Business Research & Insights

The cost of doing business in 2025 is weighing on SMEs, with 3 in 4 expecting further increases. But many also plan to be proactive with a focus on technology to aid cost-reduction and revenue-generation to continue to thrive, grow and adapt.

Cashflow still the biggest risk to business but concerns around profitability continue to rise.

SME confidence falls deeper into negative territory

Constraints linger despite easing capacity utilisation

Are SMEs planning to invest to grow their business and who do they turn to for advice?

SME conditions stable but still below average

Conditions ease as slow growth weighs on firms

SME conditions fall, diverging from larger firms

Price growth edges lower despite reasonable economy

Sources of advice, focus of investment & use of free training tools

4 in 10 SMEs think AI will make their business more profitable.