Small Business Hub
Insight, ideas and inspiration to drive progress
Insight, ideas and inspiration to drive progress
Highlights
VSME: ESG reporting made simple for SMBs
There’s a new voluntary sustainability reporting standard, specifically designed for SMBs. Here’s what you need to know.
How recommerce is transforming e-commerce
How can recommerce reshape e-commerce in 2025? Discover practical tactics to grow revenue, build customer trust, and advance sustainability for your business today.
Q4 business planning: summer learnings and holiday prep
Maximise the potential of the crucial festive season by baking recent insights into your all-important Q4 business planning.
Highlights
VIEWS & VOICES
VSME: ESG reporting made simple for SMBs
There’s a new voluntary sustainability reporting standard, specifically designed for SMBs. Here’s what you need to know.
TRENDS & INSIGHTS
How recommerce is transforming e-commerce
How can recommerce reshape e-commerce in 2025? Discover practical tactics to grow revenue, build customer trust, and advance sustainability for your business today.
TRENDS & INSIGHTS
Q4 business planning: summer learnings and holiday prep
Maximise the potential of the crucial festive season by baking recent insights into your all-important Q4 business planning.
Trends & insights
Curated need-to-know news, data trends and market opportunities
TRENDS & INSIGHTS
Q4 business planning: summer learnings and holiday prep
Maximise the potential of the crucial festive season by baking recent insights into your all-important Q4 business planning.
TRENDS & INSIGHTS
Spotlight on… the USA
Explore how to drive growth in the dynamic U.S. market by strategically navigating its cultural, legal, and logistical landscapes.
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
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
Empower B2B Buyers to Decide Faster and Buy Smarter
B2B buying has changed – are you helping customers move forward or holding them back? Embrace the change, support smarter decisions, and accelerate your sales cycles.
GUIDES & TOOLS
Checklist: shipping dangerous goods [2025 update]
Understand whether your goods should be classed as dangerous – and how to ship compliantly if they are.
GUIDES & TOOLS
Grow your business with customer-centric deliveries
Consumer delivery demands are growing. But get it right, and you could grow your business too.
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
Buzzing Innovation: The Journey of Theromossolar Hive
Join us in this episode as Jan Raja, co-founder of Theromossolar Hive, shares their journey to revolutionize beekeeping without chemicals. Discover the challenges and triumphs of their innovative path.
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.
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
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
E-commerce Demographics in Poland
Is e-shopping a domain of young people from big cities? Not necessarily. Online shops attract more and more customers among older generations
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.
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.
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