Exports by small-to-medium size businesses could grow if more companies were aware of and using ‘GEF’ – the General Export Facility – a relatively unknown but valuable government scheme designed to boost Britain’s SME exports by providing an 80% guarantee to banks for loans to businesses specifically engaging in exports. GEF is one of several […]
UK Finance today releases its latest Business Finance Review which reports on lending to, and deposits held by small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the first quarter of 2024. Key findings: Gross lending increases again to the highest level since Q4 2022. Most UK regions see growth in gross lending. The number of finance approvals […]
Over 80% of small-to-medium enterprises (SMEs) have been identified with skills shortages in project management and are facing calls to help tackle a lack of investment in training and upskilling, following a survey by the Association for Project Management (APM), the chartered membership organisation for the project profession. APM polled over 500 project professionals working […]
2.4 million businesses leaders could be left behind by the advances in AI, posing a huge economic risk to the UK, recent findings have revealed. Data published today by Be the Business, the UK’s small business productivity experts, found that over half of SMEs say AI is not being used in their business, with just […]
More small businesses cite barriers to growth today (80%) than was the case in pre-pandemic Britain (73%) – and, compared to the last General Election year (2019), across five industry sectors and six UK regions more small businesses cite market challenges that are holding them back. Compared to the last General Election year of 2019 […]
Kreston Global’s newest interpreneur report reveals that small and medium businesses hold a positive outlook towards their own global operations and are prepared to harness disruption to drive commercial growth at home and abroad. This comes despite macroeconomic concerns around geopolitical disruption, slowing global GDP, and a gradual decline in international collaboration which are dampening […]
The average savings interest rate offered to SMEs by the big banks has finally moved after being stagnant for the last eight months – but it’s moved in the wrong direction. An independent tracker, published today by Allica Bank, has revealed that British high street banks now offer an average interest rate of 1.45% to […]
Azets, the UK top 10 accountancy and advisory firm that specialises in supporting the needs of ambitious businesses and their owners, today launches the findings of its latest Azets Barometer which reveals that medium-sized businesses are more optimistic about the future than smaller firms. The Azets Barometer survey, which features 353 responses from businesses across […]
On the run up to the general election on 4 July, small businesses across the UK are calling on the incoming government to prioritise sustainable and green initiatives. Research by Novuna Business Finance highlights the key demands made by small businesses. Help small businesses want from a new government: Green Tax system: 38% demand a […]
With rampant inflation finally easing, the UK could be on the brink of a potential SME boom with business owners and leaders ready to invest an estimated total of £2.4tn over the next two years, if they can overcome the funding challenges that are currently holding them back. Research from the UK’s largest specialist lender, […]
