Managing SMEs: research insights and implications for practice

The Breakfast Briefing, which took place on 30 September 2014, looked at current challenges in managing and financing small and medium-sized businesses.

Dr Richard Blundel, Senior Lecturer in Enterprise Development, shared insights from The Quarterly Survey of Small Business in Britain. In these video highlights, Richard reports on what SME owners and managers see as the best and worst aspects of owning and/or managing their own business, as compared to alternative career options; their short- to medium-term goals for the business and how they measure its success.

The Breakfast Briefings are a series of face-to-face events, as part of The Open University Business Network. These events aim to foster collaboration and create an opportunity to explore together the latest and best of business thinking. We understand business and want to help your business flourish by sharing our insights into leadership and management at this series of collaborative events.

Upcoming Events

May 21

CVSL Conference 2026: Voluntary Sector Leadership - what next?

Thursday, May 21, 2026 - 10:00 to 16:00

The Open University, Walton Hall, Milton Keynes, MK7 6AA

Join us at this year’s annual conference as we celebrate the 10th anniversary of CVSL. Together we’ll reflect on a decade of impact and look ahead to the next ten years, featuring insights and reflections from former CVSL directors.

Jun 2

Technology, Inclusion and Esports: Opening Up New Spaces of Participation

Tuesday, June 2, 2026 - 10:30 to 12:30

Online and and in person at The Open University, Milton Keynes, MK7 6BB

This event explores the relationship between technology, inclusion, and esports, examining how digital gaming environments can create new opportunities for participation, connection, and belonging in society and organisations.

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