Close Menu
  • News
  • Home
  • In Profile
  • Finance
  • Legal
  • Technology
  • Events
  • Features
  • Wellbeing & Mental Health
  • Marketing
  • HR & Recruitment
  • About
  • Advertise
  • Events Calendar
  • Business Wall
  • Subscribe
  • Contact
  • 0843 289 4634
X (Twitter) LinkedIn YouTube
Trending
  • How employers can help LGBTQIA+ employees thrive
  • Meeting Overload: A symptom of a bigger problem?
  • New Chief Revenue Officer joins CBS to drive strategic growth
  • The Death of the Number-Cruncher CFO: 60% Now Leading Strategy Beyond Finance
  • Why it’s time for law firms to embrace smart identity infrastructure
  • Continuity Planning Is Now the Norm for UK Businesses
  • The Resignation Ripple: How One Exit Can Shake an Entire SMB
  • Risk Assessments for Employees who are Deaf or have Hearing Loss
X (Twitter) LinkedIn YouTube
SME Today
  • About
  • Advertise
  • Events Calendar
  • Business Wall
  • Subscribe
  • Contact
  • 0843 289 4634
  • News
  • Home
  • In Profile
  • Finance
  • Legal
  • Technology
  • Events
  • Features
  • Wellbeing
  • Marketing
  • HR & Recruitment
SME Today
  • About
  • Advertise
  • Events Calendar
  • Business Wall
  • Subscribe
  • Contact
  • 0843 289 4634
  • Twitter
  • LinkedIn
  • YouTube
  • RSS
You are at:Home»Features»Five key priorities for the next government to support SMEs
UK SME confidence rebounds despite challenges ahead

Five key priorities for the next government to support SMEs

0
Posted By sme-admin on June 14, 2024 Features

As we start to see the emergence of green shoots in a post-pandemic environment, it is paramount that we equip our small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with the resources they need to not only survive but thrive. SMEs are the bedrock of our economy, driving innovation, generating employment opportunities, and fostering local development.

As the SME lending landscape continues to evolve, it is crucial for the next UK government to prioritise and adapt their policies to support the growth and stability of these vital businesses. To ensure their sustained growth and resilience, Douglas Grant, Managing Director at Conister Bank has listed five key areas that the next UK government should look to focus on:

1.       Establish long-term government-backed financial support

The temporary lifelines provided during the pandemic underscored the importance of accessible financing options for SMEs. Addressing issues such as loan repayment, interest rates, and financial regulations proactively is crucial. Rather than implementing short-lived schemes subject to annual revisions, the focus should shift towards establishing long-term, sector-specific financial support. This approach provides SMEs with the stability and predictability necessary for effective planning. By tailoring assistance to sectors still grappling with recovery disparities, resources can be allocated more effectively, avoiding the scattergun approach of past policies.

But what does this shift towards long-term, sector-focused support mean for SMEs practically?  It translates into financial stability and flexibility, empowering SMEs to invest in innovation, expansion, and operational resilience. Beyond addressing immediate financial needs, such support lays the groundwork for sustained business growth.

2.       Embrace technology as a job enabler

 In an era of rapid technological advancement, there is a common fear that automation and digitalisation will lead to job losses. However, technology can be a powerful ally in supporting job creation and enhancing productivity. It is essential to leverage technology to support, rather than replace, jobs. The next government should invest in digital skills training programmes, digital infrastructure development, and technology adoption initiatives tailored specifically for SMEs. By empowering SMEs with the tools and knowledge to harness technology effectively, we can create a workforce that is adaptable, innovative, and resilient.

3.       Enhancing and developing new infrastructure

Infrastructure projects are not just about concrete and steel; they are about creating jobs, stimulating local economies, and providing SMEs with the platform to grow. The next government must provide clarity and consistency in infrastructure and development funding promises, ensuring that resources are allocated efficiently, and projects are executed promptly. By fulfilling these commitments, we can unlock the potential for SMEs to succeed in vibrant, interconnected communities.

4.       Optimising existing supply chains and infrastructure

The pandemic underscored the vulnerabilities of global supply chains, and in 2024, disruptions at vital trade routes such as the Panama and Suez Canals, coupled with escalating geopolitical tensions, have further exacerbated challenges in sourcing and distribution.

To safeguard against future disruptions and enhance efficiency, it is vital to conduct a comprehensive analysis of supply chains and infrastructure needs. By leveraging expertise and data-driven insights, we can identify bottlenecks, mitigate risks, and optimise supply chains to better serve the needs of SMEs. Furthermore, strategic investments in infrastructure, such as transportation networks and digital connectivity, will bolster connectivity and facilitate seamless business operations for SMEs across the country.

5.       Incentivise investors to invest in UK SMEs

Access to capital is essential for SMEs to fuel growth and innovation. To attract investment into UK SMEs, the next government should introduce incentives for investors, such as tax breaks, investment schemes, and venture capital support.  The support for the venture capital sector, facilitated by its VCT, EIS, and SEIS schemes, should be reinforced to establish a continuous financial support system for SMEs while simultaneously appealing to investors seeking tax-efficient investments and attractive returns. By creating a conducive investment environment, we can unlock capital, drive entrepreneurship, and catalyse economic growth across all sectors.

The success of SMEs is pivotal to the overall prosperity and resilience of the UK economy. By prioritising the outlined areas and implementing targeted policies and initiatives, the next UK government can create an environment where SMEs can thrive, innovate, and play a pivotal role in driving forward a much-needed economic resurgence.

Share. Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr Email

Related Posts

How employers can help LGBTQIA+ employees thrive

Meeting Overload: A symptom of a bigger problem?

The Death of the Number-Cruncher CFO: 60% Now Leading Strategy Beyond Finance

Comments are closed.

Follow SME Today on Linkedin and share all the topics you find interesting

The Newsletter

Join our mailing list for the best SME stories, handpicked and delivered direct to your inbox every two weeks!

Sign Up
Personal Pension offer
Events Calendar
    • Marketing
    September 9, 2025

    SEO 101 for SMBs: Reaching Customers with the Right Visuals

    August 29, 2025

    OneMetric forms strategic partnership with RevOps expert to drive UK growth

    • Finance
    September 3, 2025

    Five ways to monetise your business EV chargers

    September 1, 2025

    Are you flying blind on your most important business decisions?

    • People
    September 11, 2025

    New Chief Revenue Officer joins CBS to drive strategic growth

    August 14, 2025

    A Life Worth Saving – A Tribute to Dame Stephanie Shirley CH, 1933–2025

    • Health & Safety
    September 2, 2025

    1 in 3 employees anxious about lack of first aiders at work

    July 1, 2025

    Temperatures Soaring: Is Your Workplace Becoming Unsafe?

    • Events
    September 9, 2025

    Nominations for the 2026 Bold Woman Award by Veuve Clicquot open

    July 22, 2025

    South West Expo Delivers Outstanding Event at Swindon’s STEAM Museum

    • Community
    July 11, 2025

    Building community, one cause at a time

    June 23, 2025

    Celebrating One Year In Fairford Supporting The Community

    • Food & Drink
    August 22, 2025

    How to get stocked by major retailers as an SME

    July 18, 2025

    Warning to Small Businesses Over New Food Waste Regulations

    • Books
    September 3, 2025

    New book on conquering fear of public speaking

    August 7, 2025

    Learning to Leave a Legacy in Business

    About

    SME Today is published by the same team who deliver The Great British Expos’. We have been organising various corporate events for the last 10 years, with a strong track record of producing well managed and attended business events across the UK.

    Join Our Mailing List

    Receive the latest news and updates from SMEToday.
    Read our Latest Newsletter:


    Sign Up
    X (Twitter) YouTube LinkedIn
    Categories
    • Books
    • Community & Charity
    • Education and Training
    • Environment
    • Events
    • Features
    • Finance
    • Food and Drink
    • Health & Safety
    • HR & Recruitment
    • In Profile
    • Legal
    • Marketing
    • News
    • People
    • Property & Development
    • Sponsored Content
    • Technology
    • Transport & Tourism
    • Wellbeing & Mental Health
    • ABOUT SME TODAY: THE GO TO RESOURCE FOR UK BUSINESSES
    • Editorial Submission Guidelines
    • Privacy
    • Contact
    Copyright © 2025 SME Today.
    • ABOUT SME TODAY: THE GO TO RESOURCE FOR UK BUSINESSES
    • Editorial Submission Guidelines
    • Privacy
    • Contact

    Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.