Blogs

According to the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), many small UK businesses are experiencing a decline in overseas sales. Unsurprisingly this has been exacerbated by President Donald Trump’s tariffs. The Chamber’s outlook report surveyed 1,800 SMEs. It revealed that over a quarter of exporters had experienced decreased sales in the first quarter of the year.… Read more: Export sales slump for many UK SME’s

UK companies are projected to invest $650bn over the next three years according to the Times. The plan is to re-establish manufacturing in the UK. This is brought about by concerns over geopolitical risks and supply chain disruptions. This was revealed in a survey by Capgemini. Of British firms surveyed, 59% plan to enhance their… Read more: Firms predicted to re-establish manufacturing in the UK

The Independent reports that the UK is at risk of becoming an “incubator economy”. Tech start-ups are increasingly being acquired by international competitors. The warning comes from Universities UK. They report that start-ups are being lured abroad due to insufficient funding for growth in the UK. The analysis by Universities UK (UUK) predicts that with… Read more: UK’s ‘Tech’ start-ups face international acquisition

Setting up or buying a business can be both exciting and overwhelming, especially if it is your first time!. This is when we at iBOSS can help. Not only have we helped many clients, but all of our directors have experience of setting up their own businesses. We understand the does & don’t as well… Read more: Need support setting up or buying a business? Help is at hand!

Technology Secretary Peter Kyle has pledged to ease unnecessary regulation that hinders development and use of cutting-edge technology. In announcing this he says that “there is no route to long term growth without innovation.” This comes as part of the Government’s first-ever dedicated strategy for the digital and technology sector. Lord David Willetts, a former… Read more: Government plan to cut tech sector red tape

A recent analysis by law firm Birketts warns of increasing employment claims. It revealed that English and Welsh businesses have spent increased time (& money) handling Employment Tribunal claims. This amounted to an average of 4.8 weeks in the last 24 months. The most common claims were found to be those related to unfair dismissal… Read more: Warning over employment claims!

According to analysts at Capital Economics, consumer spending will rise by 1.4% in 2025. This will be followed by 2% in 2026 as the household savings rate falls. Ashley Webb, the firm’s UK economist, said consumer spending will be “a key driver” of economic growth. The report suggests that GDP will increase by 1.3% this… Read more: Consumers to be source of future growth

The Mail reports on new research indicating that the UK’s smallest businesses are prioritising local growth over international expansion. According to Zempler Bank, 27% of these businesses prefer regional development. Only 12% said their main goal was to expand internationally. Interestingly, while 54% of businesses expect modest growth, 24% have no ambition to grow. It… Read more: UK SMEs concentrate on local growth

The Mail reports that research by Admiral reveals a significant shift in employment attitudes among workers under 27. Many are showing a strong preference for long-term employment. The study indicates that 75% of 18 to 27-year-olds (Gen Z) are seeking stable, long-term roles, with many prioritising career development over higher salaries. Unlike Millennials, who often… Read more: Gen Z seeks longer employment opportunities.

Following the Budget, Industry leaders have raised concerns that a reduction in property tax relief will lead to store closures. This, when added to the other measures announced that are detrimental to small businesses, at least in the short term, will undoubtedly cause job losses. This is particularly so in the small retail, hospitality, and… Read more: Tax relief reduction sparks fears of imminent business closures.

It is being reported that fewer businesses are being established in the UK. There has been a 3.7% decline in new firms established during the third quarter of 2024. This is compared to the same period in 2023 according to the Office for National Statistics. The downturn affected 13 out of 16 main industrial sectors.… Read more: UK new business creation slumps

According to a recent report by Make UK and BDO, three in five manufacturers are optimistic about improved  economic growth in 2024. This is  despite some recent negative vibes. Interestingly, only 6% of the 300+ surveyed companies expect a decline. As a result, Make UK has revised its growth forecast for 2025 from 0.8% to… Read more: Manufacturers optimistic about economic growth in 2024.

The Court of Appeal has upheld a significant ruling regarding insurance claims for business losses linked to the COVID-19 pandemic. Court has ruled in favour of businesses. The decision rejected appeals from insurance firms against a June 2023 High Court ruling. This could enable thousands of businesses to seek compensation. The case in question involved… Read more: Covid insurance – Court rules in favour of businesses.

Concern expressed as High Street shop closures climb. This is according to The Mirror which reports a surge in retail closures. Speculation is that pressure on high street stores has been exacerbated by a significant shift towards online shopping. This and the ongoing cost-of-living crisis has left consumers with less disposable income. According to PwC,… Read more: Concern as High Street shop closures climb

Activity in the UK’s private sector has grown to reach a four-month high in August. This was driven by a “robust upturn” in new business. This is according to the purchasing managers’ index (PMI). This recorded a level of 53.4, up from 52.8 in July. The chief business economist at S&P Global Market Intelligence commented… Read more: UK private sector economy grows

Recent research suggests that young entrepreneurs are skipping higher education in favour of starting their own businesses. A poll of digital micro businesses by GoDaddy’s research initiative Venture Forward shows that 22% of entrepreneurs under 30 started their business after their A-levels instead of pursuing a university degree. Andrew Gradon, head of GoDaddy UK &… Read more: Young entrepreneurs skip higher education to start business

It is reported by the Telegraph that the UK manufacturing sector has experienced its fastest production growth since February 2022. The Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) registered 52.1 in July, up from 50.9 in June. A reading above 50 indicates growth in the sector. Companies credited the growth to higher demand from new product launches, efforts… Read more: Encouraging signs of Manufacturing sector production growth

Tina McKenzie of the FSB says small businesses are playing a crucial role in revitalising high streets and local economies. She advocates action to ensure their survival and contribute to the future of town centres. This includes addressing business rates, transport, and parking. One suggested innovative solution is the introduction of loyalty schemes. This would… Read more: FSB exec calls to support high street firms

It is reported that the British Business Bank has launched the Growth Guarantee Scheme. This aims to Provide access to finance for UK SMEs. The scheme is expected to support around 11,000 smaller businesses between July 2024 and March 2026. To date, 41 Lenders have been accredited for the scheme, with more to follow! Of… Read more: SME Growth Guarantee Scheme launch

The Team at iBOSS have many years of experience of both acquiring and selling businesses. This is both on a personal basis and supporting and guiding clients through the process. Here we are talking about established businesses, although we can also help with planning and financing startups. The following is a summary of some of… Read more: Business acquisition and Exit planning.

The Times reports that small businesses have seen an increase in profits by 6.5% in the first quarter of 2024. This is despite a decline in revenues. According to Sage’s small business tracker, companies have been cutting costs to bolster profitability. It states, however, that many are waiting for a more stable economic and political… Read more: Increase in SME profits despite decline in revenues!

It is reported that UK manufacturers’ confidence is at its highest level in a decade. Businesses are seeing  signs of a real economic turnaround. A survey by Make UK, reports that both output and orders have improved. Thus confidence has reached a rating of level 7 (on a scale of 1 to 10). This is… Read more: Confidence in UK manufacturing highest for 10 years.

UK businesses organisations are urging the future Government to be far more proactive in helping firms to adjust to changes in the global economy. The Confederation of British Industry wants the next government to deliver a programme of targeted subsidies. The purpose: to help firms adopt new technologies. Meanwhile, the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC)… Read more: Re-arranging the deckchairs is not enough for UK Business.

One of the established ‘alternative’ lenders to SMEs, iwoca, has published a new Broker survey. This claims that the main high street banks are expected to further reduce funding for SMEs. They claim that 77% of SME finance brokers believe high street banks will decrease their appetite to fund small businesses. It also says that… Read more: The big banks to reduce funding to Small business?

According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS) the decision-making skills of the worst-performing UK SMEs were well below average in 22/23. They were more likely to make guesses when faced with challenges than make decisions based on business analysis.