Limitations of the study

Due to the small sample size, findings might not be generalisable to the whole population. However, it can be said that the findings of the cases are much in line with that in the literature.

Another limitation would be that some of the SMEs interviewed have no knowledge of accounting and have outsource the services and thus would not be in a position to answer if the accounting services meet their needs and whether they would need more services of this nature in the future.

As the SMEs are at different growth stages and also because of the differing nature and industry, findings gathered might not be able to give a true picture of the problems faced by different types of SMEs and different growth stages.

110 10.6 Suggestions for future research

For future research, it is suggested to include more cases in the different stages of growth and more SMEs in the different categories for example manufacturing and non-manufacturing related so as to give a better insight of issues. Future studies can also focus on SMPs, that is to find out whether they can offer the services that’s needed by SMEs as found in this study. Issues of fees for the different type of business advisory services given by them can also be discussed. Interviews can also be made with the funding body, regulators and government to examine how the needs of the SMEs can be better served.

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