Member Article

The SMB Battleground – exploring UK businesses biggest pain points

Lord Livingston recently pledged that he would help create a ‘Brit-elstand’ - a UK equivalent to medium sized export companies known as the Mittlestand, that form the backbone of the German economy. Mid-sized businesses are vital to the government’s long-term economic plan to reduce the deficit and create more jobs. The CBI estimates that, if they reach their full potential, it would be worth £20 to £50 billion to the UK economy.

Yet with common growing pains for medium-sized and growing businesses to overcome as they evolve reaching that potential can be a challenge. Managing supply chains, unlocking expansion and embracing the hyper-connected world are just some of the factors that can impact a company’s productivity and profit, and ultimately have a bearing on their prospects for future success.

The exporting challenge

Expansion can pose a challenge for any business, whether it is expanding to new sites in the UK or internationally. Only 17% of UK mid-sized businesses generate revenues outside of the EU compared to 25% in Germany and 30% in Italy.

A Sage survey of more than 500 business owners and decision makers revealed that one of the primary barriers to starting or increasing trading abroad is a lack of understanding around international trading regulations. With the Government’s greater focus on exporting, accessing the right support before making those first steps is vitally important.

Navigating foreign legislation, currency fluctuations and international trading regulations can be daunting – but by preparing properly a business will improve its decision making, with better insight and the ability to better manage business performance.

Managing the supply chain

With growth comes grows so does added layers of complexity – and poor supply chain management is one of the most common pitfalls. Expansion makes it harder to keep track of every detail within a business, be that logistics, stock control and finance. You would be surprised how much potential inefficiency and cost losses can be inherent in the supply chain.

If too much slips through the cracks this wastage can hold a business back in its quest for sustainable growth.

Whether your supply chain is local or global, one principle remains: the longer the supply chain, the more scope there is for things to go wrong. A supply chain is only as strong as its weakest link.

Responsible management of your supply chain minimises risk, and ultimately allows a business to streamline and reap greater efficiency.

Cloud, or not too cloud?

SMBs seeking to realise the benefits of mobile and flexible working should think carefully if and how they utilise cloud and mobile technologies. Having access to information anywhere, anytime across multiple devices is a fundamental requirement for the modern day business looking to capitalise on the ‘always on’ workforce. Companies could add up to £1.4 billion to the UK economy each year by taking a more strategic approach to flexible working.

For many established SMBs the prospect of investing in cloud and parting ways with their existing infrastructure is daunting. However, it’s important to recognise the breadth of options available, be that on-premise, hybrid, or a fully cloud solution. Yes, you can become more agile if you invest, but business should make the move if it is right for them, and not because ‘everyone else is talking about it’.

In the quest for growth, obstacles are reality for every business. Yet with the right support and systems in place, the opportunity is ripe for the picking. Lord Livingstone’s pledge is a step in the right direction for helping the UK’s small and medium businesses achieve growth and capitalise on growing confidence in the economy.

By Steve Attwell is the Managing Director for Sage UK and Ireland’s Small and Medium Business Division

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Sage UK .