Small Business Hub
Insight, ideas and inspiration to drive progress
Insight, ideas and inspiration to drive progress
Highlights
Case Study: The success behind smarter shipping integration
Discover how FedEx and Shiptheory’s automation tools helped a growing business save time, cut errors, and scale globally with confidence.
Spotlight on… Generation X
Millennials and Gen Z often take the spotlight, but could Gen X be where the real opportunities lie for European SMBs?
Spotlight on… Germany
Germany has a huge economy, an impressive SMB sector, and is a major importer and exporter. Could you take advantage?
Highlights
VIEWS & VOICES
Case Study: The success behind smarter shipping integration
Discover how FedEx and Shiptheory’s automation tools helped a growing business save time, cut errors, and scale globally with confidence.
TRENDS & INSIGHTS
Spotlight on… Generation X
Millennials and Gen Z often take the spotlight, but could Gen X be where the real opportunities lie for European SMBs?
TRENDS & INSIGHTS
Spotlight on… Germany
Germany has a huge economy, an impressive SMB sector, and is a major importer and exporter. Could you take advantage?
Trends & insights
Curated need-to-know news, data trends and market opportunities
TRENDS & INSIGHTS
Spotlight on… India
India boasts a fast-growing economy, expanding middle class and a thriving e-commerce sector – can your business benefit?
TRENDS & INSIGHTS
Spotlight on… Chinese e-commerce trends
Can you learn from some of the key developments in the world’s largest e-commerce market?
TRENDS & INSIGHTS
Spotlight on… Eastern Europe
With surging e-commerce growth across the region, is Eastern Europe an opportunity for your business?
TRENDS & INSIGHTS
Spotlight on…Chinese New Year consumers [2024 update]
Could the Lunar New Year be a big sales opportunity for your business?
TRENDS & INSIGHTS
Spotlight on…Turkey
Turkey is a key source of imports for many European businesses. Should yours be one of them?
TRENDS & INSIGHTS
Spotlight on… retail shopping peaks
Performing well during key retail events can be vital for many businesses. Here’s how to make the most of what’s coming up.
TRENDS & INSIGHTS
Spotlight on… Brazil
With the largest market in Latin America and a strong e-commerce presence, could Brazil offer opportunities for your business?
TRENDS & INSIGHTS
Spotlight on… South Korea
South Korea is a powerful Asian economy, a major e-commerce market and a growing opportunity for European businesses.
TRENDS & INSIGHTS
Spotlight on…Generation Alpha
Be prepared for Generation Alpha – it’s going to be the largest generation ever. Are you ready?
TRENDS & INSIGHTS
Spotlight on… e-commerce in Europe
Could markets closer to home provide new opportunities for your business?
TRENDS & INSIGHTS
Growing ecommerce successfully across borders
Eager to learn about opportunities and challenges of international expansion? our insights report got you covered.
TRENDS & INSIGHTS
Spotlight on… e-commerce in Japan
Japan has one of the world’s largest economies, an ageing population – and a growing e-commerce sector.
TRENDS & INSIGHTS
Spotlight on… Gen Z in the U.S.
Find out more about this growing consumer demographic – and what it means for your business
TRENDS & INSIGHTS
Why emerging markets should be on your growth radar
Businesses are searching for growth – could emerging markets provide the answer?
TRENDS & INSIGHTS
3 ways to stay strong during challenging conditions
When times are tough, consider whether these steps could help.
TRENDS & INSIGHTS
Growth opportunities in cross-border e-commerce
Could adapting your e-commerce strategy lead to major wins for your business?
TRENDS & INSIGHTS
Spotlight on social selling in China [2023 update]
China is the largest social commerce market in the world – what are the opportunities for your business?
TRENDS & INSIGHTS
Spotlight on… opportunities in 2023
Taking a look at potential areas of growth for next year and beyond
TRENDS & INSIGHTS
Spotlight on… impulse e-commerce
Consumers are buying online more impulsively – how can your business make the most of it?
TRENDS & INSIGHTS
Spotlight on… last-minute spending
Consumers still leave a lot of holiday season shopping until the last minute. Find out how to win their business.
TRENDS & INSIGHTS
Spotlight on… Consumer buying behaviour
How are consumers spending in the face of increases to living costs – and what does that mean for businesses?
TRENDS & INSIGHTS
Spotlight on… Peak season 2022
We look at what to expect from the busiest time of the year
TRENDS & INSIGHTS
Spotlight on… Israel’s e-commerce market
Find out more about this growing market, and how you could tap into its potential
TRENDS & INSIGHTS
Spotlight on… eco-conscious consumers
How is sustainability impacting consumer spending around the world?
TRENDS & INSIGHTS
Spotlight on… e-commerce in Mexico
Mexico is expected to have almost 70 million e-commerce shoppers in 2023, with almost half buying cross border
TRENDS & INSIGHTS
Buy now, pay later: Could it work for your business?
Jumpstart your progress with these sharp ideas.
TRENDS & INSIGHTS
The rising power of subscription boxes
Subscriptions for physical products will reach 45% of the total market this year.
TRENDS & INSIGHTS
Exporting to the United States: Five challenges and solutions
Take on the world’s largest consumer market by overcoming these common barriers
TRENDS & INSIGHTS
Spotlight on… Gen Z in the U.S.
Find out more about this growing consumer demographic – and what it means for your business
TRENDS & INSIGHTS
Prolonged Peak Season
Holiday season sales are bigger and busier than ever – offering e-commerce businesses serious potential for growth
TRENDS & INSIGHTS
Spotlight on… e-commerce in Japan
Japan has one of the world’s largest economies, an ageing population – and a growing e-commerce sector.
TRENDS & INSIGHTS
Spotlight on… single consumers in Asia
People living alone are a fast-growing group in APAC – and their consumer spend is growing, too
TRENDS & INSIGHTS
Why Indonesia could be your next e-commerce market
Indonesia’s e-commerce market is booming, thanks to its young and digitally savvy population.
TRENDS & INSIGHTS
Spotlight on U.S. e-commerce
Customer experience is proving a key competitive advantage as online sales in the U.S. soar.
TRENDS & INSIGHTS
Wellness-conscious baby boomers
Older consumers are digitally literate and health conscious – with the disposable income to spend on it.
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Innovation & growth
Success strategies made simple to sharpen your competitive edge
INNOVATION & GROWTH
Four ways to meet the needs of the automotive industry
The automotive industry relies on a complex yet highly efficient supply chain. Here’s how your business could capitalise.
INNOVATION & GROWTH
Get set for 2025
Want to hit the ground running in 2025? Check out these core strategies plus some key business trends to keep in mind.
INNOVATION & GROWTH
5 ideas for efficient e-commerce fulfilment [2024 update]
See how optimising your fulfilment could help you increase sales, ship faster and make fewer mistakes.
INNOVATION & GROWTH
5 ways to gain an edge from delivery [2024 update]
See how to give your business a competitive advantage by optimising the delivery experience for customers.
INNOVATION & GROWTH
Unlock growth through micro-influencers
When it comes to influencer marketing, smaller-scale social media creators are proving that size isn’t everything.
INNOVATION & GROWTH
Headless commerce: What is it and what does it mean for you?
BigCommerce’s David Meakin breaks down how headless commerce can help you take your business to the next level.
INNOVATION & GROWTH
Spotlight on… India’s wellness-conscious consumers
Indian consumers are increasingly looking for products that help them de-stress, improve their health and live better
INNOVATION & GROWTH
Customer feedback: a step-by-step guide
How to get customer feedback and how to use it in your business
INNOVATION & GROWTH
byAcre: 3 lessons in disrupting an industry
Learnings on building a disruptive business, from the winner of the FedEx Small Business Grant grand prize
INNOVATION & GROWTH
Third-party fulfilment: is it right for your business?
Almost half of e-commerce businesses outsource fulfilment to a specialist provider.
INNOVATION & GROWTH
Six quick growth hacks to boost your business
Jumpstart your progress with these sharp ideas.
INNOVATION & GROWTH
The Small Home: 5 lessons in selling to international customers
Founder Ayshea McCormack explains how a savvy Instagram strategy has won her customers around the world
INNOVATION & GROWTH
The Munro Beanie: 4 tips on building a loyal customer base
Founder Jo Dytch explains how she’s won loyal customers in her first year in business
INNOVATION & GROWTH
How to find manufacturers abroad
How to turn your great idea into a product. From Prototype to finished product, three experts break it down.
INNOVATION & GROWTH
SevenSeventeen: 5 tips for managing your finances
Co-founders Naomi Reilly and Sarah Slade share their advice for keeping costs in control
INNOVATION & GROWTH
5 ways to handle peak season returns
Post-holiday returns can be hard to manage, but there are steps you can take to prepare your business
INNOVATION & GROWTH
Sculpd: 5 tips on growing a new e-commerce business
Co-founder Giles Harrison shares the lessons he learned as Sculpd grew from kitchen table to international success.
INNOVATION & GROWTH
Getting started in e-commerce
After starting a hobby, Sam Smith spotted a gap in the market – and launched a growing e-commerce business
INNOVATION & GROWTH
Live-streaming: 5 lessons in the next e-commerce trend
Already popular in China, live-streaming retail is expected to boom in the U.S. and Europe.
INNOVATION & GROWTH
5 ways to grow your average basket value
From bundling products to free shipping thresholds, these strategies could encourage your customers to buy more.
INNOVATION & GROWTH
Cross-border e-commerce: how to make it work
Cross-border e-commerce is experiencing rapid growth – can your business take advantage?
INNOVATION & GROWTH
Four top tips on going global
Prepare your business for international expansion and take advantage of the global growth in e-commerce.
INNOVATION & GROWTH
5 ways to gain an edge from delivery
Give your business a competitive advantage by optimising the international delivery experience for customers.
Guides & tools
Practical knowledge and expert insight to help you build a better business
GUIDES & TOOLS
How AI could help enhance your supply chain
AI is revolutionising supply chains and optimising their performance. Are you making the most of it?
GUIDES & TOOLS
4 ways the EU can support cross-border expansion
Could you supercharge your exports by making the most of what’s on offer?
GUIDES & TOOLS
Conquer rising costs: five key strategies
As operating expenses climb, discover how these innovative solutions can help your business stay profitable and efficient.
GUIDES & TOOLS
4 essential productivity hacks
Check out these practical ideas on streamlining your workload and escalating your output.
GUIDES & TOOLS
Using speed, precision and quality to become a stronger healthcare supplier
How focusing on key areas could help you meet the needs of the healthcare supply chain.
GUIDES & TOOLS
Trading through quiet times
Experiencing a lull? Don't be discouraged – turn a slow spell into a period of growth with these actionable tips.
GUIDES & TOOLS
How to research a market
Planning to visit a potential new market? Here’s how you could make the most of your on-the-ground research.
GUIDES & TOOLS
Your 10-step new year checklist
New year, new opportunities to take your business further. Here’s how to set yourself up for success in 2025.
GUIDES & TOOLS
3 ways to make duties and taxes easier
Duties and taxes can be complicated, but you can make things smoother by getting to grips with a few basics.
GUIDES & TOOLS
3 ways to maintain peak performance
Peak season can be hard going. Check out these ideas on how to keep calm amid the chaos.
GUIDES & TOOLS
Finding (and fixing) inefficiencies in your business
Eliminating inefficiencies can have an immediate impact on your bottom line – and set you up for long-term success.
GUIDES & TOOLS
Masterclass: Incoterms®
Incoterms® don’t just clarify responsibilities, they can also control costs, manage risks, and give you a competitive edge.
GUIDES & TOOLS
Three steps to go global
Cross-border e-commerce could unlock the door to higher growth. Check out this three-step guide on how to do it.
GUIDES & TOOLS
Three reasons to prioritise pick-up points
Pick-up points are surging in popularity – could your business benefit from using them more?
GUIDES & TOOLS
Checklist: shipping dangerous goods
Follow these steps to help ensure you’re aware of the rules and can ship dangerous goods compliantly.
GUIDES & TOOLS
Masterclass: shipping high-value goods
High-value and luxury goods can require more attention to detail. Here’s how to give it to them.
GUIDES & TOOLS
Healthcare: 3 strategies for success
The healthcare industry is evolving. How can those in the supply chain continue to meet its needs?
GUIDES & TOOLS
4 ways to mitigate supply chain risk
Supply chains are facing growing pressures. Check out these four ways to help build resilience.
GUIDES & TOOLS
5 essentials when exporting to a new country
Looking to expand your export horizons? Follow these processes to help deliver a smooth customs experience.
GUIDES & TOOLS
Masterclass: shipping delicate goods
Some goods need more care when shipping. Here’s how to plan for success.
GUIDES & TOOLS
5 quick tips: how to cut shipping costs
Shipping costs are unavoidable, but there are ways to keep them under control. Here are five quick ways that could help.
GUIDES & TOOLS
Six ways to improve online returns (2024 update)
Getting returns right could have multiple benefits for your customer, your company and the planet
GUIDES & TOOLS
Freight shipping: 6 questions to ask
If you’re new to shipping freight, here are the need to knows before you get started.
GUIDES & TOOLS
Three ways to stay on top of customs compliance
Follow these three steps to help ensure you export with confidence.
GUIDES & TOOLS
Right time, right place, right condition: why precision delivery matters
Delays in medical device deliveries can result in delays in medical procedures. Discover the role of precision distribution in this crucial sector.
GUIDES & TOOLS
Could AI help enhance your supply chain?
AI offers the potential to optimise your supply chain. Find out how – and how you could get started.
GUIDES & TOOLS
Regulatory update: what the latest changes mean for your business
Hear from our experts as they discuss important developments in customs regulations.
GUIDES & TOOLS
Going Global: three tips on ensuring a smoother customs experience
In most situations, a little knowledge and attention to detail can make customs clearance straightforward.
GUIDES & TOOLS
Peak season prep: how to get set for success
Is your business ready for the most crucial sales season of the year?
GUIDES & TOOLS
Going Global: three tips on capturing international demand
Could customer research and data analysis help you maximise your potential overseas?
GUIDES & TOOLS
Five reasons to use integrated shipping software
If you’re looking for smoother processes and greater efficiencies, could using specialist software be a smart move?
GUIDES & TOOLS
Going Global: three tips on expanding to a new market
Thinking about expanding into a new market? See our video on how to get it right.
GUIDES & TOOLS
3 things to consider before changing supplier
If you’re thinking about making changes in your supply chain, here are three things to consider first.
GUIDES & TOOLS
4 common customs mistakes – and tips on how to avoid them
Shipping overseas doesn’t have to be hard, especially if you can avoid these common errors.
GUIDES & TOOLS
Going Global: three tips on getting started
Want to grow your business through exporting? Here’s how to get off to a winning start.
GUIDES & TOOLS
Be ready for returns
Peak season returns can be hard to handle – can you get ahead of the game?
GUIDES & TOOLS
Your 90-second guide to ICS2
New customs regulations are coming. Are you – and your shippers – ready?
GUIDES & TOOLS
Four ways to improve customer trust
Build loyalty in your customer base by winning – and retaining – their trust
GUIDES & TOOLS
Four ways to strengthen your supply chain
Could these ideas help your business be stronger, more efficient and ready to adapt?
GUIDES & TOOLS
The three Ps of first-time exporting
Taking your business international in 2023? It’s all about potential, preparation, paperwork
GUIDES & TOOLS
How to make online returns better
Getting things right could have multiple benefits for your customer, your company and the planet
GUIDES & TOOLS
Shipping restricted goods: what to know
Selling controlled goods internationally can seem complicated. Here how to get started
GUIDES & TOOLS
Ümain: How to build excitement about your business
E-commerce founder Mohamed El Idrissi shares how his creative approach to marketing helped to create awareness of his business
GUIDES & TOOLS
Inventory forecasting: How to calculate your stock needs
How to create strong inventory forecasts that help you capitalise on demand for your products
GUIDES & TOOLS
Peak performance: the business lessons from professional football
From creating a strong team identity to using data to set your game plan, we look at what the world of elite football can teach entrepreneurs
GUIDES & TOOLS
Seven ideas for navigating rising costs
Protect your business against inflation and increasing prices with these strategies
GUIDES & TOOLS
Five ways to improve your hiring process
Fine-tune your approach and recruit better employees
GUIDES & TOOLS
Three things that make an innovative business
Find out how to innovate in business with our animation
GUIDES & TOOLS
Four ways to boost your last-mile delivery
See our animation to find out how you could upgrade your customers’ delivery experience.
GUIDES & TOOLS
Three insights into how B2B customers buy
Understand your customers’ challenges to boost your B2B sales
GUIDES & TOOLS
5 tips for efficient e-commerce fulfilment
Reduce errors and improve productivity with this business-boosting guide.
GUIDES & TOOLS
5 steps to drive digital transformation
Boost efficiency and improve productivity by upgrading your tech.
GUIDES & TOOLS
Six steps to building supply chain resilience
See our animated guide to developing a stronger, more resilient supply chain in your business
GUIDES & TOOLS
Finding the right international distributor: five essential questions
Boost efficiency and improve productivity by upgrading your tech.
GUIDES & TOOLS
Taking your business to China: 5 need-to-know tips
How to make a move into the world’s largest e-commerce market.
GUIDES & TOOLS
Hybrid working: how to maintain your company culture
Check out these simple tips to help keep your company culture thriving.
Views & voices
Ideas, leadership and life lessons for the SMB community
VIEWS & VOICES
Digital Product Passports: need to know
Digital Product Passports (DPP) are coming to the EU – find out what they are and how to prepare your business.
VIEWS & VOICES
How embracing ESG can help your business to thrive
See how the right thing for the planet can be the right thing for your business too.
VIEWS & VOICES
Reusable packaging: making it work for your business
With peak season fast approaching, see how you could implement reusable packaging into your operations.
VIEWS & VOICES
Achieving Success at Real Sociedad
Find out how Real Sociedad have built a business ready for football’s biggest stage.
VIEWS & VOICES
The climb to a sustainable future with Dirtbags Climbing
Meet Jen and her team at Dirtbags Climbing who are leading the way to a more sustainable outdoor industry
VIEWS & VOICES
Setting the wheels in motion with ByAcre
Anders Berggreen and Susanne Nørmark talk us through the rebellious act of turning the handles and what it means to design for people.
VIEWS & VOICES
Finding the most sustainable packaging for your product
Packaging is a major source of waste for e-commerce businesses, but its environmental impact can be reduced.
VIEWS & VOICES
A clean up voyage: Amaia Rogridue and Gravity Wave
Discover what it takes to clean up the mess in our oceans while running a company
VIEWS & VOICES
How to lower your environmental impact while selling more
Balancing sustainability concerns with the demands of running a business.
VIEWS & VOICES
Endelea: Three lessons in forging strong relationships in unfamiliar markets
How to build a cross-continental fashion brand that has a positive impact
VIEWS & VOICES
Her Sport: Four lessons on building a business with content
Co-founder Niamh Tallon shares her advice on growing a community with editorial
VIEWS & VOICES
Thermosolar Hive: How to serve a niche market
Building a business with an innovative product for a specialist customer base
VIEWS & VOICES
Wax and Beans: Four lessons in how to build a community
The founders of a thriving independent record store share what they’ve learned from growing a passionate customer base
VIEWS & VOICES
Get a slice of this business
See how Pieter Städler brought his outdoor pizza ovens to life in the first instalment of From Then Till Now.
VIEWS & VOICES
MOYU: Five lessons in selling a sustainable product
The Small Business Grant winner’s founder shares his advice on running a business that puts the environment first.
VIEWS & VOICES
What is carbon offsetting – and how to get started
Compensate Chief Impact Officer Niklas Kaskeala explains carbon offsetting and how it could help your business
VIEWS & VOICES
How to look after your mental health as an entrepreneur
We talk to three entrepreneurs and a mental wellness coach on the signs to look out for and the steps you can take to manage the pressure on your mental health.
VIEWS & VOICES
6 easy ways to make your business more sustainable
Simple sustainability improvements you can make to your business now.
VIEWS & VOICES
ESG certification: what are the options?
With consumers prepared to support responsible businesses, independent recognition could support your credentials.
VIEWS & VOICES
How to become a zero-waste business
Improve sustainability and cut costs by eliminating waste from your operations.
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