Are UK SMEs holding things together?
Britain’s manufacturing industry grew at a particularly disappointing rate in December, but there was some good news despite the below-forecast expansion. With the country’s smaller businesses reporting an increase in orders, could SMEs represent a glimmer of hope for UK industry going into 2016?
Should UK SMEs be looking further afield?
A campaign by UK Trade & Investment (UKTI) is encouraging British SMEs to export in the hope that this will strengthen the economy and generate growth. Most small British firms remain hesitant to break into international markets, however, due to a perceived lack of resources. Overseas expansion has the potential to propel SMEs to success, so should small business owners be considering it further?
UK SMEs dogged by widening skills gap
The UK is suffering from an ever-widening skills gap, leaving small businesses struggling to find and retain suitable candidates. Previous Dukes blogs have noted that this shortage could be a significant stumbling block for SMEs looking to boost growth and increase competitiveness; how has the situation developed since our last report?
British SMEs and the US Federal Reserve
The US Federal Reserve (FR) has raised interest rates by 0.25 per cent for the first time in nearly ten years. While a quarter of a per cent mightn't sound like much, the move is likely to have big implications for both British SMEs and the global economy as a whole.
Government purchasing and SMEs: The end of late payment culture?
Recent figures have revealed that UK Government spending on SMEs topped £12.1 billion in 2015, representing a 27.1% share of all expenditure. Equally good news for small businesses came with the announcement that 17 of the government’s 33 strategic suppliers have agreed to sign up to a Prompt Payment Code. Could an end to late payment culture be just around the corner?
Will SME overdrafts soon be a thing of the past?
A survey by business lender Funding Options has revealed that 30% of small firms have had their overdrafts cut in the last two years. How will this trend impact UK SMEs?
Was the Autumn Statement good news for British SMEs?
From the rolling out of a digital tax platform to the introduction of an apprenticeship levy, Chancellor George Osborne’s Autumn Statement contained plenty of revelations that will impact British SMEs. Is the next fiscal year looking good?