Small business insights
Using expert research and data, we take a look at what's impacting small businesses in the UK currently and in the future.
Over 99% of businesses in the UK are considered small and medium sized businesses (SMEs)†. We want to help those 99% be as successful as they can be by working with them to create a powerful online presence for their business, and delivering strong digital marketing strategies both through our products, and the additional advice we provide on this website. Because of the ever-changing nature of the digital landscape, we’re also looking to the future to see how it will impact on the lives of customers, entrepreneurs and SME owners.
Side Hustles
With 'hustle culture' a much-discussed term in 2023, we set out to find out which professions are most likely to have a 'side hustle', as well as the most popular choices when it comes to choosing a secondary source of income.
Slim Savings
The current economic climate is making saving money increasingly difficult. Inflation has sent costs for utility bills and household goods rocketing sky high, with interest rates at a 14-year high. We've researched what the financial landscape currently looks like for UK businesses, and how it’s affecting their ability to futureproof themselves.
The Artificial Intelligence report
Technological advancements have exploded in the 21st century and, since the advent of the internet, have gathered pace at a remarkable rate. They delight, amaze, and force us to question our relationship with technology, as well as having significant implications for businesses of all sizes and the consumers that they create products for.
The entrepreneurial spirit of the UK
Since the Covid-19 pandemic arrived in the UK in early 2019, it’s fair to say it’s been a challenging time for businesses of all sizes. Whether you’re an established SME or a budding entrepreneur the issues involved with running a business, caused by the pandemic and the UK’s separation from the EU, have been all too apparent.
Can’t see the web for the trees
The last year has been full of surprises and challenges for businesses of all sizes. The Covid-19 pandemic began to show its impact quickly from March 2020, and has created unexpected difficulties for people and their working environment throughout the following 12 months and beyond. Even at the time of writing in June 2021, businesses are still working out what the new normal will look like for them.
Who’s getting the message?
The way businesses engage with customers has changed dramatically since the start of 2020 and, for most people it’s been a worrying and unsettling time. As a result of the global pandemic, change has happened so quickly that businesses have had to adapt at a speed not seen before in order to survive and thrive. Find out more about the severe impact Covid-19 has had on SMEs in terms of their services and tools used, and how this has changed how they communicate with their customers.
How much could you earn around the world
Alongside job satisfaction, financial security is arguably the main consideration for most of us when it comes to planning our careers, or looking to start up a business. With this in mind, we’ve looked into the equivalent earnings for popular career choices and detailed how they stack up not only in the UK, but across the rest of the world too. Whether you’re at the start of your journey, or feel you should be earning more for your skillset, find out how you compare with our easy to use tool!
Future Gazers – the next 30 years in business
A lot has changed in the world of business in a relatively short space of time. With Yell’s own move from the printed Yellow Pages to a fully digital business today, we’ve collaborated with futurist James Wallman to gaze into what the next 30 years holds for the business world, and how small business can prepare. From a four-hour working day, to a ‘Cobot Revolution’, find out what you need to prepare for!
Challenging gender norms
We’ve chosen gender as an initial topic to explore – both how this impacts our way of life, and the career choices we make. We've worked with futurist, trend forecaster and author James Wallman to produce a report looking to the future and what the next 100 years holds for gender equality, family life, technology and businesses. We also look at the 'here & now', showcasing some small businesses that are challenging gender norms to be successful in sectors traditionally dominated by the other sex.
Take the leap
As a result of Yell surveying 1,500 entrepreneurs and small business owners in the UK, we have found that ‘going it alone’ in business is easier than many people think, identifying some very positive results regarding setup costs and speed of making a profit. A separate survey of 1,500 consumers has also obtained people's thoughts on starting up their own business, and what the most common barriers are. Find out more about the research results here.
Boosting productivity
After surveying 1,500 small business owners in the UK, we discovered some interesting findings when it came to the subject of productivity and how to make sure you are getting the most out of a working day. Results covering everything from the debate over cluttered desks, to the most productive time of day to work.
Seeking inspiration
At times inspiration can be hard to come by, so we spoke to 1,500 business owners about how they find inspiration. From embracing the great outdoors, to making the most of the morning – find out what gets Britain’s brightest entrepreneurs inspired.
Standing out in a crowded marketplace
We’re debunking the myth that bigger is better. If you can understand your customers, nurture relationships and go the extra mile, size is irrelevant. It sounds simple but these are the fundamentals of setting yourself apart as a small business and packing a punch in your industry. We profiled 1,500 consumers in the UK for some insights into what drives them to use a small business instead of a big name. Read on to find out how you can win over and retain a loyal customer base.
Entrepreneurs of tomorrow
Sparking ideas and encouraging a new generation of small businesses in the UK is of great importance for the economy. From a recent Yell survey of 1,500 business owners, we found that entrepreneurial spirit is on the increase, with 78% of 16-24 year olds wanting to run their own business as a child. Here, find out how nurturing young enthusiasm and talent can help create a new generation of exciting start-ups.
Helping SMEs connect with customers
Here at Yell, we've been connecting customers and small businesses in the UK for over 50 years. These days we’re focused on helping businesses increase their customers through customised websites, advertising their services and increasing their customer base through paid listings on the UK's leading online business directory Yell.com, pay-per-click advertising, display advertising and ensuring their business details are listed correctly on hundreds of relevant websites.
If you would like help and advice in setting up your online presence and promoting your business to new customers, call us on 0800 777 445 or fill in our contact form and we'll call you back.
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