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This research aims to investigate the role of interorganisational networks in foreign market identification and exploitation by small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Thailand. This research was undertaken because of the role of SMEs and exports in the Thai economy, coupled with a poor understanding in the literature regarding the extent to which Thai SMEs engage in export-led trade facilitated by interorganisational networks and shared resources. The research focuses on interorganisational networks of food industry SMEs. The theoretical basis of the research was established in models of internationalisation for SMEs and knowledge about the role of interorganisational networks in foreign market exploitation. The methodology involves longitudinal case studies, based on multiple interviews with 15 SMEs and two network partners. The cases analyse their current export situation, the role of network partners, including government institutions and programmes, changes in their trade position and role of interorganisational partners. Theoretically the research showed no single pattern of SME exporting. For example, while about 53% of firms seemed to follow the 'Uppsala model' of learning and gradual internationalisation, the other 47% were new exporting firms or so-called 'born global' firms. However, firms did share a number of similarities. For example, many were, at least initially, dependent on the Department of International Trade Promotion (DITP) and their trade fairs and other subsidised promotional activities to make initial contact with customers. Customers and commercial banks were also highly important network trade partners, although government banks such as EXIM Bank were less important. Most firms showed a reduction in reliance on government partners over time, as their customer base grew and relationships developed. The conclusion of this study is that the pattern of SME's foreign market identification and exploitation is dependent on the assistance of interorganisational network partners. These partners provide different types of assistance depending on the stage of export development, from offering initial assistance with international market entry through trade shows and expos to assisting with technical development and quality control for firms refining and expanding their export markets. Ultimately, however, the analysis shows that SME export success is dependent on both their own efforts and their effective use of available partner assistance.

This thesis investigates the relationship between Employee Working Life (EWL), Job Satisfaction (JS) and restaurant performance in United Kingdom Bangladeshi Restaurants (UKBRs). The UKBR sector consists of Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs) operated by entrepreneurs of Bangladeshi origin. EWL, JS and performance amongst enterprises in this sector have not previously been investigated in spite of their significance as employers. The study is based on semi-structured, face-to-face interviews with employees in UKBRs. Some 40 participants working in 20 BRs were interviewed. The restaurants were chosen using convenience sampling, and the participants were invited on the basis of their work responsibility and availability. The research used a thematic analytical technique, with the help of QSR N10, to develop nine key themes related to EWL, JS and performance. These themes highlight several unique aspects of the relationship between EWL, JS and performance. Primary research also involved reviewing 509 online customer Google and TripAdvisor reviews of the 20 BRs in the sample. The research findings highlight that the three factors of EWL, JS and performance, especially non-financial performance, are indeed linked. A close examination of these links reveals several key aspects. First, EWL is 'beyond' the UK tradition since employers show a domineering attitude. However, employees continue to work due to lack of skills and competence. Second, employees perceive of, and present themselves as satisfied. However, this satisfaction is not reflected in the business performance of BRs, which is experiencing downturn. This reflects the fact that employees' satisfaction is based on unethical dealings between owners and employees, according to which the act of employment is misused by both parties for what is seen as their mutual benefit, although in fact, it enables the exploitation of employees by the owners. Finally, the analysis shows that the kind of 'trap strategy' preferred by owners constrains employees to develop their skills for mobility to other industries. This is also underpinned with a visa system that helps employers to retain staff. Hence, employees' express satisfaction with their employment circumstances on the basis that it is the best they can hope for, given their poor transferability of skills and competence that defines the sector, and given their need to feel secure in the UK. As a result, this thesis proposes a new framework called 'The Employees' Working Life Improvement Model', which demonstrates how employment circumstances in this sector can be improved to the benefit of both employees and owners. Finally, the thesis makes recommendations for further research, including an examination of the applicability of the findings to SMEs operated by other ethnic groups in the UK.

Access to finance is a necessity for the start-up, growth, innovation and survival of any organisation. As a result, access to finance has become an important theme in small business research. Although there is overwhelming research evidence on access to finance, there are still research gaps in the knowledge base of different forms of access to finance, especially in times of uncertainty and economic distress. Specifically, more research is needed on the identification of relevant theories of access to finance, the role of venture capital and crowdfunding, the effect of financial education and self-confidence on access to micro finance and the role of institutions in small firms financial liquidity. The thesis aims to fill these gaps and provide comprehensive reviews and new empirical evidence related to the above issues. Reviewing the academic literature, this research supports the view that venture capital and crowdfunding are both relevant in access to funding for firms as they represent worthy alternatives for different types of firms. Venture capital firms (VCF) have targeted their investment on later-stage, management buy-out and buy-in to limit their risks and increase returns. Although VCF traditionally have huge appetite for high risk and high returns, research show that they concentrate their funding on older innovative firms. In their risk aversion, VCF have become more stringent in their entrepreneurial project selection and monitoring with reduced funding of seed and early stage of projects. Turning to empirical parts of the thesis, a series of interesting and new findings have emerged. First, this thesis supports the view that financial self-confidence of the owner manager contributes to successful access to finance for UK firms whereas financial education is found to have weak explanatory power. However, financial education is found to increase financial self-confidence, and thus can be used as a means of improving access to micro-finance for SMEs. Self-confidence is also found to be affected by past poor performance of the owners’ credit outcomes stressing the importance of building a successful credit history and experience with the financial sector. Finally, at international level this thesis stresses the importance of regulation and institutions in Baltic States and South Caucasus countries in SME access to finance. The analysis points also towards some gender differences which add to the existing debate on differences between males and females.

Family businesses make significant contributions to gross national product, employment and wealth creation in countries around the globe. In the UK, a third of businesses are regarded as family businesses. Yet despite their economic importance, much of the current legislation on boards (eg Companies Act 2006) fails to recognize the uniqueness of family businesses and their boards. This study explores the diverse approaches to governance within small and medium-sized family businesses (SMFBs) in the UK. It draws on original evidence gathered from 8 case companies by means of longitudinal study and semi-structured interviews. It employs rich narrative, thematic case and cross case analysis to identify similarities and differences between boards using a spectrum of boards and investigates the influence of board roles and show internal dynamics affect directors and their roles during the decision-making process. Building on prior literature, which suggests that boards significantly influence the behaviour of SMFBs, this thesis identifies the importance of family, business and family business aims and stage of the business. It also identifies the importance of, education and skills and relationship using dyads while highlighting the nuances and shifting dynamics of director’s relationships. The findings are used to develop a family business board model which adds to our understanding of how SMFBs function. Finally, it suggests how the new framework might be developed to support SMFBs identify and implement governance structures, and examines the policy and praxis implications of the findings. The thesis demonstrates that family businesses set up their governance around the aims of their business and that informal roles impact on the running of the board which is currently ignored in legislation and ’best practice’ suggestions which tries to suggest ’one size fits all’.