Add to ORKGThe paper studies entrepreneurial attitudes and strategic thinking in clothing SMEs in socioeconomic milieux in the East Midlands (United Kingdom) and La Choletais (France). It attempts to identify and evaluate how SMEs achieve competitiveness according to the firm's general aims and objectives, vision and strategic awareness. The survey reveals that subcontracting arrangements are different, resembling partnerships more in France. The French companies attach more importance to new technology, improving management skills, and access to market information. The overwhelming difference between the French and British companies is the virtual non-use of formal, local institutional networks by the British companies