Tag: #sme

Cyber Threats Could Force 1 in 4 SMEs to Shut Down After a Ransomware Attack

The latest Vodafone Business Cybersecurity Threat Report reveals a stark reality for Ireland’s small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), warning that 28% of businesses would be at risk of shutting down after just one ransomware attack, while 94% of Irish SMEs admit they feel unprepared to defend against advanced cyber threats.
With cyber criminals increasingly harnessing artificial intelligence (AI) to launch faster, more convincing and more adaptive attacks, the report warns that no business is immune to risk.
AI: The Game-Changer in Cybercrime
The report highlights how AI is now being used to clone voices, impersonate trusted executives, and create highly realistic phishing campaigns, making it harder than ever for busy SMEs to spot malicious activity. These sophisticated identity hacks can lead to operational shutdowns, exposure of sensitive customer data, and long-term reputational damage to businesses.
The financial impact is expected to surge with cybercrime-related costs projected to rise by nearly 50% over the next three years as AI-driven attacks continue to evolve.
The report highlights the emergence of adaptive AI malware, a type of malicious software that can learn and adapt its tactics to evade detection. Traditional antivirus systems are becoming less effective against these shape-shifting threats, signalling a critical need for stronger, AI-enabled defences.
As Irish SMEs begin integrating AI tools into everyday operations, from automating customer service to analysing data, the research shows that 50% of small and mid-sized enterprises ranked cybersecurity among their top five priorities. However, 69% of SMEs admit they lack the proper cybersecurity measures to deploy these technologies safely. This gap is leaving many businesses exposed to new forms of cyberattacks.
However, Vodafone Ireland, connectivity and technology partner to six in ten Irish businesses, emphasises that there are practical steps SMEs can take to strengthen their cybersecurity, such as employee training, software updates, multi-factor authentication, regular backups, and partnering with expert providers for monitoring and threat detection. These measures can help businesses close gaps without requiring extensive IT expertise.
Speaking on the findings, Sinead Perry, Head of SMB Sales – Small & Medium Business at Vodafone Ireland, warned that no business is too small to be a target:
“The scale of AI-powered attacks means no business is too small or too remote to go unnoticed. If you’re online, you’re on the radar. For SMEs, the risk is real – they are big enough to be a target but often don’t have the same security resources as larger firms.”
“Attackers only need to succeed once, while your defences must work every time. Irish SMEs now face two major challenges: defending against AI-driven threats and ensuring their own use of AI is secure.”
“Today, SMEs manage more data than ever before and operate in a complex digital environment that rivals larger businesses. This makes them attractive targets, and with AI in the mix, this threat is evolving fast. SMEs must act now to strengthen their resilience and protect the future of their business. With 2.4 million customers in Ireland, Vodafone is a trusted connectivity and technology partner, uniquely positioned to support SMEs in navigating today’s cybersecurity challenges. This is why at Vodafone Ireland, we are working with leading global technology partners, like Google, Microsoft
and Zscaler, to help SMEs build stronger, smarter defences and protect the future of their businesses.”
The full Vodafone Business Cybersecurity Threat Report is available to download via the V-Hub knowledge centre: https://v-hub.vodafone.ie/knowledge-centre/how-to-defend-smes-from-rising-ai-driven-cyber-attacks.

Over 6,500 Irish SMEs directly helped by National Enterprise Hub in its first 12 months

Over 6,500 SMEs have been directly supported by the all-of-Government National Enterprise Hub (NEH) in the first 12 months since its launch.

The top grants availed of by businesses ranged in value from €3,000 to €7,000 and  focused on supporting businesses with cashflow, expansion and productivity to help them deal with concerns around rising costs, and competitiveness.

The National Enterprise Hub has attracted over 220,000 active online users to its website over the last 12 months and also offers a full-time dedicated phone line, connecting business owners with specialist advisors who can discuss potential grant options over the phone.

The National Enterprise Hub, an initiative of the Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment and Enterprise Ireland, brings together information and resources on over 250 Government supports from 30 different Departments and State Agencies. Looking ahead, there will be a continued and renewed focus on simplifying business grant applications for SMEs engaging with the National Enterprise Hub.

The businesses are from a range of industries however the majority fall within Tourism & Hospitality, retail & consumer products, food, health & beauty, professional services and the construction sector. This free service makes it easier and more efficient for businesses to access and avail of supports such as grants, funding, loans and expert advice across a range of sectors.

Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, Peter Burke, said “With over 6,500 companies engaging in its first 12 months, the National Enterprise Hub has proven effective in streamlining and simplifying access for SMEs to government supports, equipping them with vital digital and sustainability resources to navigate rising costs and stay competitive.

Research from my Department shows that four in five businesses believe sustainability is important. An awareness campaign is currently underway showcasing how the NEH can support businesses in cutting costs through grants such as the LEO’s Energy Efficiency Grant and SEAI’s Business Energy Upgrade Scheme.

My focus now with the NEH is on reducing administrative burdens and red tape for businesses by consolidating multiple grant applications into a single, simplified process. We must redouble our efforts to simplify processes for businesses and make sure that we think about small businesses first. I look forward to its continued growth and positive impact on Irish SMEs.”

Conor O’Donovan, Head of Start-Ups and the National Enterprise Hub, said: “SME engagement with the National Enterprise Hub has met and exceeded our targets to date, supporting 6,500 businesses within our first year of operation. One of the main aims of the Hub was to engage with businesses who haven’t availed of government supports to date and to make the process of availing of government supports faster and easier.”

“We know that Irish SMEs are operating in a complex environment and being able to access grants and supports is more important than ever. Small businesses who are engaging with the National Enterprise Hub are concerned about rising cost of business and competitiveness – that is why a single source of government supports for businesses is important to ensure that accessing the right information is made easier.

The National Enterprise Hub has a team of dedicated advisors who are directing SMEs to the right support that will help them. It’s for every business in the country and we’d encourage every business to go online to neh.gov.ie or pick up the phone and start the conversation around your business needs today.”

Audrey Hughes, CEO ofPrinciple HR said: “Like so many Irish SMEs, we are focused on providing the highest quality of service delivery to our customers, while remaining competitive. Accessing government supports to assist can feel daunting but the National Enterprise Hub made the process so much easier by putting us in contact with the right agency whose support and expertise fitted our needs. Through our initial engagement with the National Enterprise Hub, Principle HR is now an Enterprise Ireland client and in a short period of time our business has been helped through the strategic marketing review support and engagement with their overseas market advisors. With the business environment constantly changing, I’d encourage all SMEs no matter what stage they are on their growth journey to contact the NEH today to learn about what supports could be available to them.”

 

Top Supports Availed of by SMEs through National Enterprise Hub:

•    Dept of Social Protection: Wage Subsidy Scheme

•    Dept of Social Protection: Jobs Plus Subsidy

•    Enterprise Ireland: Pre-Seed Start Fund

•    Enterprise Ireland: New Frontiers Programme

•    Enterprise Ireland/LEO: Innovation Vouchers

•    LEO: Energy Efficiency Grant

•    LEO: Mentoring

•    LEO: Start Your Own Business Programme

•    LEO: Grow Digital Voucher

•    MicroFinance Ireland: Start-up Loan

•    Revenue: Start-Up Relief for Entrepreneurs SURE

•    SBCI: Growth and Sustainability Loan Scheme

•    SBCI: Leasing and Hire Purchase

•    SEAI: Exceed Grant Scheme

•    Skillnet Ireland: Skillnet Business Networks

•    Skillnet: Mentoring

•    Solas: SOLAS Micro-Qualifications

 

The Hub team can be contacted through the website (www.neh.gov.ie), email enquiry@neh.gov.ie  or by phone (01 727 2100), where users can engage directly with an advisor.

Bank of Ireland launches Sustainable Business Coach online platform for SMEs

Bank of Ireland has launched its new Sustainable Business Coach online platform, a free digital tool designed to support SME business customers with sustainability planning and to identify their ESG priorities.

Sustainable Business Coach, which is unique in the Irish market, is designed as an ESG questionnaire with businesses answering a series of multiple-choice questions. The results of the online assessment, which can be conducted at a pace that suits each business, provides a concise summary of their current sustainability position and covers key action areas such as:

  • Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions
  • Employee engagement
  • Energy usage
  • Procurement
  • Water & waste management

Recent research conducted by Bank of Ireland revealed that a majority of SMEs are unclear on how to implement sustainable growth plans, with over 70% concerned about the impact ESG requirements could have on their own enterprises. Sustainable Business Coach provides SMEs with a structured roadmap to make meaningful progress in the sustainability space, with the online platform underpinned by a globally recognised framework based on the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.

The launch of the easily accessible and free-of charge Sustainable Business Coach further enhances Bank of Ireland’s ESG ambitions, with the Bank on track to deliver its end-2025 sustainability-related lending target of €15 billion earlier than anticipated.

John Feeney, CEO, Corporate and Commercial, Bank of Ireland said: “‘Bank of Ireland is delighted to launch a new, free digital sustainability tool focused on Irish SMEs. Many of our business customers face time and resource challenges. Our goal is to deliver an easy-to-use online tool that can provide businesses with a practical and quick plan to support sustainability decision making.”

To find out more about the Bank of Ireland Sustainable Business Coach please click here: Bank of Ireland – Sustainability Coach    

Vodafone champions Irish businesses with exclusive Six Nations brand advertising opportunity worth over €25,000

A lucky Vodafone Business customer will get to answer Ireland’s call and bring their business to the big screen at a packed Aviva Stadium as Ireland host France in round three of the Six Nations Championships on March 8th.

Vodafone provides business support to over 60% of Irish businesses. The Bring your Business to the Big Screen initiative is worth over €25,000 to the successful SME and is open to Vodafone SME Business customers.

Vodafone is offering its winning partner some of its own in-stadium pitch-side branding  for the highly anticipated Six Nations fixture against France. The winning business will also receive an exclusive video content package, two VIP tickets to attend the match and see their brand advertised, as well as an exclusive invitation to meet the team at their Captain’s Run the day before the match.

Last year’s Six Nations clash between Ireland and France attracted a TV audience of over 1 million viewers in Ireland and 6.6 million viewers in France and when Ireland last hosted the French in Dublin in 2023, the fixture delivered a 70% share of Ireland’s TV audience.

As the two tournament favorites go head-to-head, the Aviva Stadium will be at full capacity adding another 50,000 people to the number who will be exposed to the company’s brand.  To enter, companies must visit the Vodafone.ie business website and fill out a simple form – entries must be submitted by the 7th February, 2025.

Over 2,000 SMEs applied to participate in Vodafone’s ‘Bring your Business to the Big Screen’ initiative in 2024 which provided four small Irish businesses exposure during the Autumn Nations Series at the Aviva Stadium in November 2024 – SOS Cookies (Limerick), The Farmhouse.ie (Longford), JANDO and Lotts & Co. (both Dublin) were featured on pitch-side and digital screen advertising during the game.

Amanda Nelson, CEO at Vodafone Ireland said: “This initiative is one of the most rewarding for our Vodafone Business team as we get to leverage our Irish Rugby sponsorship to the benefit of one of our SME customers.  This scheme will expose their brand to over 1 million people in Ireland and will also deliver significant exposure overseas. Ireland and France are the favourites for this year’s Six Nations title, which will increase interest even further in the fixture and provide a fantastic platform for one of our SME customers to share in the spotlight.”

Vodafone Ireland has been the main sponsor of the Irish Rugby Football Union (IRFU) since 2016. As part of this sponsorship, Vodafone shares a number of exclusive benefits with its customers, allowing them to feel part of the #TeamOfUs.This competition along with practical supports like V-Hub, a free digital support service offering tailored advice to help businesses navigate their digital transformation journey, are just some of the ways Vodafone is supporting small businesses.

Irish SMEs can now apply for support for new AI Acceleration programme

Galvia AI, one of Ireland’s leading AI companies, has today announced that eligible Irish SMEs can now avail of support from Enterprise Ireland’s Digital Discovery grant for its new AI-Accelerator programme.

The Galvia AI-Accelerator is a 5-week, hands-on  programme, with the first cohort beginning in January 2025, and is designed to help Irish SMEs across Ireland integrate transformative AI solutions into their businesses.

The company is expected to run one Accelerator per quarter, which costs a total of €4,995. Applications are open for SMEs in all sectors across all of Ireland and can be made at: http://www.galvia.ai/accelerator.

Tap into the potential of AI

The AI-Accelerator is designed to simplify AI technologies and help SMEs from all across Ireland to tap into the potential of their data by offering practical, cost-effective solutions through the power of AI technology.

The AI-Accelerator will be delivered in a hybrid format at Galway’s innovation hub Platform94, and includes options of virtual sessions and in-person workshops. Key partners for the programme include Platform94 and law firm Byrne Wallace LLP, who will deliver workshops on the legal implications of AI.

Participating SMEs will collaborate with the programme’s experts to develop machine learning models and applications tailored to their specific needs, using their own data to create custom solutions that generate revenue, drive engagement and ensure sustainable growth.

By the end of the programme, participants will have a clear understanding of what to do with their data and a strategic plan of how to integrate AI into their business.

The aim of Enterprise Ireland’s Digital Discovery grant is to incentivise and support companies to introduce new digital technologies and solutions into their operations. Eligible companies must be supported by Enterprise Ireland, and can now apply for 80% net funding from Enterprise Ireland to participate in the Galvia AI-Accelerator.

Commenting on the announcement, John Clancy, CEO of Galvia said: “We are hugely appreciative and delighted that Enterprise Ireland is offering support to Irish SMEs that wish to participate in our AI-Accelerator programme.”

“Integrating new technologies can be daunting, but our mission is to show that organisations don’t need huge resources to unlock the power of their data. Our program will guide participants toward a better understanding of how to leverage their data effectively and strategically, providing a clear pathway for integrating AI into their operations.”

Ruairí Ó hAilín from Enterprise Ireland said: “Enterprise Ireland is committed to supporting Irish-owned companies to start, grow, scale and to achieve their global ambition.  Helping companies further understand the capabilities of digital tools such as AI, as they seek to introduce new technologies and solutions into their businesses is key to driving sustainable growth and competitiveness in export markets. We encourage all companies to explore how digitalisation can help their business to grow, including businesses who are eligible to utilise the Digital Discovery grant.”

58% of Irish SME businesses are confident they can meet new wage requirements

Nearly six out of ten (58%) Irish SME businesses are confident they can meet all new mandatory wage hikes and supplementary business expenses linked to staff expenditures in 2024, according to the latest Linked Finance SME Confidence Index, based on research conducted by B&A.

On the 1st of January 2024, businesses saw a 12% surge in the national minimum wage, climbing from €11.30 to €12.70 per hour placing fresh challenges and expenses on to SME businesses. In addition, SMEs are confronting additional hurdles including the introduction of new sick pay and parents’ leave entitlements.

In addition to the mandatory wage pressures, 37% of SME businesses expect to implement wage increases the coming year, with only 2% of businesses citing the need to reduce staff numbers to manage the increased wage costs.

Over the past 12 months, 92% of businesses have maintained or increased staff levels, showing the resilience and demand within the labour market in Ireland. This comes as the latest CSO unemployment rate for February fell to 4.2% from the rate of 4.5% recorded in January 2024, and from 4.1% in February 2023, as the Irish labour market remains tight.

Overall, the Business Optimism Index rose year-on-year from 60.1 in Q4 2022 to 62.4 in Q4 2023, but it is down from 64.13 in Q3 2023. Yet, 70% of SME businesses anticipate improved or stable results in Q1 2024 when compared with Q1 2023. This suggests the decline in optimism is more likely a recalibration rather than negativity, signalling a more cautious outlook among SMEs as they go into 2024.

Niall O’Grady, CEO of Linked Finance, said:

“The confidence exhibited by Irish SMEs in meeting new mandatory requirements at a time of continued economic challenges is a testament to their resilience and adaptability. As businesses continue to navigate challenges and pursue growth opportunities, strategic foresight and proactive measures will be crucial in ensuring long-term success.”

Nearly half of all SME businesses (49%) implemented a price increase in Q4 2023. While there are some tentative signs of a plateauing, there is large difference in the businesses willing to push prices onto customers, as 63% of larger SMEs (those with 10+ employees) increased prices in Q4 2024, compared with only 39% of micro-SMEs (those with 1-3 employees).

According to the flash estimate of the Harmonised Index of Consumer Prices (HICP) from the CSO, the inflation rate slowed to 2.3% in February 2024, yet businesses continue to feel the pinch, especially smaller SME businesses who may be experiencing heightened market competition and the imperative to maintain close customer relationships.

On a positive, 59% of SMEs reported either higher or the same level of operational profits in Q4 2023 compared to 12-months ago, suggesting that businesses are effectively managing their operations and remaining competitive in the market.

Niall O’Grady, CEO of Linked Finance, said:

“SMEs play a pivotal role in driving innovation and sustaining economic growth. At Linked Finance we are dedicated to empowering these businesses through accessible and efficient funding solutions. As SMEs navigate today’s competitive economic landscape the research shows positivity and resilience among SMEs, and with almost €300M in capital loans already provided to SMEs across Ireland, Linked Finance stands ready to continue supporting SMEs on their journey.”

For more information about the Linked Finance SME Index, please visit https://www.linkedfinance.com/.

Survey Reveals Irish SME Resources Overwhelmed by HR Requirements, Lack of Suitable Tech to Blame

Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Ireland & the UK feel that HR requirements are overwhelming vital resources, according to a survey commissioned by Meath-based HR tech company HR Duo.

In its survey of over 300 SMEs it was found that almost two-thirds (64%) say that trying to keep on top of all elements of HR in their business is extremely challenging. But despite the difficulties in the current business environment, just 10% say their HR function is likely to decrease in the next 12 months, with 45% predicting an increase. This is leading to a perfect storm, where HR requirements are continually increasing while a majority of SMEs feel that they are already overextended.

The survey identified that the lack of suitable HR technology for SMEs is central to their struggle to manage the HR workload. Three quarters (74%) feel that automation of manual tasks would be of major benefit to their business, with 66% saying that there are lots of paper processes in need of digitisation.

Yet roughly the same amount (67%) feel that addressing HR challenges is very different in SMEs compared to large organisations, meaning that existing options don’t address their needs. Indeed a majority (60%) of SMEs feel that HR tech platforms generally are geared towards the needs of larger companies, and adapting these to the needs of SME would be too onerous, with 70% believing they need a lot of expertise to set up and use effectively.

The result is time and resources wasted by SMEs in conducting routine HR tasks, which would be better utilised running and growing the business.

Jerome Forde, Founder and CEO of HR Duo, commented, “SMEs are the driving force of the Irish economy, employing 1.19 million people – roughly two-thirds of the total workforce – and generating almost half of the turnover in the private sector (source: ISME). But so much time and resources are being wasted on outdated manual tasks, meaning less opportunity to grow the business and hire new people.”

Unsurprisingly, two-thirds (64%) of SMEs said that increased productivity through better use of automation and tech is a priority for them over the next 12 months. Recent entrants to the market are making this more of a possibility for SMEs and challenging incumbent brands that prioritise larger organisations.

Jerome continued, “From speaking to SMEs around the country, it is clear that here is a huge need for a simple but innovative software solution that works for them straight out of the box – time is critical for them and they need a service tailored to their needs. With this in mind we developed HR Duo, a cloud-based platform that automates 80% of routine HR tasks, with the remaining 20% serviced by an expert team to help with more complex issues. unlocking capacity that can be better used in their business.”

HR Duo’s easy to use, low cost, and ‘always on’ proprietary software make it ideal for its target market of SMEs with 50-1,000 employees, acting as a bolt-on support to HR personnel, or indeed as a HR back-up for companies without a dedicated HR department. With subscriptions starting from as little as €10 per employee per month, the service can be scaled up or down as the business requires, with no lengthy, onerous contracts.

While HR tech solutions tailored to SMEs are now finally available, this does not mean they intent to reduce or eliminate HR capabilities. Indeed, feedback received during the survey revealed that SMEs don’t want a simple ‘set and forget’ solution – instead, there is a strong desire for a system to build institutional knowledge, with 85% wanting a HR platform that adds to their knowledge base. What SMEs desire is not a silver bullet, but a long-term partner in helping with their HR needs, freeing them up to build and scale their businesses into the future.

Survey Details

Research conducted by Heads Up Research & Insight (www.headsupinsight.com) throughout April 2023. Final survey response was 305 people who have influence in terms of HR decisions and/or resourcing the HR function in SMES between 30 and 500 employees in size. Maximum margin of error is +/- 6%.

Opportunity for SME solution providers to connect with Global Big Business & scale upwards

GreenTechHQ is the Southeast Sustainability Innovation Hub and its main aim is to help scaling companies develop and grow their business base.  As part of that goal GreenTechHQ invite based scaling companies and SMEs solution providers to The Innovation Exchange event on Thursday, 26th October at 11am in their office at Senan House, Enniscorthy Technology Park.

The Innovation Exchange, an initiative of Skillnet, connects large businesses facing innovation challenges with ambitious SMEs that fast track solutions.  The benefits for scaling companies extend way beyond signing a contract. By building the right capabilities and engaging with prospective customers via The Innovation Exchange, scaling companies can gather valuable industry insights, market intelligence and direct feedback, benefiting product development and sales and marketing strategy.

What you can get

  • Qualified sales pipeline.
  • Access to prospective customers.
  • Opportunity to pitch your solution to decision makers.
  • Market, Intelligent and Company insights
  • Tailor-made training for selling to large corporate an MNCs
  • expertise on preparing proposals pitching a negotiating terms
  • Large network of innovative companies open to collaboration.
  • Access to the Innovation Exchange members hub.

Additionally

  • Large corporates get access to Ireland’s most talented solutions providers and to collaborations that accelerate digital transformation.
    • Scaling technology companies get an instant sales pipeline as well as access to key decision makers, market intelligence and the capability to sell to large corporates.

How it works:-

  • Challenge is published via webinar.  Members attend and engage in Q&A directly with the buyer
  • Solution providers have the option to respond using the proposal template
  • Successful proposal will be collated and presented to the corporate partner
  • From there the corporate partner will select solutions providers it wishes to have pitch
  • Next step is deeper engagement with the corporate (proof of concept stage)
  • If successful, a deal is done!

An opportunity not to be missed! Businesses interested in attending can get in touch with Liz at 0873777335 or register online at GreenTechHQ.com or Register Here

52% of Irish SME businesses have raised prices to counteract inflation squeeze

There is a continued trend of price hikes across the business landscape as 52% of Irish SME businesses have taken the step to raise their prices, according to the latest Linked Finance SME Confidence Index, based on research conducted by Behaviours & Attitudes.

According to the Central Statistics Office (CSO), Consumer Price Index was 4.6% for July, down from 4.8% in June; and 9.6% in July 2022. Initial steps taken by businesses to tackle the inflation squeeze have focused on price increases, but as Ireland’s rate of inflation slows down, businesses are looking to boost earnings.

The survey found 54% of businesses have taken measures beyond pricing to mitigate the effects of inflation. The measures include: 34% of businesses have cut their operational costs, 19% have pursued product diversification, and 12% have introduced discounts and promotions to navigate the challenging economic environment.

Despite tightness, a positive sign is evident as fewer businesses anticipate a decline in activity for the upcoming quarter, with a projected uptick in business activity for Q4 2023. The Index shows that 83% of businesses expect to perform better or in line with projected expectations compared with the same period last year.

“Notwithstanding inflation and a price squeeze on businesses and consumers, there is evidence of the resilience that defines Ireland’s SME sector and reflect its adaptability in the face of changing economic currents,” comments Niall O’Grady, CEO of Linked Finance. “The ability for businesses to innovative and put solutions in place such as product diversification and promotional campaigns, underscores the evolving strategies adopted by businesses as they navigate through a phase of tempered enthusiasm.”

Niall O’Grady, CEO of Linked Finance. Pic. Bryan Meade 17/02/2021

Overall, the Q2 2023 SME Index sees a notable levelling off in business optimism. The latest Index showed Business Optimism at a level of 61.90 (out of 100), only slightly up from 61.62 a year ago, despite a large drop in inflation during the same period last year.

In a surprising turn, the retail sector has demonstrated remarkable performance, defying expectations. This quarter, retail businesses have seen significant gains in their business activity. Recent findings from the ESRI also found that strong improvements in retail sales continues to drive growth in the Irish economy.

However, it is noteworthy that 75% of Retail & Wholesale businesses have increased their prices, reflecting the overarching trend of price adjustments in response to inflationary pressures.

“While we are seeing increased business activity in segments of the economy and business continue to pass higher prices onto consumers, it hasn’t fully translated into higher profits and earnings. This highlight the pressure that businesses are under due to external factors and influences,” continues O’Grady.

“While challenges remain, the anticipation of improved business activity for Q4 2023 and the potential for job growth in regional markets provide hope for SMEs.”

Through its online lending platform, Linked Finance provides accessible and efficient funding options for small businesses, ensuring that they have the necessary resources to thrive in today’s competitive business landscape.

For more information about the Linked Finance SME Index and to access the full report, please visit https://www.linkedfinance.com/.