While small scale enterprise has expanded rapidly in recent years the way ahead looks uncertain. Drawing together recent research and thinking on small business activities from several disciplines, this book gives a comprehensive picture of the current situation and assesses the future. It evaluates the impact of such diverse influences as technological innovation, demogrpahic change, changes in orgh environment, women and entreprenuership, and by analysing trends in employment levels, banking policies and government schemes it explores ways to survive in an increasingly hostile environment.