Calls for targeted reforms to help SMEs unlock global export opportunities

27th February 2026 Commercial Credit Management | #global

Barclays has published new policy recommendations urging the UK government to take further action to support the nation’s exporters, particularly smaller businesses. The analysis draws on proprietary data covering current and potential future exporters, alongside the bank’s own in‑house expertise and long-standing experience supporting UK firms trading internationally. This work comes at a time when…

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Two fifths of SMEs can’t pay staff on time due to late payments

Late payments are increasingly undermining the stability of UK SMEs, threatening payroll, job security and growth potential, according to new research by Bibby Financial Services (BFS), with the data showing that late payments from customers prevented more than two-fifths (42%) of SMEs from paying staff salaries on time in the last 12 months. Meanwhile, nearly…

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Three in four small business owners say business worries keep them awake at night

More than three in four small business owners (78%) say business worries keep them awake at night – as concerns over economic volatility and geopolitical uncertainty reach a record high (52%) – according to new research from Novuna Business Finance. Compared to the position two-years ago, the biggest rises in business owner concerns related to…

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Ending a long-term relationship could trigger significant financial change

New Compare the Market research has highlighted that the typical costs people may face when separating and setting up a home on their own, with total expenses ranging from £9,175 to £24,641, depending on housing and marital status. With 28.6 million households in the UK, married couples remain the most common family type, accounting for…

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Consumer confidence dipped in February

GfK’s Consumer Confidence Barometer Index has shown a drop of three points to -19 in February. Three measures were down, one was up, and one was flat, compared to last month’s announcement. The drop reflects growing concerns about personal finances and a reluctance to make significant purchases. Neil Bellamy, Consumer Insights Director at GfK, an NIQ…

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