Data were collected by The Survey Shop in June 2010. A total of 406 interviews were conducted by telephone using quota sampling. Respondents were qualified as owners, managers and decision-makers, and the data are representative of SMEs in UK and Ireland.

1. Extracts from QBE SME Research June 2010
PRESS RELEASE
Page 1 of 50
QBE’s FOURTH BUSINESS SENTIMENT SURVEY
DATA EXTRACT
London, 15 July 2010
About QBE’s Fourth Business Sentiment Survey
Data were collected by The Survey Shop in June 2010. A total of 406 interviews were
conducted by telephone using quota sampling. Respondents were qualified as owners,
managers and decision-makers, and the data are representative of SMEs in UK and
Ireland. The data are representative of SMEs in the UK and Ireland, grouped by region
(East, London, Midlands & Wales, North Midlands, North West, Scotland, South West,
Yorkshire & North East and Ireland) and by number of employees (Up to 10, 10 to 49 and
50 to 250).
About QBE
Founded in Australia over 100 years ago, QBE Insurance Group is a specialist business
insurer, now operating out of 48 countries across the globe. We have been active in the UK
since 1904, orginally within the marine insurance market, but branching out more recently to
offer commercial insurance to companies across the UK. At the end of 2009, the Group’s
turnover was over £7bn, making it one of the largest insurance firms in the UK.
We provide insurance for a broad range of business categories, including property, motor
(commercial, bus and fleet), employers’, public and product liability insurance,
professional indemnity, leisure and sport, marine, energy, aviation, and specialty
insurance, including bloodstock.
In the UK QBE is rated a leading insurer for claims service,* scored above average in all
five key measures of insurer performance**: and best insurer for Commercial Motor***
* December 2009, source: Gracechurch Survey
**Source: Insurance Times Commercial Broker Survey 2009
***Source: Post Magazine 360 Commercial Broker Survey 2009

2. Extracts from QBE SME Research June 2010
PRESS RELEASE
Page 2 of 50
QBE is proud to be the official insurance partner of Premiership Rugby and England.
These partnerships with two elite properties in the sport will allow QBE’s brand to
continue to develop and business to grow
-ENDS-
For further information please contact:
Sandra Villanueva, QBE European Operations
Tel:+44 20 7105 4428; email sandra.villanueva@uk.qbe.com
Samantha Whiteley, Haggie Financial
Tel: + 44 20 7417 8989; email Samantha.Whiteley@haggie.co.uk
Henny Breakwell, Haggie Financial
Tel: +44 20 7417 8989 email: Henny.Breakwell@haggie.co.uk
Follow us on Twitter @ http://twitter.com/QBEeo

3. Extracts from QBE SME Research June 2010
PRESS RELEASE
Page 3 of 50
How long do you expect it will before we see full economic recovery in [the UK / Ireland]? (one)
Base = all Region
All
Eastern
England
London &
South
East
Midlands
& Wales
North
midlands
North
West
Scotland
South
west
Yorks/
N. East
Southern
Ireland
(406) (38) (39) (37) (37) (38) (40) (38) (37) (102)
6 months 1% 0% 0% 5% 0% 0% 3% 3% 0% 1%
12 months 13% 21% 23% 16% 5% 3% 8% 8% 22% 12%
18 months 12% 13% 8% 5% 19% 18% 10% 13% 11% 10%
2 years 60% 58% 46% 62% 59% 66% 63% 71% 41% 65%
Don’t know 15% 8% 23% 11% 16% 13% 18% 5% 27% 13%
Column total 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100%

4. Extracts from QBE SME Research June 2010
PRESS RELEASE
Page 4 of 50
How long do you expect it will before we see full economic recovery in [the UK / Ireland]? (one)
Base = all Region II
All
Midlands &
Wales
North West Scotland
London &
South East
Eastern
England
South west
Yorkshire
or the North
East
Southern
Ireland
(406) (74) (38) (40) (39) (38) (38) (37) (102)
6 months 1% 3% 0% 3% 0% 0% 3% 0% 1%
12 months 13% 11% 3% 8% 23% 21% 8% 22% 12%
18 months 12% 12% 18% 10% 8% 13% 13% 11% 10%
2 years 60% 61% 66% 63% 46% 58% 71% 41% 65%
Don’t know 15% 14% 13% 18% 23% 8% 5% 27% 13%
Column total 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100%

5. Extracts from QBE SME Research June 2010
PRESS RELEASE
Page 5 of 50
How long do you expect it will before we see full economic recovery in [the UK / Ireland]? (one)
Base = all Country No of Employees
All UK Ireland 1 to 9 10 to 49 50 to 249
(406) (304) (102) (301) (87) (18)
6 months 1% 1% 1% 1% 2% 0%
12 months 13% 13% 12% 12% 18% 0%
18 months 12% 12% 10% 11% 10% 28%
2 years 60% 58% 65% 62% 55% 44%
Don’t know 15% 15% 13% 14% 14% 28%
Column total 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100%

6. Extracts from QBE SME Research June 2010
PRESS RELEASE
Page 6 of 50
How long do you expect it will before we see full economic recovery in [the UK / Ireland]? (one)
Base = all Main business sector
All
Building /
const.
Business /
prof.
Financial
services
IT, media/
printing
Leisure /
catering
Manufng /
Eng
Retail &
Distn.
Other
(406) (42) (110) (19) (42) (42) (41) (59) (51)
6 months 1% 2% 1% 5% 2% 0% 0% 0% 2%
12 months 13% 7% 13% 11% 17% 7% 20% 15% 12%
18 months 12% 14% 13% 21% 10% 5% 27% 7% 4%
2 years 60% 48% 65% 53% 67% 60% 41% 61% 71%
Don’t know 15% 29% 9% 11% 5% 29% 12% 17% 12%
Column total 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100%

7. Extracts from QBE SME Research June 2010
PRESS RELEASE
Page 7 of 50
Following the down-turn, how do you expect your business to perform in the next 6 months? (one)
Base = all Region
All
Eastern
England
London &
South
East
Midlands
& Wales
North
midlands
North
West
Scotland
South
west
Yorks/ N.
East
Southern
Ireland
(406) (38) (39) (37) (37) (38) (40) (38) (37) (102)
Sales turnover to increase
greatly in the next 6 months
5% 8% 3% 8% 5% 0% 10% 3% 11% 2%
Sales turnover to increase a
little in the next 6 months
27% 32% 18% 32% 32% 32% 28% 24% 30% 25%
Sales turnover to stay the
same in the next 6 months
45% 50% 49% 35% 35% 53% 38% 55% 41% 46%
Sales turnover to decrease a
little in the next 6 months
18% 8% 23% 14% 24% 16% 20% 18% 11% 22%
Sales turnover to decrease a
great deal in the next 6 months
5% 3% 8% 11% 3% 0% 5% 0% 8% 6%
Column total 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100%

8. Extracts from QBE SME Research June 2010
PRESS RELEASE
Page 8 of 50
Following the down-turn, how do you expect your business to perform in the next 6 months? (one)
Base = all Region II
All
Midlands
& Wales
North
West
Scotland
London &
South
East
Eastern
England
South
west
Yorkshire
or the
North
East
Southern
Ireland
(406) (74) (38) (40) (39) (38) (38) (37) (102)
Sales turnover to increase
greatly in the next 6 months
5% 7% 0% 10% 3% 8% 3% 11% 2%
Sales turnover to increase a
little in the next 6 months
27% 32% 32% 28% 18% 32% 24% 30% 25%
Sales turnover to stay the
same in the next 6 months
45% 35% 53% 38% 49% 50% 55% 41% 46%
Sales turnover to decrease a
little in the next 6 months
18% 19% 16% 20% 23% 8% 18% 11% 22%
Sales turnover to decrease a
great deal in the next 6 months
5% 7% 0% 5% 8% 3% 0% 8% 6%
Column total 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100%

9. Extracts from QBE SME Research June 2010
PRESS RELEASE
Page 9 of 50
Following the down-turn, how do you expect your business to perform in the next 6 months? (one)
Base = all Country No of Employees
All UK Ireland 1 to 9 10 to 49 50 to 249
(406) (304) (102) (301) (87) (18)
Sales turnover to increase
greatly in the next 6 months
5% 6% 2% 4% 8% 0%
Sales turnover to increase a
little in the next 6 months
27% 28% 25% 27% 30% 22%
Sales turnover to stay the
same in the next 6 months
45% 44% 46% 45% 43% 61%
Sales turnover to decrease a
little in the next 6 months
18% 17% 22% 18% 17% 17%
Sales turnover to decrease a
great deal in the next 6 months
5% 5% 6% 6% 2% 0%
Column total 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100%

10. Extracts from QBE SME Research June 2010
PRESS RELEASE
Page 10 of 50
Following the down-turn, how do you expect your business to perform in the next 6 months? (one)
Base = all Main business sector
All
Building
/ const.
Business
/ prof.
Financial
services
IT, media/
printing
Leisure /
catering
Manufng /
Eng
Retail &
Distn.
Other
(406) (42) (110) (19) (42) (42) (41) (59) (51)
Sales turnover to increase
greatly in the next 6 months
5% 12% 3% 0% 10% 0% 5% 5% 6%
Sales turnover to increase a
little in the next 6 months
27% 14% 27% 47% 33% 33% 34% 25% 18%
Sales turnover to stay the
same in the next 6 months
45% 52% 48% 32% 33% 31% 39% 51% 55%
Sales turnover to decrease a
little in the next 6 months
18% 17% 15% 21% 19% 31% 20% 15% 14%
Sales turnover to decrease a
great deal in the next 6 months
5% 5% 6% 0% 5% 5% 2% 3% 8%
Column total 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100%

11. Extracts from QBE SME Research June 2010
PRESS RELEASE
Page 11 of 50
Does your company expect to hire more staff in 2010?
Base = all Region
All
Eastern
England
London &
South
East
Midlands
& Wales
North
midlands
North
West
Scotland
South
West
Yorks/
N. East
Southern
Ireland
(406) (38) (39) (37) (37) (38) (40) (38) (37) (102)
Yes 15% 26% 13% 16% 19% 11% 25% 5% 16% 9%
No 85% 74% 87% 84% 81% 89% 75% 95% 84% 91%
Column total 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100%

12. Extracts from QBE SME Research June 2010
PRESS RELEASE
Page 12 of 50
Does your company expect to hire more staff in 2010?
Base = all Region II
All
Midlands
& Wales
North
West
Scotland
London &
South
East
Eastern
England
South
west
Yorkshire
or the
North
East
Southern
Ireland
(406) (74) (38) (40) (39) (38) (38) (37) (102)
Yes 15% 18% 11% 25% 13% 26% 5% 16% 9%
No 85% 82% 89% 75% 87% 74% 95% 84% 91%
Column total 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100%

13. Extracts from QBE SME Research June 2010
PRESS RELEASE
Page 13 of 50
Does your company expect to hire more staff in 2010?
Base = all Country No of Employees
All UK Ireland 1 to 9 10 to 49 50 to 249
(406) (304) (102) (301) (87) (18)
Yes 15% 16% 9% 11% 28% 6%
No 85% 84% 91% 89% 72% 94%
Column total 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100%

14. Extracts from QBE SME Research June 2010
PRESS RELEASE
Page 14 of 50
Does your company expect to hire more staff in 2010?
Base = all Main business sector
All
Building
/ const.
Business
/ prof.
Financial
services
IT, media/
printing
Leisure /
catering
Manufng /
Eng
Retail &
Distn.
Other
(406) (42) (110) (19) (42) (42) (41) (59) (51)
Yes 15% 17% 16% 11% 26% 14% 17% 5% 10%
No 85% 83% 84% 89% 74% 86% 83% 95% 90%
Column total 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100%

15. Extracts from QBE SME Research June 2010
PRESS RELEASE
Page 15 of 50
If current conditions were to continue for another twelve months how difficult or otherwise would it be for your business to
survive? (one)
Base = all Region
All
Eastern
England
London
& South
East
Midlands
& Wales
North
midlands
North
West
Scotland
South
West
Yorks/
N. East
Southern
Ireland
(406) (38) (39) (37) (37) (38) (40) (38) (37) (102)
Not difficult at all 44% 61% 44% 35% 46% 53% 48% 42% 49% 34%
Difficult 32% 29% 28% 24% 41% 32% 33% 39% 32% 32%
Very difficult 15% 8% 18% 24% 8% 5% 8% 13% 16% 22%
Extreme difficulty – very
unlikely to survive
7% 0% 10% 14% 5% 8% 8% 5% 3% 8%
Not stated 2% 3% 0% 3% 0% 3% 5% 0% 0% 4%
Column total 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100%

16. Extracts from QBE SME Research June 2010
PRESS RELEASE
Page 16 of 50
If current conditions were to continue for another twelve months how difficult or otherwise would it be for your business to
survive? (one)
Base = all Region II
All
Midlands
& Wales
North
West
Scotland
London &
South
East
Eastern
England
South
west
Yorkshire
or the
North
East
Southern
Ireland
(406) (74) (38) (40) (39) (38) (38) (37) (102)
Not difficult at all 44% 41% 53% 48% 44% 61% 42% 49% 34%
Difficult 32% 32% 32% 33% 28% 29% 39% 32% 32%
Very difficult 15% 16% 5% 8% 18% 8% 13% 16% 22%
Extreme difficulty – very
unlikely to survive
7% 9% 8% 8% 10% 0% 5% 3% 8%
Not stated 2% 1% 3% 5% 0% 3% 0% 0% 4%
Column total 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100%

17. Extracts from QBE SME Research June 2010
PRESS RELEASE
Page 17 of 50
If current conditions were to continue for another twelve months how difficult or otherwise would it be for your business to
survive? (one)
Base = all Country No of Employees
All UK Ireland 1 to 9 10 to 49 50 to 249
(406) (304) (102) (301) (87) (18)
Not difficult at all 44% 47% 34% 43% 44% 56%
Difficult 32% 32% 32% 32% 33% 33%
Very difficult 15% 13% 22% 15% 15% 6%
Extreme difficulty – very
unlikely to survive
7% 7% 8% 8% 6% 0%
Not stated 2% 2% 4% 2% 2% 6%
Column total 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100%

18. Extracts from QBE SME Research June 2010
PRESS RELEASE
Page 18 of 50
If current conditions were to continue for another twelve months how difficult or otherwise would it be for your business
to survive? (one)
Base = all Main business sector
All
Building
/ const.
Business
/ prof.
Financial
services
IT, media/
printing
Leisure /
catering
Manufng /
Eng
Retail &
Distn.
Other
(406) (42) (110) (19) (42) (42) (41) (59) (51)
Not difficult at all 44% 36% 49% 63% 40% 36% 27% 49% 49%
Difficult 32% 29% 28% 32% 31% 33% 46% 29% 37%
Very difficult 15% 21% 15% 5% 17% 24% 12% 10% 10%
Extreme difficulty – very
unlikely to survive
7% 12% 6% 0% 5% 5% 10% 10% 4%
Not stated 2% 2% 1% 0% 7% 2% 5% 2% 0%
Column total 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100%

19. Extracts from QBE SME Research June 2010
PRESS RELEASE
Page 19 of 50
In the current environment, how easy is it, or how easy would you expect it to be, for you to access commercial credit?
(one)
Base = all Region
All
Eastern
England
London
& South
East
Midlands
& Wales
North
midlands
North
West
Scotland
South
West
Yorks/
N. East
Southern
Ireland
(406) (38) (39) (37) (37) (38) (40) (38) (37) (102)
Very easy 2% 0% 3% 5% 3% 5% 0% 3% 0% 1%
Easy 6% 13% 3% 11% 8% 3% 10% 3% 8% 3%
Same as in previous
times
37% 45% 41% 35% 30% 42% 40% 34% 51% 27%
Difficult 26% 18% 18% 14% 27% 24% 33% 42% 16% 30%
Very difficult 26% 21% 36% 35% 30% 11% 13% 13% 19% 37%
Not stated 4% 3% 0% 0% 3% 16% 5% 5% 5% 1%
Column total 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100%

20. Extracts from QBE SME Research June 2010
PRESS RELEASE
Page 20 of 50
In the current environment, how easy is it, or how easy would you expect it to be, for you to access commercial credit?
(one)
Base = all Region II
All
Midlands
& Wales
North
West
Scotland
London &
South
East
Eastern
England
South
west
Yorkshire
or the
North
East
Southern
Ireland
(406) (74) (38) (40) (39) (38) (38) (37) (102)
Very easy 2% 4% 5% 0% 3% 0% 3% 0% 1%
Easy 6% 9% 3% 10% 3% 13% 3% 8% 3%
Same as in previous times 37% 32% 42% 40% 41% 45% 34% 51% 27%
Difficult 26% 20% 24% 33% 18% 18% 42% 16% 30%
Very difficult 26% 32% 11% 13% 36% 21% 13% 19% 37%
Not stated 4% 1% 16% 5% 0% 3% 5% 5% 1%
Column total 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100%

21. Extracts from QBE SME Research June 2010
PRESS RELEASE
Page 21 of 50
In the current environment, how easy is it, or how easy would you expect it to be, for you to access commercial credit?
(one)
Base = all Country No of Employees
All UK Ireland 1 to 9 10 to 49 50 to 249
(406) (304) (102) (301) (87) (18)
Very easy 2% 2% 1% 2% 0% 6%
Easy 6% 7% 3% 7% 6% 0%
Same as in previous times 37% 40% 27% 37% 39% 22%
Difficult 26% 24% 30% 24% 29% 44%
Very difficult 26% 22% 37% 26% 25% 28%
Not stated 4% 5% 1% 5% 1% 0%
Column total 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100%

22. Extracts from QBE SME Research June 2010
PRESS RELEASE
Page 22 of 50
In the current environment, how easy is it, or how easy would you expect it to be, for you to access commercial credit?
(one)
Base = all Main business sector
All
Building
/ const.
Business
/ prof.
Financial
services
IT, media/
printing
Leisure /
catering
Manufng /
Eng
Retail &
Distn.
Other
(406) (42) (110) (19) (42) (42) (41) (59) (51)
Very easy 2% 0% 3% 0% 5% 2% 5% 0% 0%
Easy 6% 14% 6% 0% 2% 5% 2% 7% 8%
Same as in previous times 37% 38% 35% 42% 45% 29% 37% 32% 41%
Difficult 26% 24% 26% 32% 17% 29% 27% 31% 22%
Very difficult 26% 21% 28% 16% 26% 36% 27% 25% 20%
Not stated 4% 2% 1% 11% 5% 0% 2% 5% 10%
Column total 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100%

23. Extracts from QBE SME Research June 2010
PRESS RELEASE
Page 23 of 50
Which of the following would you say appear to have been the benefits of having experienced the downturn? (any)
Base = all Region
All
Eastern
England
London &
South
East
Midlands
& Wales
North
midlands
North
West
Scotland
South
West
Yorks/
N. East
Southern
Ireland
(406) (38) (39) (37) (37) (38) (40) (38) (37) (102)
Now a more competitive
business
46% 42% 33% 46% 51% 42% 58% 32% 49% 53%
Now a leaner business 42% 37% 33% 54% 43% 39% 45% 42% 27% 46%
Greater awareness of
individual customer’s needs
39% 47% 49% 38% 49% 37% 35% 29% 43% 34%
Now a more efficient business 39% 34% 33% 30% 49% 45% 40% 37% 32% 44%
New market or markets
identified
26% 26% 23% 38% 24% 37% 23% 24% 22% 22%
Reduced costs from some
suppliers
21% 24% 8% 5% 16% 16% 23% 11% 16% 39%
Developed a new product or
service that appears to have
long-term potential
18% 24% 10% 16% 22% 13% 28% 24% 14% 16%

24. Extracts from QBE SME Research June 2010
PRESS RELEASE
Page 24 of 50
Which of the following would you say appear to have been the benefits of having experienced the downturn? (any)
Base = all Region II
All
Midlands
& Wales
North
West
Scotland
London &
South
East
Eastern
England
South
west
Yorkshire
or the
North
East
Southern
Ireland
(406) (74) (38) (40) (39) (38) (38) (37) (102)
Now a more competitive
business
46% 49% 42% 58% 33% 42% 32% 49% 53%
Now a leaner business 42% 49% 39% 45% 33% 37% 42% 27% 46%
Greater awareness of
individual customer’s needs
39% 43% 37% 35% 49% 47% 29% 43% 34%
Now a more efficient business 39% 39% 45% 40% 33% 34% 37% 32% 44%
New market or markets
identified
26% 31% 37% 23% 23% 26% 24% 22% 22%
Reduced costs from some
suppliers
21% 11% 16% 23% 8% 24% 11% 16% 39%
Developed a new product or
service that appears to have
long-term potential
18% 19% 13% 28% 10% 24% 24% 14% 16%

25. Extracts from QBE SME Research June 2010
PRESS RELEASE
Page 25 of 50
Which of the following would you say appear to have been the benefits of having experienced the downturn? (any)
Base = all Country No of Employees
All UK Ireland 1 to 9 10 to 49 50 to 249
(406) (304) (102) (301) (87) (18)
Now a more competitive
business
46% 44% 53% 44% 53% 50%
Now a leaner business 42% 40% 46% 41% 45% 33%
Greater awareness of
individual customer’s needs
39% 41% 34% 39% 40% 39%
Now a more efficient business 39% 38% 44% 35% 52% 50%
New market or markets
identified
26% 27% 22% 23% 32% 33%
Reduced costs from some
suppliers
21% 15% 39% 20% 21% 33%
Developed a new product or
service that appears to have
long-term potential
18% 19% 16% 19% 20% 0%

26. Extracts from QBE SME Research June 2010
PRESS RELEASE
Page 26 of 50
Which of the following would you say appear to have been the benefits of having experienced the downturn? (any)
Base = all Main business sector
All
Building
/ const.
Business
/ prof.
Financial
services
IT, media/
printing
Leisure /
catering
Manufng /
Eng
Retail &
Distn.
Other
(406) (42) (110) (19) (42) (42) (41) (59) (51)
Now a more competitive
business
46% 55% 44% 47% 38% 43% 56% 59% 31%
Now a leaner business 42% 55% 29% 53% 36% 40% 56% 56% 31%
Greater awareness of
individual customer’s needs
39% 45% 34% 42% 19% 36% 46% 53% 43%
Now a more efficient business 39% 43% 35% 37% 31% 33% 44% 56% 33%
New market or markets
identified
26% 33% 25% 21% 14% 24% 37% 27% 24%
Reduced costs from some
suppliers
21% 21% 18% 5% 26% 31% 12% 31% 16%
Developed a new product or
service that appears to have
long-term potential
18% 19% 18% 11% 14% 17% 29% 15% 18%

27. Extracts from QBE SME Research June 2010
PRESS RELEASE
Page 27 of 50
What effect would an increase or increases in interest rates mean for your business? (one)
Base = all Region
All
Eastern
England
London &
South
East
Midlands
& Wales
North
midlands
North
West
Scotland
South
West
Yorks/
N. East
Southern
Ireland
(406) (38) (39) (37) (37) (38) (40) (38) (37) (102)
Major problem 21% 13% 21% 38% 19% 13% 10% 26% 22% 23%
Small problem 31% 37% 36% 27% 38% 26% 33% 16% 27% 35%
No impact 37% 37% 28% 22% 32% 39% 50% 53% 32% 36%
Small positive benefit 6% 11% 13% 11% 5% 5% 5% 5% 8% 2%
Major positive benefit 1% 3% 0% 3% 0% 3% 0% 0% 3% 1%
Don’t know 3% 0% 3% 0% 5% 13% 0% 0% 8% 2%
Column total 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100%

28. Extracts from QBE SME Research June 2010
PRESS RELEASE
Page 28 of 50
What effect would an increase or increases in interest rates mean for your business? (one)
Base = all Region II
All
Midlands
& Wales
North
West
Scotland
London &
South
East
Eastern
England
South
west
Yorkshire
or the
North
East
Southern
Ireland
(406) (74) (38) (40) (39) (38) (38) (37) (102)
Major problem 21% 28% 13% 10% 21% 13% 26% 22% 23%
Small problem 31% 32% 26% 33% 36% 37% 16% 27% 35%
No impact 37% 27% 39% 50% 28% 37% 53% 32% 36%
Small positive benefit 6% 8% 5% 5% 13% 11% 5% 8% 2%
Major positive benefit 1% 1% 3% 0% 0% 3% 0% 3% 1%
Don’t know 3% 3% 13% 0% 3% 0% 0% 8% 2%
Column total 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100%

29. Extracts from QBE SME Research June 2010
PRESS RELEASE
Page 29 of 50
What effect would an increase or increases in interest rates mean for your business? (one)
Base = all Country No of Employees
All UK Ireland 1 to 9 10 to 49 50 to 249
(406) (304) (102) (301) (87) (18)
Major problem 21% 20% 23% 20% 25% 17%
Small problem 31% 30% 35% 31% 30% 44%
No impact 37% 37% 36% 39% 31% 22%
Small positive benefit 6% 8% 2% 6% 9% 6%
Major positive benefit 1% 1% 1% 2% 0% 0%
Don’t know 3% 4% 2% 3% 3% 11%
Column total 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100%

30. Extracts from QBE SME Research June 2010
PRESS RELEASE
Page 30 of 50
What effect would an increase or increases in interest rates mean for your business? (one)
Base = all Main business sector
All
Building
/ const.
Business
/ prof.
Financial
services
IT, media/
printing
Leisure /
catering
Manufng /
Eng
Retail &
Distn.
Other
(406) (42) (110) (19) (42) (42) (41) (59) (51)
Major problem 21% 26% 16% 11% 7% 40% 22% 24% 20%
Small problem 31% 36% 32% 32% 31% 31% 34% 34% 22%
No impact 37% 36% 37% 47% 48% 19% 37% 32% 43%
Small positive benefit 6% 2% 10% 0% 12% 7% 0% 3% 8%
Major positive benefit 1% 0% 1% 5% 0% 0% 5% 2% 0%
Don’t know 3% 0% 3% 5% 2% 2% 0% 5% 8%
Column total 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100%

31. Extracts from QBE SME Research June 2010
PRESS RELEASE
Page 31 of 50
What would a rise in inflation mean for your business? (one)
Base = all Region
All
Eastern
England
London &
South
East
Midlands
& Wales
North
midlands
North
West
Scotland
South
West
Yorks/
N. East
Southern
Ireland
(406) (38) (39) (37) (37) (38) (40) (38) (37) (102)
Major problem 20% 16% 23% 35% 14% 16% 13% 26% 24% 17%
Small problem 45% 50% 36% 46% 54% 37% 53% 37% 41% 48%
No impact 26% 32% 31% 16% 16% 29% 33% 29% 22% 26%
Small positive benefit 3% 0% 5% 3% 3% 3% 0% 3% 5% 5%
Major positive benefit 1% 0% 0% 0% 0% 5% 0% 3% 0% 1%
Don’t know 5% 3% 5% 0% 14% 11% 3% 3% 5% 3%
Column total 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100%

32. Extracts from QBE SME Research June 2010
PRESS RELEASE
Page 32 of 50
What would a rise in inflation mean for your business? (one)
Base = all Region II
All
Midlands
& Wales
North
West
Scotland
London &
South
East
Eastern
England
South
west
Yorkshire
or the
North
East
Southern
Ireland
(406) (74) (38) (40) (39) (38) (38) (37) (102)
Major problem 20% 24% 16% 13% 23% 16% 26% 24% 17%
Small problem 45% 50% 37% 53% 36% 50% 37% 41% 48%
No impact 26% 16% 29% 33% 31% 32% 29% 22% 26%
Small positive benefit 3% 3% 3% 0% 5% 0% 3% 5% 5%
Major positive benefit 1% 0% 5% 0% 0% 0% 3% 0% 1%
Don’t know 5% 7% 11% 3% 5% 3% 3% 5% 3%
Column total 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100%

33. Extracts from QBE SME Research June 2010
PRESS RELEASE
Page 33 of 50
What would a rise in inflation mean for your business? (one)
Base = all Country No of Employees
All UK Ireland 1 to 9 10 to 49 50 to 249
(406) (304) (102) (301) (87) (18)
Major problem 20% 21% 17% 18% 29% 11%
Small problem 45% 44% 48% 46% 39% 56%
No impact 26% 26% 26% 28% 22% 17%
Small positive benefit 3% 3% 5% 3% 2% 6%
Major positive benefit 1% 1% 1% 1% 2% 0%
Don’t know 5% 5% 3% 4% 6% 11%
Column total 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100%

34. Extracts from QBE SME Research June 2010
PRESS RELEASE
Page 34 of 50
What would a rise in inflation mean for your business? (one)
Base = all Main business sector
All
Building
/ const.
Business
/ prof.
Financial
services
IT, media/
printing
Leisure /
catering
Manufng /
Eng
Retail &
Distn.
Other
(406) (42) (110) (19) (42) (42) (41) (59) (51)
Major problem 20% 31% 14% 0% 19% 36% 22% 20% 16%
Small problem 45% 33% 38% 58% 48% 38% 51% 54% 53%
No impact 26% 24% 36% 37% 31% 14% 24% 15% 22%
Small positive benefit 3% 2% 5% 0% 0% 5% 0% 5% 2%
Major positive benefit 1% 0% 2% 0% 0% 0% 2% 2% 0%
Don’t know 5% 10% 5% 5% 2% 5% 0% 3% 8%
Column total 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100%

35. Extracts from QBE SME Research June 2010
PRESS RELEASE
Page 35 of 50
In which of the following areas, if any, do you think the government should cut spending to reduce the national deficit?
[rotate]
Base = all Region
All
Eastern
England
London &
South
East
Midlands
& Wales
North
midlands
North
West
Scotland
South
West
Yorks/
N. East
Southern
Ireland
(406) (38) (39) (37) (37) (38) (40) (38) (37) (102)
Local government 52% 55% 41% 54% 59% 63% 50% 53% 49% 48%
Overseas Aid 50% 53% 41% 54% 59% 68% 43% 61% 73% 32%
Welfare 43% 32% 41% 51% 51% 39% 33% 45% 54% 43%
Defence 31% 37% 31% 30% 24% 32% 30% 29% 24% 36%
Equal cuts across the board
(5% / 10% / 15% etc)
29% 21% 28% 22% 43% 29% 33% 34% 22% 29%
Infrastructure/Transport 18% 16% 21% 11% 24% 18% 13% 21% 30% 17%
Health 13% 16% 10% 14% 16% 13% 8% 21% 5% 12%
Education 8% 3% 8% 8% 14% 11% 8% 13% 8% 5%

36. Extracts from QBE SME Research June 2010
PRESS RELEASE
Page 36 of 50
In which of the following areas, if any, do you think the government should cut spending to reduce the national deficit?
[rotate]
Base = all Region II
All
Midlands
& Wales
North
West
Scotland
London &
South
East
Eastern
England
South
west
Yorkshire
or the
North
East
Southern
Ireland
(406) (74) (38) (40) (39) (38) (38) (37) (102)
Local government 52% 57% 63% 50% 41% 55% 53% 49% 48%
Overseas Aid 50% 57% 68% 43% 41% 53% 61% 73% 32%
Welfare 43% 51% 39% 33% 41% 32% 45% 54% 43%
Defence 31% 27% 32% 30% 31% 37% 29% 24% 36%
Equal cuts across the board
(5% / 10% / 15% etc)
29% 32% 29% 33% 28% 21% 34% 22% 29%
Infrastructure/Transport 18% 18% 18% 13% 21% 16% 21% 30% 17%
Health 13% 15% 13% 8% 10% 16% 21% 5% 12%
Education 8% 11% 11% 8% 8% 3% 13% 8% 5%

37. Extracts from QBE SME Research June 2010
PRESS RELEASE
Page 37 of 50
In which of the following areas, if any, do you think the government should cut spending to reduce the national deficit?
[rotate]
Base = all Country No of Employees
All UK Ireland 1 to 9 10 to 49 50 to 249
(406) (304) (102) (301) (87) (18)
Local government 52% 53% 48% 52% 55% 33%
Overseas Aid 50% 56% 32% 51% 49% 33%
Welfare 43% 43% 43% 43% 46% 28%
Defence 31% 30% 36% 31% 33% 22%
Equal cuts across the board
(5% / 10% / 15% etc)
29% 29% 29% 29% 26% 44%
Infrastructure/Transport 18% 19% 17% 20% 17% 6%
Health 13% 13% 12% 14% 9% 11%
Education 8% 9% 5% 8% 8% 6%

38. Extracts from QBE SME Research June 2010
PRESS RELEASE
Page 38 of 50
In which of the following areas, if any, do you think the government should cut spending to reduce the national deficit?
[rotate]
Base = all Main business sector
All
Building
/ const.
Business
/ prof.
Financial
services
IT, media/
printing
Leisure /
catering
Manufng /
Eng
Retail &
Distn.
Other
(406) (42) (110) (19) (42) (42) (41) (59) (51)
Local government 52% 48% 56% 53% 45% 57% 61% 53% 37%
Overseas Aid 50% 60% 41% 63% 31% 48% 63% 56% 59%
Welfare 43% 50% 42% 58% 33% 38% 49% 42% 43%
Defence 31% 31% 33% 26% 24% 31% 34% 42% 22%
Equal cuts across the board
(5% / 10% / 15% etc)
29% 24% 29% 32% 26% 36% 29% 34% 24%
Infrastructure/Transport 18% 12% 17% 37% 14% 21% 15% 20% 22%
Health 13% 7% 19% 21% 14% 7% 7% 14% 6%
Education 8% 10% 12% 11% 2% 5% 7% 5% 8%

39. Extracts from QBE SME Research June 2010
PRESS RELEASE
Page 39 of 50
And in which of the following areas do you think the government should make increases to reduce the national deficit?
[rotate]
Base = all Region
All
Eastern
England
London &
South
East
Midlands
& Wales
North
midlands
North
West
Scotland
South
West
Yorks/
N. East
Southern
Ireland
(406) (38) (39) (37) (37) (38) (40) (38) (37) (102)
Tobacco and Alcohol Taxes 56% 50% 51% 76% 54% 50% 55% 53% 62% 54%
Income Tax 30% 47% 36% 24% 22% 37% 35% 24% 43% 20%
VAT 29% 47% 31% 41% 30% 45% 33% 34% 35% 7%
Capital Gains Tax 23% 32% 26% 24% 27% 13% 13% 29% 32% 20%
Corporation Tax 20% 16% 15% 19% 16% 21% 25% 16% 22% 24%
Inheritance Tax 19% 34% 13% 24% 8% 13% 13% 18% 19% 22%
National Insurance 19% 21% 18% 16% 14% 18% 25% 21% 30% 14%
Stamp Duty 12% 13% 3% 14% 11% 13% 13% 18% 19% 9%
Petrol and Diesel fuel duty 11% 13% 13% 11% 8% 13% 10% 16% 8% 11%

40. Extracts from QBE SME Research June 2010
PRESS RELEASE
Page 40 of 50
And in which of the following areas do you think the government should make increases to reduce the national deficit?
[rotate]
Base = all Region II
All
Midlands
& Wales
North
West
Scotland
London &
South
East
Eastern
England
South
west
Yorkshire
or the
North
East
Southern
Ireland
(406) (74) (38) (40) (39) (38) (38) (37) (102)
Tobacco and Alcohol Taxes 56% 65% 50% 55% 51% 50% 53% 62% 54%
Income Tax 30% 23% 37% 35% 36% 47% 24% 43% 20%
VAT 29% 35% 45% 33% 31% 47% 34% 35% 7%
Capital Gains Tax 23% 26% 13% 13% 26% 32% 29% 32% 20%
Corporation Tax 20% 18% 21% 25% 15% 16% 16% 22% 24%
Inheritance Tax 19% 16% 13% 13% 13% 34% 18% 19% 22%
National Insurance 19% 15% 18% 25% 18% 21% 21% 30% 14%
Stamp Duty 12% 12% 13% 13% 3% 13% 18% 19% 9%
Petrol and Diesel fuel duty 11% 9% 13% 10% 13% 13% 16% 8% 11%

41. Extracts from QBE SME Research June 2010
PRESS RELEASE
Page 41 of 50
And in which of the following areas do you think the government should make increases to reduce the national deficit?
[rotate]
Base = all Country No of Employees
All UK Ireland 1 to 9 10 to 49 50 to 249
(406) (304) (102) (301) (87) (18)
Tobacco and Alcohol Taxes 56% 56% 54% 54% 66% 39%
Income Tax 30% 34% 20% 30% 31% 28%
VAT 29% 37% 7% 29% 29% 33%
Capital Gains Tax 23% 24% 20% 22% 25% 28%
Corporation Tax 20% 19% 24% 20% 22% 11%
Inheritance Tax 19% 18% 22% 18% 22% 17%
National Insurance 19% 20% 14% 19% 17% 28%
Stamp Duty 12% 13% 9% 11% 15% 17%
Petrol and Diesel fuel duty 11% 12% 11% 10% 13% 22%

42. Extracts from QBE SME Research June 2010
PRESS RELEASE
Page 42 of 50
And in which of the following areas do you think the government should make increases to reduce the national deficit?
[rotate]
Base = all Main business sector
All
Building
/ const.
Business
/ prof.
Financial
services
IT, media/
printing
Leisure /
catering
Manufng /
Eng
Retail &
Distn.
Other
(406) (42) (110) (19) (42) (42) (41) (59) (51)
Tobacco and Alcohol Taxes 56% 60% 56% 74% 40% 52% 56% 58% 57%
Income Tax 30% 29% 35% 16% 33% 29% 17% 29% 35%
VAT 29% 45% 30% 32% 24% 19% 46% 22% 22%
Capital Gains Tax 23% 26% 25% 21% 21% 26% 17% 15% 29%
Corporation Tax 20% 19% 23% 16% 14% 31% 15% 24% 12%
Inheritance Tax 19% 24% 23% 16% 10% 21% 15% 20% 14%
National Insurance 19% 21% 19% 11% 19% 26% 10% 22% 16%
Stamp Duty 12% 10% 7% 21% 5% 26% 17% 12% 10%
Petrol and Diesel fuel duty 11% 17% 12% 21% 17% 7% 2% 7% 14%

43. Extracts from QBE SME Research June 2010
PRESS RELEASE
Page 43 of 50
Which of the following best describes the effect on your business if the problems facing the Euro were to continue for
another six months? (one)
Base = all Region
All
Eastern
England
London &
South
East
Midlands
& Wales
North
midlands
North
West
Scotland
South
West
Yorks/
N. East
Southern
Ireland
(406) (38) (39) (37) (37) (38) (40) (38) (37) (102)
It would present us with major
problems
6% 5% 8% 0% 11% 8% 5% 5% 3% 9%
It would present us with some
problems
15% 8% 15% 16% 14% 16% 20% 8% 14% 17%
It would have no overall effect 68% 84% 67% 73% 57% 53% 65% 79% 65% 68%
It would be likely to help our
business a little
5% 0% 3% 0% 8% 8% 5% 5% 5% 6%
It would be likely to help our
business a great deal
0.2% 0% 0% 0% 3% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0%
Don’t know / other 6% 3% 8% 8% 8% 16% 5% 3% 14% 1%
Column total 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100%

44. Extracts from QBE SME Research June 2010
PRESS RELEASE
Page 44 of 50
Which of the following best describes the effect on your business if the problems facing the Euro were to continue for
another six months? (one)
Base = all Region II
All
Midlands
& Wales
North
West
Scotland
London &
South
East
Eastern
England
South
west
Yorkshire
or the
North
East
Southern
Ireland
(406) (74) (38) (40) (39) (38) (38) (37) (102)
It would present us with major
problems
6% 5% 8% 5% 8% 5% 5% 3% 9%
It would present us with some
problems
15% 15% 16% 20% 15% 8% 8% 14% 17%
It would have no overall effect 68% 65% 53% 65% 67% 84% 79% 65% 68%
It would be likely to help our
business a little
5% 4% 8% 5% 3% 0% 5% 5% 6%
It would be likely to help our
business a great deal
0.2% 1% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0%
Don’t know / other 6% 8% 16% 5% 8% 3% 3% 14% 1%
Column total 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100%

45. Extracts from QBE SME Research June 2010
PRESS RELEASE
Page 45 of 50
Which of the following best describes the effect on your business if the problems facing the Euro were to continue for
another six months? (one)
Base = all Country No of Employees
All UK Ireland 1 to 9 10 to 49 50 to 249
(406) (304) (102) (301) (87) (18)
It would present us with major
problems
6% 6% 9% 8% 2% 6%
It would present us with some
problems
15% 14% 17% 14% 17% 11%
It would have no overall effect 68% 68% 68% 69% 63% 61%
It would be likely to help our
business a little
5% 4% 6% 3% 7% 17%
It would be likely to help our
business a great deal
0.2% 0% 0% 0% 1% 0%
Don’t know / other 6% 8% 1% 5% 9% 6%
Column total 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100%

46. Extracts from QBE SME Research June 2010
PRESS RELEASE
Page 46 of 50
Which of the following best describes the effect on your business if the problems facing the Euro were to continue for
another six months? (one)
Base = all Main business sector
All
Building
/ const.
Business
/ prof.
Financial
services
IT, media/
printing
Leisure /
catering
Manufng /
Eng
Retail &
Distn.
Other
(406) (42) (110) (19) (42) (42) (41) (59) (51)
It would present us with major
problems
6% 2% 7% 0% 2% 12% 5% 7% 10%
It would present us with some
problems
15% 12% 6% 11% 17% 19% 17% 29% 12%
It would have no overall effect 68% 71% 78% 74% 74% 60% 63% 51% 65%
It would be likely to help our
business a little
5% 7% 4% 5% 0% 5% 5% 8% 4%
It would be likely to help our
business a great deal
0.2% 2% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0%
Don’t know / other 6% 2% 5% 11% 7% 5% 10% 5% 10%
Column total 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100%

47. Extracts from QBE SME Research June 2010
PRESS RELEASE
Page 47 of 50
Do you think that for your business it is better for some European countries to continue to have a common currency or
would it better for your business if each country reverted to having its own currency? (one)
Base = all Region
All
Eastern
England
London &
South
East
Midlands
& Wales
North
midlands
North
West
Scotland
South
West
Yorks/
N. East
Southern
Ireland
(406) (38) (39) (37) (37) (38) (40) (38) (37) (102)
Better for our business if the
Euro were to continue
23% 11% 13% 5% 14% 21% 25% 13% 11% 51%
Neither option would have any
effect on our business
45% 55% 51% 59% 46% 42% 38% 61% 41% 31%
Better for our business if
countries reverted to having
their own currencies
18% 26% 18% 22% 24% 13% 20% 21% 27% 10%
Don’t know 14% 8% 18% 14% 16% 24% 18% 5% 22% 8%
Column total 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100%

48. Extracts from QBE SME Research June 2010
PRESS RELEASE
Page 48 of 50
Do you think that for your business it is better for some European countries to continue to have a common currency or
would it better for your business if each country reverted to having its own currency? (one)
Base = all Region II
All
Midlands
& Wales
North
West
Scotland
London &
South
East
Eastern
England
South
west
Yorkshire
or the
North
East
Southern
Ireland
(406) (74) (38) (40) (39) (38) (38) (37) (102)
Better for our business if the
Euro were to continue
23% 9% 21% 25% 13% 11% 13% 11% 51%
Neither option would have any
effect on our business
45% 53% 42% 38% 51% 55% 61% 41% 31%
Better for our business if
countries reverted to having
their own currencies
18% 23% 13% 20% 18% 26% 21% 27% 10%
Don’t know 14% 15% 24% 18% 18% 8% 5% 22% 8%
Column total 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100%

49. Extracts from QBE SME Research June 2010
PRESS RELEASE
Page 49 of 50
Do you think that for your business it is better for some European countries to continue to have a common currency or
would it better for your business if each country reverted to having its own currency? (one)
Base = all Country No of Employees
All UK Ireland 1 to 9 10 to 49 50 to 249
(406) (304) (102) (301) (87) (18)
Better for our business if the
Euro were to continue
23% 14% 51% 24% 22% 28%
Neither option would have any
effect on our business
45% 49% 31% 46% 43% 28%
Better for our business if
countries reverted to having
their own currencies
18% 21% 10% 17% 20% 39%
Don’t know 14% 15% 8% 13% 16% 6%
Column total 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100%

50. Extracts from QBE SME Research June 2010
PRESS RELEASE
Page 50 of 50
Do you think that for your business it is better for some European countries to continue to have a common currency or
would it better for your business if each country reverted to having its own currency? (one)
Base = all Main business sector
All
Building
/ const.
Business
/ prof.
Financial
services
IT, media/
printing
Leisure /
catering
Manufng /
Eng
Retail &
Distn.
Other
(406) (42) (110) (19) (42) (42) (41) (59) (51)
Better for our business if the
Euro were to continue
23% 12% 19% 32% 38% 26% 22% 39% 8%
Neither option would have any
effect on our business
45% 48% 60% 47% 29% 38% 37% 32% 47%
Better for our business if
countries reverted to having
their own currencies
18% 31% 11% 0% 17% 29% 22% 15% 25%
Don’t know 14% 10% 10% 21% 17% 7% 20% 14% 20%
Column total 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100%