#smes

#smes

The Challenges UK SMEs Face in Cross-Border Trade Handling cross-border trade manually is time-consuming and highly prone to error. Entering data by hand, juggling spreadsheets, and sending information via email may have worked in the past, but modern trade volumes and regulatory demands quickly expose the limitations of these import management systems. Post-Brexit customs requirements, frequent rule changes, and increasing scrutiny from authorities amplify the complexity.

IT and tech suppliers to the UK public sector with the fastest-growing revenues increased incomes by an average of 1.8x and £3.8m each between 2023 and 2025. The fastest-growing companies were in the defence sector, with one company - SRC UK - growing revenue by 16x across the period. Those are some of the findings of public sector IT research specialist Tussell in its annual Tech200 report on the fastest-growing tech suppliers to the public sector.

The Hidden Cost of Poor Airport Transport Planning Missed pickups, last-minute cancellations, surge pricing, and unreliable availability can all disrupt carefully planned business schedules. Searching for a Taxi Near Me just hours before departure may work occasionally, but for executives heading to important meetings, uncertainty is not an option. Public transport delays, airport parking fees, fuel costs, and lost preparation time all add up. For SMEs managing tight budgets, these inefficiencies are more than inconvenient-they affect both financial performance and professional reputation.

Official figures show that the proportion of UK companies that have ever exported has fallen from 45 per cent to 38 per cent in recent years. Kyle said reversing that trend was a priority for the government, arguing that international demand for British goods and services remains strong. Drawing on recent visits to China, Japan and the World Economic Forum in Davos, he told delegates there was a "great thirst for Britain".

The Bank of England's decision to hold interest rates has effectively pressed the 'pause' button, and is the right call for long-term stability. Despite the gradual rate cuts seen last year, the surprise rise in inflation to 3.4% last month appears to have unsettled the more hawkish members of the BoE's MPC. However, mixed signals from the UK economy suggest further rate cuts are still likely in the coming months.

Small British defence companies are set to gain easier access to Ministry of Defence contracts after the government launched a dedicated unit to simplify procurement and boost spending with smaller suppliers. The Ministry of Defence has unveiled the Defence Office for Small Business Growth, a new service designed to cut through what ministers describe as labyrinthine procurement processes that have historically shut small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) out of the defence market.

The UK's small business sector forms the backbone of the national economy. With 5.7 million SMEs operating across the country in 2025, including 5.4 million micro businesses, these enterprises represent 99.9% of all UK businesses. Yet according to tax experts, a significant number of these businesses are overpaying on property taxes and missing out on capital allowances that could provide much-needed funds for growth, hiring, and innovation.

Data for the first three quarters of 2025 have shown that smaller German firms have borne the brunt of almost three years of economic downturn in Europe's biggest economy over the past three years. On December 12, the chief analyst at the Association of German Chambers of Industry and Commerce (DIHK), Volker Treier, told news agency Reuters that the "wave of insolvencies continues." He added that small and medium-sized enterprises in particular were "running into difficulties."

Social media has become an essential marketing channel for entrepreneurs, yet finding time to maintain an active presence remains a major challenge. For busy business owners, the constant pressure to create engaging content, respond to comments, and stay visible across multiple platforms can feel overwhelming. The reality is that effective social media engagement requires strategy, not just sporadic posting. Many entrepreneurs struggle to balance social media management with their core business responsibilities.

Cyber insurance is now estimated to be a $17 billion global industry and projected to nearly double to $40 billion by 2030. But the next phase of growth won't come from the Fortune 500. Large corporations already understand their exposure and have the internal expertise to evaluate and transfer risk. The untapped market lies with the lower end of the middle market and small enterprises (SMEs), organizations that face the same cyber threats but often lack the resources, knowledge or guidance to act.

Just over half of firms (54%) surveyed said they had attempted to recruit in the last three months. Of those firms trying to hire staff, 75% said they experienced difficulties, up slightly from the previous quarter (73%). The research for Q3 was carried out between 18 August and 15 September, with more than 4,600 businesses across the UK (91% of whom are SMEs) responding.

UK SMEs say specific Government initiatives designed to help them survive and grow don't go far enough, according to new research from independent funder, Bibby Financial Services ("BFS"). The Q3 2025 SME Confidence Tracker, which surveys 1,000 UK SMEs, reveals that over half (52%) of small businesses believe measures such as the Fair Payment Code, Late Payments Review* and the British Business Bank's Bank Referral Scheme fail to protect and support them.

This 3.5% increase, equating to 191,000 new businesses since last year, is a testament to the resilience and entrepreneurial spirit driving our economy, and it is heartening to see so many individuals taking the initiative to establish their own ventures, but as chancellor Rachel Reeves recently said, the UK's economy "isn't broken, but it does feel stuck". Addressing this issue needs to be a priority for the survival of SMEs within turbulent market conditions.

We address critical topics such as the recent shake-ups at the USPTO, the controversial "patent tax" proposal, how despite the fact that the USPTO is user-fee funded it is being swept up in broader Trump Administration efforts to downsize the federal government, what the word "innovation" really means, how businesses use intellectual property assets, the importance of predictable IP assets, the challenges of effective patent valuation, international collaboration and education to support small and medium size enterprises (SMEs), and much more.

The Bank of England's decision to maintain the base interest rate at 4% until 2026 offers UK SMEs a rare opportunity amidst these ongoing economic challenges. This stability is crucial as inflation remains at 3.8%, creating a complex landscape that demands careful navigation by businesses. However, while stable interest rates can provide predictable borrowing costs - enabling SMEs to plan investments and manage cash flow - persistent inflation means that operational expenses are still rising, putting pressure on profit margins across various sectors.

Student barber points out SMEs make up 95pc of all companies here

When asked about their plans for the rest of 2025, just under half (48%) of SMEs leaders revealed they are looking to upskill their current team, by far the most popular answer. This compares to 29% who plan on expanding their leadership team and a quarter (25%) who plan to hire new staff. This strategic focus on developing internal talent reflects wider concerns about recruitment challenges.

Government called on to take urgent action and support 'the backbone of the Irish economy'

As of 2025, SMEs have revolutionized their approach to document translation. AI-powered tools enable fast, accurate translations of various documents, enhancing efficiency in business operations.

The British Business Bank has reported a pre-tax gain of £144 million, returning to profitability after two years of losses, amidst an increased investment portfolio.

Trade finance rarely makes headlines, yet it supports over $30 trillion in annual global commerce. The systems powering it are still slow and exclusionary.

Three in 10 UK SMEs fear losing up to £20,000 due to Trump's new trade tariffs, making energy savings essential. Business energy experts recommend conducting energy audits to find savings.

The biggest mistake we see is overthinking," explains Sarah Mitchell, CEO of EcoWrap, whose biodegradable packaging solutions now serve clients in 12 European countries. "We spent six months researching every possible regulation and requirement, when we could have started with one country and learned as we went.

Developed through analyzing thousands of SME lead conversion patterns, this framework helps businesses focus their limited resources on the prospects most likely to drive meaningful revenue growth.