The Business Confidence Index (BCI) of the United Kingdom was 98.7 in May 2025, compared with 99 in the previous month, an indication that business confidence is falling in the UK. During this time period, business confidence was highest in late 2021, and was at its lowest point in March 2009. Taxation overtakes inflation as main business concern In the third quarter of 2023, inflation was seen by 65 percent of UK firms as a major external concern facing their business. At that time, the UK's inflation rate was still at the relatively high figure of 6.7 percent, although this was down from a peak of 11.1 percent in October 2022. As the rate of inflation continued to fall in 2024, the issue became slightly less pressing for UK businesses, with 49 percent seeing it as a main concern in the second quarter of 2024, although it was still ahead of other issues. In the second half of 2024, however, taxation has emerged as the main worry for UK firms, with 63 percent of businesses citing it as an external concern in the fourth quarter of 2024. This is likely related to the rise in National Insurance businesses will have to pay from April 2025 onwards, one of the main measures announced in the Autumn Budget in October 2024. UK business demographics In 2024, there were approximately 5.5 million private business enterprises in the UK, which was down from a peak of 5.98 million in 2020. As of this year, the UK's private sector workforce was around 27.6 million, compared with 6.1 million who worked in the public sector. While most businesses in the UK are small enterprises that employ fewer than ten people, the UK's large businesses are responsible for employing a large share of the workforce, with around 8.2 million people working for large businesses in 2024. The biggest UK-based company, in terms of global employees in 2024 was the Compass Group, with a global workforce of around half a million, followed by Tesco at 345,000 employees.

Small Business Sentiment in the United Kingdom increased to -1 points in the first quarter of 2024 from -13 points in the fourth quarter of 2023. This dataset provides the latest reported value for - United Kingdom Small Business Sentiment - plus previous releases, historical high and low, short-term forecast and long-term prediction, economic calendar, survey consensus and news.

Business Confidence in the United Kingdom increased to -33 points in the second quarter of 2025 from -47 points in the first quarter of 2025. This dataset provides - United Kingdom Business Confidence - actual values, historical data, forecast, chart, statistics, economic calendar and news.

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Online Financing Platform For SMBs Market Size 2025-2029

The online financing platform for smbs market size is forecast to increase by USD 23.48 billion, at a CAGR of 21.4% between 2024 and 2029.

The market is experiencing significant growth, driven by the increasing trend of digital transformation in business financing. The surge in the number of small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) worldwide is a key factor fueling this growth. These businesses are increasingly turning to online financing platforms for their funding needs due to the convenience, speed, and flexibility they offer. However, the market is not without challenges. Privacy and security concerns are a significant obstacle, as SMBs must ensure the protection of their financial data when using these platforms. Additionally, regulatory compliance and the need for transparency are crucial considerations for both financing platforms and SMBs. Navigating these challenges requires a robust security framework, clear communication, and a strong commitment to regulatory compliance. Companies seeking to capitalize on the opportunities in this market must prioritize these factors to build trust and confidence among their SMB clientele.

What will be the Size of the Online Financing Platform For SMBs Market during the forecast period?

Explore in-depth regional segment analysis with market size data - historical 2019-2023 and forecasts 2025-2029 - in the full report.
Request Free SampleThe online financing market for Small and Medium-sized Businesses (SMBs) continues to evolve, with dynamic market activities unfolding across various sectors. Entities offering lines of credit, financial statements analysis, decisioning engines, real estate financing, equipment financing, automated underwriting, risk assessment, invoice financing, and online application processes are seamlessly integrated into comprehensive loan management systems. These systems enable SMBs to access essential funding options, including working capital loans, startup funding, and growth capital, through digital lending platforms. Fraud prevention measures, such as Anti-Money Laundering (AML) protocols, are also integrated into these systems to ensure secure transactions. The ongoing development of digital lending platforms encompasses API integration, mobile lending apps, and loan origination, enabling SMBs to apply for loans and manage their portfolios online. Credit reports, loan amortization, interest rates, and debt financing are assessed through credit scoring and cash flow projections. Entities providing loan servicing, merchant cash advances, venture capital, equity financing, debt collection, business plans, and due diligence contribute to the evolving landscape of online financing for SMBs. The integration of data encryption and data privacy measures further enhances the security of these platforms, ensuring that sensitive business information remains protected. As market dynamics continue to shift, the online financing market for SMBs will remain a vital source of growth capital and essential funding solutions.

How is this Online Financing Platform For SMBs Industry segmented?

The online financing platform for smbs industry research report provides comprehensive data (region-wise segment analysis), with forecasts and estimates in 'USD million' for the period 2025-2029, as well as historical data from 2019-2023 for the following segments. TypeEquity financingDebt financingServiceBank-led online lending platformsAlternative lenders and fintech platformsPeer-to-peer (P2P) lendingEnd-userInterest-based revenueTransaction feesReferral and partnership feesPlatformPeer-to-Peer LendingBank-AffiliatedIndependent PlatformsGeographyNorth AmericaUSMexicoEuropeFranceGermanyItalySpainUKMiddle East and AfricaUAEAPACAustraliaChinaIndiaJapanSouth KoreaSouth AmericaBrazilRest of World (ROW)

By Type Insights

The equity financing segment is estimated to witness significant growth during the forecast period.The online financing market for Small and Medium-sized Businesses (SMBs) is witnessing significant activity and evolving trends. Equity financing, which involves selling an ownership interest of a business in exchange for capital, held the largest market share in 2024. However, the process of securing equity financing is challenging, as finding investors willing to buy the business is a significant hurdle. The amount of equity financing a borrower takes also impacts their management control and future sale options. Digital lending platforms and online application processes streamline the loan origination process, enabling quicker access to various financing options. These include working capital loans, merchant cash advances, lines of credit, and term loans. Credit reports and credit scoring are crucial components of the decisioning engines used by these platforms to assess risk and make informed lending decisions. R

The UK retail banking market, valued at approximately £68.77 billion in 2025, is projected to experience steady growth, driven by several key factors. The increasing adoption of digital banking solutions, including online platforms and mobile apps, is significantly impacting market dynamics. Consumers are increasingly demanding convenient and personalized financial services, prompting banks to invest heavily in technological upgrades and user-friendly interfaces. Furthermore, the rise of fintech companies is fostering competition and innovation, leading to the introduction of new products and services, such as mobile payment systems and personalized financial management tools. While Brexit initially presented challenges, the market has shown resilience, with banks adapting to new regulatory environments and focusing on strengthening customer relationships. The segment showing the strongest growth is likely online banking, driven by younger demographics' preference for digital interactions and increased smartphone penetration. However, the market also faces constraints such as increasing regulatory scrutiny, cybersecurity threats, and the need for continuous investment in technology to maintain a competitive edge. Growth in the wealth management segment will also contribute to the overall market expansion, fueled by a rising affluent population and increasing demand for sophisticated investment services. The continued expansion of the market is expected to be spread across multiple channels, reflecting the diverse preferences of UK consumers. The projected Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 3.45% suggests a consistent, albeit moderate, expansion of the UK retail banking market over the forecast period (2025-2033). This growth is likely to be influenced by macroeconomic factors such as economic growth, inflation, and interest rates. The market's segmentation highlights the diverse nature of customer needs, with significant opportunities for banks to cater to specific demographics, such as high-net-worth individuals and small businesses. Strategic partnerships with fintech companies and the development of innovative financial products tailored to specific segments will play a crucial role in determining future market leaders. The continued dominance of established players such as HSBC, Barclays, and Lloyds Banking Group is anticipated, but they will likely face increased competition from challenger banks and international players. The overall market outlook remains positive, contingent upon maintaining macroeconomic stability and sustained consumer confidence. This in-depth report provides a comprehensive analysis of the UK retail banking market, covering the period from 2019 to 2033. It delves into market dynamics, competitive landscapes, and future growth projections, providing invaluable insights for businesses and investors operating within or considering entry into this dynamic sector. The report utilizes data from the historical period (2019-2024), with a base year of 2025 and a forecast period spanning 2025-2033. The study highlights key trends, challenges, and opportunities within the £XXX million market. Recent developments include: August 2024: Lloyds Bank launched a USD 137 cash offer for students opening current accounts. To qualify, students must deposit at least USD 622 between August 1 and October 31, 2024. Student account holders will also receive a 20% discount on selected Student Union events and can earn 2% interest on balances up to USD 6,219.September 2023: HSBC pioneered a partnership with Nova Credit, making it the first UK bank to allow newcomers to access their credit history from abroad. This initiative aims to facilitate smoother financial integration for individuals relocating to the United Kingdom.. Key drivers for this market are: The Shift Toward Digital Banking, with Customers Increasingly Using Online and Mobile Banking Services. Potential restraints include: The Shift Toward Digital Banking, with Customers Increasingly Using Online and Mobile Banking Services. Notable trends are: Deposit Trends and Digital Transformation Driving Traditional Banking.

Revenue is forecast to edge up at a compound annual rate of 0.1% over the five years through 2024-25 to £4.4 billion. Painters' revenue tends to fluctuate in line with economic and investment trends. Economic uncertainty initially caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and later exacerbated by the Russia-Ukraine conflict reduced confidence in both businesses and consumers, triggering reduced spending and causing consumers to accelerate their uptake in DIY projects. However, supportive government policies aimed at the UK's housing market allowed painting contractors to expand revenue, limiting decline. Revenue dipped in 2020-21 due to the pandemic and subsequent disruptions caused by lockdown restrictions. Although revenue bounced back, the recovery rate has slowed due to significant inflationary pressures, which have spurred businesses and households to cut spending and keep budgets trimmed. Supply chain disruptions have resulted in inflated construction material prices, hitting painting contractors’ average profit margin. Also, persistent inflation has led the Bank of England to raise the interest rate, ramping up the cost of borrowing and, in turn, reducing investment opportunities from the residential and commercial market. Many home and small business owners have increasingly taken up their own painting projects to cut non-essential spending. However, as inflation slows, consumer and business confidence is reigniting, stimulating an increase in renovation projects and benefitting painters' revenue prospects. In 2024-25, revenue is forecast to grow by 3.3% Over the five years through 2029-30, revenue is expected to expand at a compound annual rate of 3.7% to £5.2 billion. Ongoing public sector support for housebuilding, infrastructure developments and public non-residential schemes will support long-term revenue prospects for painting contractors. However, lingering uncertainties will continue to drive the DIY trend into the short term, somewhat dampening revenue growth prospects. In the long term, stable inflation should lead to lower interest rates, which will stimulate greater investment in properties and help painting contractors secure more contracts.

The sale of marketing technology (MarTech) has benefitted from rising demand by businesses to automate their marketing processes and workflow and develop an analytical understanding of their customers. Revenue is expected to expand at a compound annual rate of 2.8% over the five years through 2024-25 to £5.1 billion, including an anticipated 3.9% hike in 2024-25. The technology used by marketing technology companies is constantly evolving and improving, with artificial intelligence and cloud storage becoming key features of MarTech software. The barriers to entering the industry are low, allowing a large number of small companies to enter the market. There has also been some merger and acquisition activity among international companies. Scandals surrounding data privacy have led to greater government regulation and demand for data ethics, with the introduction of the General Data Protection Regulation in 2018 putting pressure on MarTech to evolve to ensure compliance. However, government funding has supported MarTech developers, as the tech sector has benefitted from becoming a key focus of national development. Over 2022-23 and 2023-24, challenging economic conditions, including inflationary pressures and the Russia-Ukraine conflict, have constrained business confidence, weighing on marketing budgets. In 2024-25, subsiding inflation and lower borrowing costs boost business and consumer confidence, expanding businesses’ marketing spend. Rising competition and regulation have weighed on the industry’s average profit margin, which is estimated at 25.3% in 2024-25. Revenue is forecast to swell at a compound annual rate of 3.8% over the five years through 2029-30 to £6.2 billion. New opportunities arising from evolving technologies and supporting government initiatives will drive industry growth. New entrants will continue to flock to the market, with competition likely to be supported by the new Digital Markets Unit which aims to prevent large multinational tech companies from dominating. MarTech developers will seek to roll out products that integrate seamlessly and enable marketers to provide personalised content to consumers. MarTech tools are becoming vital for businesses’ marketing strategies, driving demand. Despite talent shortages and upward pressure on wages, profitability will be aided by the development of new product offerings and greater efficiency.

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Debt Financing Market Size 2025-2029

The debt financing market size is forecast to increase by USD 7.89 billion at a CAGR of 6.4% between 2024 and 2029.

The market is experiencing significant growth, driven by the tax advantages of debt financing for businesses. The ability to deduct interest payments from taxable income makes debt financing an attractive option for companies seeking capital. Another key trend in the market is the increasing collaboration and mergers and acquisitions (M&A) activity, which often involves the use of debt financing to fund transactions. However, it is important to note that collateral may be necessary for some forms of debt financing, adding layer of complexity to the process.
Companies seeking to capitalize on these opportunities must navigate the challenges of securing adequate collateral and managing debt levels to maintain financial health and wellness. Effective debt management strategies, such as optimizing debt structures and maintaining strong credit ratings, will be essential for companies looking to succeed in this dynamic market. Debt financing is a significant component of the regional capital markets, with financial institutions, banks, and insurance companies serving as major players.

What will be the Size of the Debt Financing Market during the forecast period?

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The market encompasses various debt instruments issued by entities to secure funds for business operations and growth. Market dynamics are influenced by several factors, including interest rate cycles, monetary policy, and economic growth. Basel Accords and the Financial Stability Board set standards for financial institutions' risk management and capital adequacy, impacting debt issuance. Government debt, securitization transactions, and various debt instruments like interest rate swaps, loan-to-value ratios, and credit-linked notes, shape the market landscape. Market volatility, driven by factors such as business cycles, credit spreads, and risk appetite, influences investor sentiment. Debt sustainability, fiscal policy, and ESG investing are increasingly important considerations for issuers and investors.
Asset managers are focusing on leveraging technology and data analytics to improve operational efficiency and meet the evolving needs of investors. The market is, however, not without challenges, with regulatory compliance and interest rate risks being major concerns. Overall, the income asset management market in North America is poised for steady growth, driven by the demand for debt financing and wealth management solutions, and the increasing adoption of advanced analytics and ETFs.

How is this Debt Financing Industry segmented?

The debt financing industry research report provides comprehensive data (region-wise segment analysis), with forecasts and estimates in 'USD million' for the period 2025-2029, as well as historical data from 2019-2023 for the following segments.

Source

  Private
  Public


Type

  Long-term
  Short-term
  Long-term


Geography

  North America

    US
    Canada


  Europe

    France
    Germany
    Italy
    Spain
    UK


  APAC

    China
    Japan
    South Korea


  Middle East and Africa



  South America

By Source Insights

The private segment is estimated to witness significant growth during the forecast period. Debt financing is a popular financing method for businesses seeking to expand operations while maintaining ownership. Private debt financing, in particular, has gained significant traction among financial specialists worldwide due to its importance in funding small- and mid-sized organizations globally. The demand for debt financing by startups has increased annually, leading to the sector's substantial growth over the last five years. This financing option's flexibility enables businesses to customize their financing solutions to address specific needs, making it an allure for numerous organizations. Private debt financing encompasses various instruments such as Real Estate Debt, Term Loans, Leveraged Buyouts, Asset Securitization, Infrastructure Financing, Loan Servicing, and more.

Financial Leverage, Debt Covenants, Credit Risk, and Interest Rate Risk are essential considerations in this sector. Hedge Funds, Collateralized Loan Obligations, High Yield Debt, and Investment Grade Debt are alternative investment areas. Private Equity, Syndicated Loans, Venture Debt, Bridge Financing, and Mezzanine Financing are also integral components. Financial Institutions offer various debt financing solutions, including Capital Markets, Expansion Financing, Growth Capital, Debt Refinancing, and Debt Consolidation. Financial Modeling, Return on Investment, and Risk Management are crucial aspects of debt financing. Debt Advisory, Financial Engineering, and Debt Capital Markets are essential services in this field. Small Business Loans, Supp

Veridion provides AI-powered ESG data designed to deliver detailed, real-time insights into companies' Environmental, Social, and Governance performance. This data supports critical business functions like sustainable growth, risk management, and regulatory compliance. Veridion aims to create comprehensive profiles and deliver actionable insights on any business with a digital footprint.

Veridion's approach to collecting and processing ESG data involves a four-step methodology: Extract, Analyze, Interpret, and Enrich. Data is extracted by using proprietary machine-learning models to crawl company websites and monitor a wide range of global and local news sources. This process captures public ESG commitments, activities, targets, certifications, and controversies related to the organization. AI and advanced technologies are utilized to extract precise and detailed data related to specific ESG risk criteria, delivering real-time ESG updates.

The collected data is then classified using a rigorous ESG taxonomy across three pillars: Environmental, Social, and Governance. This taxonomy breaks down data into Themes and Risks, covering granular areas such as climate change, human rights, corporate ethics, atmospheric contamination, and waste management. Sentiment analysis is integrated to evaluate the tone of ESG actions, providing a nuanced view beyond simple scores. Finally, ESG profiles are enriched with firmographic attributes, such as company locations, products, services, NAICS classifications, employee count, and revenue, providing crucial business context. This detailed approach allows users to see beyond opaque aggregated scores.

Key features and benefits of Veridion's ESG data include:

• Extensive Global Coverage: Data is available for over 134 million companies across 250 geographies. This provides coverage in emerging markets and regions where competitors may have less depth of coverage.

• Enhanced Visibility for SMBS: Veridion specifically addresses the challenge of finding comprehensive ESG data for Small and Medium Businesses (SMBS). By harnessing news and web presence data, Veridion provides real-time insights into their ESG actions.

• Optimal Data Freshness: Data is updated weekly, guaranteeing freshness and enabling swift monitoring and response to changes. This is in contrast to competitors who may update less frequently.

• AI-Driven Accuracy and Customization: Veridion's AI expertise ensures tailored, high-accuracy outputs. Data quality is maintained through Entity Resolution, Triangulation from multiple sources, confidence scores, and validation. Only data with sufficient certainty is included.

• Granularity: The data provides in-depth coverage, including detailed locational data down to geo-coordinates, precise products and services offered, and granular industry classifications such as NAICS and SIC. Planned enhancements will introduce further granularity (L2, L3) for more exact analysis.

The data includes Company ESG News, Company ESG Commitments, GHG Emissions & Targets, and ESG Scores. ESG scores are comprehensive, data-driven, AI-powered, industry-specific, and supported by textual justifications.

Veridion's ESG data supports several critical use cases:

• Risk Management: Assess supplier risks, analyze investment risks, and incorporate ESG data into insurance underwriting models. Veridion's data is relevant for Third Party Risk Management (TPRM) by providing detailed profiles to identify and mitigate supply chain risks.

• Compliance: Aids compliance with regulations like CSRD, EU Taxonomy, CBAM, and CSDDD. Product and service data are essential for CBAM and the EU Taxonomy, while locational data assists with climate and human rights risk analysis for reporting purposes.

• Market Intelligence: Enhances databases for risk assessments and investment analysis, improving coverage of private companies.

• Procurement: Integrates ESG data into procurement processes to identify suppliers with robust environmental, social, and governance (ESG) practices. It enhances supply chain visibility and compliance by providing detailed data on risks and sustainability commitments. Using this data revealed suppliers in high-risk areas for forced labour, enabling enhanced due diligence. It helps address challenges like Scope 3 emissions reporting.

• Insurance: Enhances due diligence and risk assessment in commercial insurance, enabling tailored coverage and addressing specific risks. It supports proactive policy management by monitoring changes in locations and product types. The data provides insights into environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors that are critical for assessing risks and tailoring policies. Accessing data points that would traditionally take hours to process manually can be done rapidly through Veridion.

Data is delivered via batch file delivery (CSV) and API integration. The Search API enables finding companies based on specific ...

During a 2024 survey among marketers worldwide, around 86 percent reported using Facebook for marketing purposes. Instagram and LinkedIn followed, respectively mentioned by 79 and 65 percent of the respondents. The global social media marketing segment According to the same study, 59 percent of responding marketers intended to increase their organic use of YouTube for marketing purposes throughout that year. LinkedIn and Instagram followed with similar shares, rounding up the top three social media platforms attracting a planned growth in organic use among global marketers in 2024. Their main driver is increasing brand exposure and traffic, which led the ranking of benefits of social media marketing worldwide. Social media for B2B marketing Social media platform adoption rates among business-to-consumer (B2C) and business-to-business (B2B) marketers vary according to each subsegment's focus. While B2C professionals prioritize Facebook and Instagram – both run by Meta, Inc. – due to their popularity among online audiences, B2B marketers concentrate their endeavors on Microsoft-owned LinkedIn due to its goal to connect people and companies in a corporate context.

The number of hotel and accommodation businesses in the United Kingdom fluctuated from 2008 to 2022. In 2022, the number of hotels and similar accommodation businesses operating in the UK was over 9.8 thousand.

Europe’s Accounting and Auditing industry is well-established, with leading nations like the UK and Germany generating significant revenue, partly because London and Frankfurt are major global financial hubs. Growing enterprise numbers and employment rates have expanded the potential client pool for accounting and auditing firms. Despite the industry providing both procyclical and countercyclical services, volatile economic conditions have caused some operational disruption, though revenue has remained fairly resilient. Revenue is expected to inch upward at a compound annual rate of 0.4% over the five years through 2025 to €235 billion, including a forecast hike of 0.6% in 2025. Audit failings and poor service quality have led to enhanced regulations – most notably the introduction of the EU Audit Reform in 2016, aimed at enhancing standards and promoting competition. The reform forces large companies to change auditors every 20 years, diversifying the market by pushing more companies to use firms other than the Big Four. The industry has also come up against challenges from economic headwinds, including the COVID-19 pandemic, inflationary pressures and geopolitical tensions, which have sustained economic uncertainty and subdued business spending and deal-making activity. The industry has been subject to intense consolidation activity, particularly in the UK, where private equity influx has driven acquisitions. Strong competition and higher operational costs have forced firms to raise fees to protect revenue and profitability. Improving economic conditions will bolster business sentiment and investment and drive up M&A activity, fuelling demand for accounting, audit and tax consulting services. Revenue is forecast to expand at a compound annual rate of 4.4% over the five years through 2030 to €291.8 billion. Heightened business investment and M&A activity amid anticipated improvement in economic conditions, alongside a rising number of enterprises in Europe and solid employment rates, will fuel demand for accounting, audit and tax consulting services. Companies will also have to navigate mounting digitalisation, with AI and automated solutions helping to reduce costs and free up time for the provision of value-added services, but at the same time, advanced software enabling small businesses and individuals to carry out their own accounting and tax tasks, eating away at demand. The evolving regulatory environment for businesses, including sustainability reporting and tax reforms, will boost demand and create strong revenue stream opportunities for auditing and tax consulting firms. These specialised services also stand to support profit as more complex audits and regulations will drive firms to hike their fees.