Airwallex's analysis of the UK SME landscape shows resilience among small businesses, with 90% reporting growth in 2024 and nearly 88% optimistic for 2025. The number of SMEs has surged to over 5.5 million, generating £2.8 trillion in revenue. Workforce stability has improved, with only 27% concerned about retention and a focus on upskilling employees. However, diversity among leaders remains problematic as the percentage of female-led SMEs has declined. Looking forward, a significant portion plans to hire, indicating a robust economic outlook amid prevailing uncertainties.
Amid the global tariff tensions and uncertainty in the financial market, Airwallex has analyzed the UK SME landscape, revealing that 90% of SMEs reported growth in 2024.
Despite economic uncertainties, 88% of SMEs feel optimistic about year-on-year performance in 2025, with a noteworthy 27% average growth reported across businesses in 2024.
The analysis found that only 27% of SMEs are currently concerned about staff retention, a significant improvement pointing to confidence and recovery in workforce stability.
However, challenges in diversity remain, as the proportion of female-led SMEs with employees has decreased from 18% in 2022 to 15% in 2023.
Collection
[
|
...
]