The UK government may be celebrating favourable tariffs with the USA and new trade deals with countries outside the EU, but the vast majority of UK small businesses are now focused on the domestic British market to secure growth over the next 12-months, according to new research from Novuna Business Finance. The nationally representative survey…
Read moreExtreme currency fluctuations have caused SMEs to face substantial losses and are compelling businesses to change their FX strategy, according to data from independent SME funder, Bibby Financial Services (BFS). 54 per cent of SMEs surveyed say they’ve been stung by volatile exchange rates in the past year, losing over £53,000 on average as a result.…
Read moreThe UK could see higher than expected growth due to trade deals agreed with the US and the European Union, with KPMG predicting that growth could hit 1.2% in 2025 as trade agreements lower uncertainty. The UK economic outlook could brighten over the next two years as the economy stands to benefit from easing trade…
Read moreSmall importers have warned that reciprocal tariffs on the US market would ‘wreck’ their business plans, research by the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) shows. The UK’s largest business group has today published data showing that one in three (33%) would scale back orders if the UK Government struck back and taxed goods headed from the US…
Read moreA new report by European debt collection specialist Intrum has highlighted that without improved economic conditions, up to 10 million European businesses face potential closure within two years, threatening up to 40 million jobs. Late payments are a key driver of this risk, draining liquidity and limiting SMEs’ ability to invest and grow. In the…
Read moreThe British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) has warned that a 10% tariff on goods exported to the US will hit UK traders, with two in five businesses which export to the US saying they will suffer a ‘significant negative impact’ from charges. Around a third of British businesses exposed to tariffs are planning to raise…
Read moreA snap poll of 562 Institute of Directors members following President Trump’s tariffs announcement has found that over a third (37%) of business leaders expect to be impacted by the tariffs and of those, over two-thirds (70%) expect their profits to decrease as a result. In response to the tariffs, 35% of members will be…
Read morePresident Donald Trump has set out plans for new import taxes on all goods entering the US, with a baseline tariff on all imports of at least 10% and higher rates for countries that the White House described as the ‘worst offenders.’ While goods from the UK are set to face a new 10% tariff,…
Read moreBusiness insolvencies in Ireland hit their highest level in six years according to research by PwC. Insolvencies increased by 16 per cent, although they came in below expectations as the fourth-quarter saw a drop off in company collapses. The total figure for 2024 was 852, which was well shy of PwC’s forecast that insolvencies would…
Read moreThe Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) expects the UK economy to grow at a slower pace this year than it had previously forecast. However, it has upgraded its growth forecast for next year. The think-tank expects 0.9% growth this year, down from 1.1%, while 2025 is forecast to see growth of 1.7%, up…
Read moreThe global economy is continuing growing at a modest pace, according to the OECD’s latest Economic Outlook. The Economic Outlook projects steady global GDP growth of 3.1% in 2024, the same as the 3.1% in 2023, followed by a slight pick-up to 3.2% in 2025. The impact of tight monetary conditions continues being felt, particularly in…
Read moreA new study from Juniper Research, found that by 2028, the Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL)userbase will increase by 107%, from 380 million users in 2024. Banks and super apps are leveraging their positions to underrepresented demographics incentivising BNPL through consolidated offerings tailored to consumers, such as integrated eCommerce platforms. Juniper Research found that despite…
Read moreNew research by Allianz Trade in its latest report on global Days Sales Outstanding (DSO) and Working Capital Requirements (WCR) has found that the looming profitability squeeze could extend payment delays further The research found that profitability is the number one driver of payment terms in Europe, more impactful than financing or the business cycle.…
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