
Banks are being reckless
and lending too much on
7% 11% 11% 8% 11% 3% 18% 0% 0% 6%
unsafe business
propositions

Not stated 4% 8% 8% 0% 8% 3% 3% 8% 3% 3%

Column Total 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100%

Page 42 of 47
Extracts from QBE’s Third Business Sentiment Survey

Thinking of how the banks are handling requests for borrowing from businesses during the downturn, which of the following best
describes your opinion?

Base = all Country Number of employees

All Ireland UK 1 to 9 10 to 49 50 to 249

Total (402) (100) (302) (284) (83) (35)

Banks are holding back from

lending and stalling sound 68% 74% 66% 68% 66% 71%
business propositions
Banks generally are lending
wisely and assessing each
20% 17% 21% 18% 25% 26%
request on its business
merits
Banks are being reckless
and lending too much on
7% 6% 8% 8% 6% 3%
unsafe business
propositions

Not stated 4% 3% 5% 6% 2% 0%

Column Total 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100%

Page 43 of 47
Extracts from QBE’s Third Business Sentiment Survey

Thinking of how the banks are handling requests for borrowing from businesses during the downturn, which of the following best
describes your opinion?

Main business sector

All Building Business Financial IT, Leisure Manufng. Retail & Other
/ / Prof. services Media / / /Eng. Distn.
Constn. services Printing Catering
Total (402) (38) (114) (20) (40) (40) (55) (73) (22)

Banks are holding back

from lending and stalling
68% 68% 72% 60% 70% 58% 75% 63% 73%
sound business
propositions
Banks generally are
lending wisely and
20% 18% 18% 30% 23% 25% 18% 21% 18%
assessing each request
on its business merits
Banks are being reckless
and lending too much on
7% 11% 6% 5% 3% 13% 5% 10% 5%
unsafe business
propositions

Not stated 4% 3% 4% 5% 5% 5% 2% 7% 5%

Column Total 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100%

Page 44 of 47
Extracts from QBE’s Third Business Sentiment Survey

Thinking of how the banks are handling requests for borrowing from businesses during the downturn, which of the following best
describes your opinion?
Region
All Eastern London Midlands North North Scotland South Yorks/ Ireland
England & Wales Midlands West west N. East

Total (402) (37) (38) (38) (37) (37) (39) (40) (36) (100)

Downward trend in
83% 89% 74% 82% 70% 81% 85% 70% 83% 94%
unemployment figures
Upward trend in world
80% 84% 66% 79% 84% 73% 79% 85% 72% 88%
stock market indices
Upward trend in property
79% 76% 71% 82% 81% 76% 69% 83% 78% 85%
prices
Upward trend in high
74% 70% 79% 82% 78% 73% 64% 63% 81% 76%
street retail sales

Rising interest rates 65% 78% 66% 74% 62% 62% 51% 68% 53% 66%

Upward trend in sales of

52% 46% 50% 53% 51% 59% 44% 43% 44% 62%
luxury cars

Upward trend in air travel 50% 51% 50% 50% 43% 38% 54% 50% 39% 59%

Decreasing trend in the

50% 38% 55% 42% 46% 57% 36% 43% 50% 62%
price of gold
Upward trend in sales of
27% 14% 32% 16% 41% 19% 23% 23% 28% 35%
champagne

Page 45 of 47
Extracts from QBE’s Third Business Sentiment Survey

Thinking of how the banks are handling requests for borrowing from businesses during the downturn, which of the following best
describes your opinion?

Base = all Country Number of employees

All Ireland UK 1 to 9 10 to 49 50 to 249

Total (402) (100) (302) (284) (83) (35)

Downward trend in
83% 94% 79% 83% 83% 83%
unemployment figures
Upward trend in world stock
80% 88% 78% 79% 86% 83%
market indices
Upward trend in property
79% 85% 77% 79% 84% 66%
prices
Upward trend in high street
74% 76% 74% 71% 86% 74%
retail sales

Rising interest rates 65% 66% 64% 64% 69% 60%

Upward trend in sales of

52% 62% 49% 50% 61% 49%
luxury cars

Upward trend in air travel 50% 59% 47% 47% 55% 60%

Decreasing trend in the price

50% 62% 46% 48% 58% 46%
of gold
Upward trend in sales of
27% 35% 24% 27% 23% 31%
champagne
Page 46 of 47
Extracts from QBE’s Third Business Sentiment Survey

Thinking of how the banks are handling requests for borrowing from businesses during the downturn, which of the following best
describes your opinion?
Main business sector
All Building Business Financial IT, Leisure Manufng. Retail & Other
/ / Prof. services Media / / /Eng. Distn.
Constn. services Printing Catering
Total (402) (38) (114) (20) (40) (40) (55) (73) (22)

Downward trend in
83% 79% 82% 90% 80% 83% 82% 85% 86%
unemployment figures
Upward trend in world
80% 74% 84% 85% 68% 83% 82% 82% 77%
stock market indices
Upward trend in property
79% 74% 85% 75% 73% 70% 84% 79% 73%
prices
Upward trend in high
74% 76% 71% 65% 68% 65% 76% 84% 86%
street retail sales

Rising interest rates 65% 68% 72% 80% 60% 58% 56% 60% 64%

Upward trend in sales of

52% 47% 46% 55% 50% 50% 60% 58% 55%
luxury cars

Upward trend in air travel 50% 47% 50% 30% 43% 48% 49% 58% 68%

Decreasing trend in the

50% 53% 46% 55% 48% 65% 47% 53% 32%
price of gold
Upward trend in sales of
27% 24% 25% 10% 30% 40% 20% 34% 23%
champagne

Page 47 of 47