Fixed costs do not indicate progress; agility does. Many business owners wrongly see fixed commitments like larger offices and full-time hires as essential for growth, yet these can become liabilities if demand declines.
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.
Only 20% of public sector procurement spending went to SMEs in 2024, despite total spending with SMEs increasing to £45.4b from £42.4b in 2023.
SMEs are planning pay and recruitment freezes in response to government tax rises, with a distinct focus on limiting expenditures and innovation.
The BCC warns of a lost generation unless immediate government intervention addresses the jobs crisis affecting young people, particularly Generation Z's barriers to employment.
This has been a period of rapid yet sustainable growth for the bank as we continue to tap significant demand for our fast, flexible financing solutions.
The online casino industry demonstrates that providing budget-friendly options can attract diverse demographics, allowing businesses to build customer loyalty and encourage upgrades to higher-priced offerings.
Digital twins allow businesses, including SMEs, to simulate and optimize complex problems repeatedly, reducing the costs associated with physical-world experiments. This technology previously benefited only large enterprises.
Colin Goldstein, Chief Commercial Officer, UK at iwoca: "Rising pessimism and fears of a recession are reshaping SME mindsets, with a greater focus on survival over growth."
