SME

Outlook

4 lessons from Germany on how British SMEs can thrive post lockdown

Retail footfall in Germany has remained stubbornly low despite lockdown being lifted. Yet how German small businesses have adapted to COVID-19 offers valuable lessons

Productivity Zone

Upping productivity: how UK SMEs can rival Germany

New research reveals that UK SMEs generate less than half the output of SMEs in Germany. Here's how to improve productivity in your business.

Accounts & Tax

Why Making Tax Digital could make a large dent in the UK’s tax gap

Making Tax Digital is coming up fast and it could be the key to closing the tax gap. Brian Palmer of AAT explains why.

Management

Poor onboarding continues to cost SMEs millions

Poor 'onboarding' practices are costing SMEs millions of pounds in reputation and recruitment, but getting the process right really pays off.

Employing & managing staff

The challenges SMEs face when sending employees abroad

Sending employees abroad can be challenging, but the benefits well outweigh the risks. Kevin Melton of AXA Global Healthcare takes us through the biggest potential hurdles.

Opportunities

NatWest pledges £1 billion in extra funding to SMEs

NatWest says that it will lend an extra £1 billion to small and medium sized enterprises over the next year.

Advice

Count pounds, not sheep: The issues keeping SME owners up at night

Lack of resources, government support and cashflow problems are some of the issues SMEs face today.

Management

Public interest increasing in fair trade SMEs

Although it is still hard for small retailers selling fair trade and organic produce, public interest is increasing and the number of success stories is growing, according to a fair trade business expert.

Outlook