Thesis: Growth Factors of Anglophone West Africa SMEs in South London

This thesis investigates the factors affecting the growth of Anglophone West Africa Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in South London, UK. It addresses the under-researched area of growth and barriers to growth for these SMEs, particularly in the London boroughs of Lambeth, Southwark, Lewisham, and Greenwich. The study uses both primary data collected through questionnaires and semi-structured interviews, and secondary data from literature and databases. Key findings reveal that access to finance, government policy (specifically taxation), management competence, and competition from larger companies are significant factors impacting SME growth. The research also highlights the need for measures to enhance the competitiveness of these SMEs in regional and global markets and draws attention to available support systems from local, state, and European Union agencies. The thesis contributes to the understanding of growth dynamics, barriers, and support systems, providing valuable insights for Anglophone West Africa SMEs in the UK.