Only one in five small business owners who believe no-deal Brexit will negatively impact them have prepared for a sudden departure from the EU on October 31, a survey suggests.
And nearly two thirds do not think they are able to plan for an exit without a deal on the current deadline, according to research from the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB).
While just under a third of small businesses that have prepared have undertaken stockpiling, the survey of 1,062 small firms carried out last month said.
It suggested that nearly two fifths of the firms believe no-deal will impact them negatively.
The FSB also said preparations are coming at a "high price", with small businesses spending an average of about £2,000, rising to £3,000 for those that import and export.
FSB national chairman Mike Cherry called for clarity and "meaningful support" from the Government so businesses can prepare.
"As the risk of a chaotic no-deal Brexit on 31 October remains alive and kicking, it is worrying that many small firms have either not prepared or are finding that they can't prepare," he said.
"Ongoing uncertainty is to blame for preparations hitting the skids with the picture still not clear as to how the 海角视频 will leave the EU on 31 October.
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"Until we get clarity, small firms must prepare for the cliff-edge where possible, and make preparations for a no-deal Brexit."
A Government spokesman stressed that despite Boris Johnson's "do or die" commitment to leave on Halloween, it is his preference to strike a new deal.
"We have stepped up preparations, making £108 million available to support businesses of all sizes get ready for Brexit and ensure they can take advantage of the opportunities of our future outside the EU," he said.
"We are travelling around the 海角视频 to give businesses practical advice and have been engaging with the FSB and other representative groups over the past three years to discuss how we can best support small businesses and make sure they have all the information they need to prepare."