Investigating the role of support mechanisms in the resilience of rural SMEs

Bowen, Robert ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8492-2701 2026. Investigating the role of support mechanisms in the resilience of rural SMEs. Presented at: Rural Entrepreneurship Conference 2026, Newcastle, UK, 20-22 May 2026.

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Abstract

Purpose of this paper (please indicate whether empirical, conceptual, case study etc): The United Kingdom’s (UK) hospitality sector is currently experiencing a state of multifaceted crisis, a situation where numerous crises conflate to create a unique and unforeseen blend of challenges. While multifaceted crisis is having a profound effect on the sector as a whole, it is having a particular effect on hospitality Small and Medium Sized Enterprises (SMEs). This is especially true in rural areas, where businesses are known to have limited resource allocations and less advantages from spillover effects. UK based hospitality SMEs have needed to continuously adapt their business operations over previous years, responding to challenges such as decreased customer spending, increased utility bills, increased inflation and poor labour market conditions. In order to facilitate the survival of the business, UK hospitality SMEs are increasingly seeking assistance from both formal and informal support mechanisms. Applying Baker & Nelson’s (2005) resource bricolage theory as a theoretical lens, this study evaluates the role of support mechanisms in enabling resilience activity within UK hospitality SMEs. Design/methodology/approach (including limitations if applicable): This research adopts a qualitative methodology based on 13 semi-structured interviews with SME owner-managers of tourism and hospitality businesses, comparing urban (n=6) and rural (n=7) areas. All interviews were recorded and transcribed verbatim, ensuring rigour in the transcription process. After the transcription process was concluded, thematic analysis was applied to the data (Braun & Clarke, 2021). Thematic analysis allowed for the interpretation of the themes that emerged from the data which was subsequently represented by a thematic map. The thematic map allowed for a more effective understanding of the relationships between themes and how these contributed to answering the research question. Themes were identified through the use of two coding cycles, ensuring the validity and reflexivity within the analysis process. Findings: This study identifies the presence of several support mechanisms, all of which have varying impacts on the ability of SMEs to increase their resilience. This research finds that support mechanisms enable SMEs to more effectively re-configure available resources to create new situationally specific capabilities at the time of multifaceted crisis. This in turn enables UK hospitality SMEs to improve their resilience. Differences exist between urban and rural areas due to resource allocations, and the ability for SMEs to engage in network activities is more pronounced in rural areas due to limited opportunities to engage in resource bricolage activities. Practical implications: This research focuses on the enabling role of support mechanisms for bricolage activity. Findings from this study are likely to be insightful towards practitioners when developing resilience responses to future multifaceted crisis events. Policy Implications (if applicable): This research focuses on several types of support mechanisms. Included within these are various forms of government support mechanisms including grants and educational initiative. Findings from this research are likely to guide policymakers when enhancing government policy to increase the resiliency of the SME sector. What is the originality/value of paper: This research contributes to the growing discourse examining the role of bricolage as a vector of resilience. Although current discourse identifies the application of bricolage behaviour as a form of resilience, little is known regarding its enablers. This study responds to this gap by identifying the important role of support mechanisms in enabling bricolage. Furthermore, this study contributes to existing literature that examines the role of support mechanism more broadly within crisis contexts.

Item Type:	Conference or Workshop Item - unpublished
Status:	Unpublished
Schools:	Schools > Business (Including Economics)
Subjects:	H Social Sciences > H Social Sciences (General)
Date of First Compliant Deposit:	11 August 2026
Last Modified:	12 Aug 2026 08:30
URI:	https://orca.cardiff.ac.uk/id/eprint/188921

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