Author: Ravi Sidhu, Subject Matter Expert, Credit Risk, Dun & Bradstreet SME lending is undergoing a profound transformation, driven by the increasing availability and sophisticated application of data. For too long, small and medium-sized enterprises have faced persistent hurdles in accessing finance through traditional methods due to strict lending criteria and substantial collateral. The good news, however, is that we have seen an increase in challengers entering the arena. Challenger banks now account for 60% of lending to SMEs, increasing lending options that previously didn’t exist. With this, we’ve seen the rise of new data-driven tools and approaches that are…
Author: sme-admin
Dr Jo Salter MBE is a pioneering force in both aviation and leadership. Best known as the first female fast jet pilot in the Royal Air Force, Jo earned her wings in 1992 and flew the Panavia Tornado with 617 Squadron, rising to prominence in a field historically dominated by men. Her trailblazing career didn’t stop there — she has also been a leader of an all-male squadron, a passionate advocate for women in STEM and defence, and a Trustee of The Royal Air Force Club. Her journey from military service to the world of business is a testament to…
Leading UK technology consultancy identifies the key warning signs that your Target Operating Model isn’t working for you. “Whilst the need for a resilient, forward-looking Target Operating Model (TOM) has never been more urgent,” urges Pete Smyth, CEO at Leading Resolutions, “CIOs must effectively and comprehensively assess their existing TOM or risk costly setbacks in their business operations.” Pete has identified the 3 key signs that indicate your TOM is inefficient, underperforming or even disrupting daily operations. You haven’t changed your model since the last major change in your business. “For SMBs, strategic flexibility is essential to staying responsive and…
By Chaithanya Kumar, CEO and Founder at Incepteo Artificial Intelligence (AI) is reshaping the UK’s financial services industry at an astonishing pace. From smarter credit scoring to automated compliance and fraud prevention, AI is unlocking new efficiencies and creating more personalised, responsive customer experiences. The UK AI in finance market is forecast to grow from £1.2 billion in 2024 to £8.5 billion by 2033, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 24.8%. A clear signal of strong momentum and continued investment. Adoption is already widespread: 75% of UK financial firms currently use AI in some form, and another 10%…
Having worked closely with high growth SMEs over the past decade, Todd Davison, MD of Purbeck Insurance Services, the UK’s only provider of personal guarantee insurance, knows more than most, the key ingredients to take a business to the next level: Overall: Have a clear vision – all high growth SMEs have a well-defined mission and long-term goals, which guide decision-making. Dynamism – don’t be afraid to pivot or experiment, using lean startup principles. Data focus – track KPIs religiously and use dashboards to monitor performance in real time. Strong culture – harbour a strong culture to build staff engagement/brand ambassadors.…
Following reports that a third of hospitality businesses are now operating at a loss thanks to recent tax hikes, new research has revealed that the sector also ranks bottom for UK wages. Besides the financial pressure on hospitality firms, UK Hospitality figures show that the sector is also experiencing significant worker shortages, with 48% more vacancies than pre-pandemic levels. Experts warn that low pay is likely contributing to this staff exodus – the business finance experts at money.co.uk business bank accounts have analysed the latest government pay figures to reveal the industries offering the lowest hourly pay: Rank Industry Median weekly paid hours…
By Douglas Grant, Managing Director at Manx Financial Group Ongoing tariff disputes and shifting regulatory landscapes continue to disrupt global trade. For UK small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), these uncertainties can impact export margins, increase input costs, and complicate growth planning. Yet, in volatility lies opportunity. Businesses that are agile and financially prepared can not only mitigate risks but also gain a competitive edge. Here are five practical ways UK SMEs can adapt their financial strategies in response to global tariff uncertainty: 1. Diversify export markets Rising protectionism, particularly under a renewed “America First” approach, is reshaping global trade dynamics.…
By Andrew Bresler, CEO at Saxo UK The UK investment industry stands at the dawn of an AI-driven revolution. Just as the internet once totally reshaped business, artificial intelligence now promises to become the greatest enabler of our era. For firms across the trading and investment landscape, AI is not just a tool for marginal gains – it’s a catalyst for wholesale transformation. Those who fully embrace AI across their operations will secure a decisive competitive advantage; those who hesitate risk being left behind. Successful AI adoption hinges on three principles: mindset, data, and risk management. Culture is critical. Too…
Flexible work arrangements (FWA) – including remote work and flexible hours – have become the norm in many workplaces. While large corporations often have dedicated policies and resources to make the transition smooth, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) face unique challenges in making flexibility work for both the business and employees. So how can SMEs embrace flexibility without sacrificing innovation, productivity, or their ability to attract and retain talent? A recent Swedish study offers fresh insights that could resonate across the UK business landscape. Innovation: Freedom Needs Structure Many managers found that FWA boosted individual creativity: employees could focus without…
As the third-largest venture capital market in the world, the UK offers a wealth of opportunities for investors and an exciting landscape for SMEs to secure funding to drive growth and realise ambitious founder visions. But when too much focus is placed on the headline valuation, and founders fail to approach the negotiation table with a detailed and holistic mindset, early missteps can have lasting consequences for future funding rounds, board control, and ultimately, any exit. Sam Brown, a specialist venture & growth capital lawyer at Ashfords, has been advising clients through VC negotiations for over 12 years. Here, he…