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Writer's pictureSophie Wilson

What does the Rising Inflation Rate Mean for Businesses?




In order for a business to succeed, it is important that its owners understand all the

different factors that could affect them. One of these factors is inflation, which at the

moment is quite prominent in the UK.


It is important for every business to be well aware of what inflation is and whenever the

rate of inflation changes. This is because it measures how much prices for goods and

services increase over time. When inflation is high, consumers cannot buy as much with

their money.


Read on to discover why inflation is rising, how it could affect your business and what you

can do about it.


What Is Inflation?


According to the Bank of England, ‘Inflation is the term we use to describe rising prices.


How quickly prices go up is called the rate of inflation.’ When the rate of inflation is low and

stable, the economy is in a healthy position. The Government’s target for the rate of

inflation is 2%. However, the rate of inflation currently stands at 10.1%, the highest rate in

40 years.


Inflation often encourages spending because consumers prefer to buy goods now rather

than wait. If inflation is too low, consumers are put off spending their money with

businesses. If inflation is too high, businesses find it challenging to set prices due to demand

exceeding supply.


Why Is Inflation Increasing?


Inflation has been increasing ever since the Coronavirus pandemic and the global lockdowns

that were put in place because of it. When the economy began to reopen once lockdowns

were over, the demand for certain goods increased, which therefore put a strain on

businesses and supply chains, leading to price rises.


Another factor that affects inflation is employment. After the pandemic, many people

started changing jobs and this change has led to increasing costs for businesses as well as

higher wages.


A more recent factor is the war in Ukraine, as the penalties, Russia has faced due to this has added further pressure to food and fuel prices.


How Does Inflation Affect Businesses?


Inflation affects businesses of all sizes in a number of ways, and here are just a few of them:


o Disrupted supply chains

o A shortage of raw materials

o Less consumer spending

o Higher employee wages

o Increased competition of market share

o Higher overhead and inventory costs


As well as all the negative effects of inflation, there are also some positive effects. These

include stimulated economic growth, price increases growing revenue, and a reduction in

unemployment.


How Can Business Owners Tackle Inflation?


One way business owners could tackle inflation is by auditing their prices and costs.

Auditing your prices could help you to work out whether increasing your prices will

improve profit margins. By auditing your costs, you will be able to find areas in the business

where you could reduce your expenses.


Does Inflation Affect All Businesses The Same?


Businesses that sell durable goods with a long lifespan, such as cars and electronics, are

normally less affected by inflation than businesses that sell non-durable goods.

Non-durable goods, particularly food and clothing, need to be purchased and replaced more

frequently. Due to this, businesses that sell items such as food often raise their prices so they can stay ahead of inflation.


What Happens When A Business Expects Inflation?


When businesses expect inflation, they will have a better chance of protecting themselves

and the ability to adjust their prices accordingly. They may also invest in assets that are

likely to increase in value, such as buying a property.


Thanks For Reading


Thank you for reading our article on inflation and we hope you have found it useful. If you

liked this blog, take a look at the other ones we have to offer. They cover a wide range of

topics such as business tips and knowledge.


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