Originally written by Timothy Adler on Small Business
As Prime Minister Boris Johnson assembles his “war Cabinet” to confront Brussels with the threat of a no-deal Brexit, small business exporters have shrugged off the risk of Britain crashing out of the EU.
The majority of UK SMEs that export internationally are more worried about President Trump’s “America First” trade policies and the risk of a global economic slowdown than Britain exiting the EU without a deal.
In addition, the majority of SME businesses say Brexit uncertainty has had “no effect” on their company’s international strategy, according to a survey.
In fact, 47pc of SMEs surveyed by OFX, are looking to start or increase sales to Western Europe in the next year.
Overall, British businesses are still keen to engage in global trade, with almost half (48pc) having increased sales by an average of £45,000 in the last year. Meanwhile, 44pc expect to start or increase international sales within the next 12 months.
However, President Trump’s protectionist trade policies – which include the threat of new tariffs on billions of dollars’ worth of European goods — have spooked SMEs. Western Europe has overtaken the US as businesses’ favourite export market.
Sarah Webb, president UK and Europe at OFX,
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Revolut launches free accounts for freelancers and small business
by Timothy Adler • • 0 Comments
Originally written by Timothy Adler on Small Business
Revolut, the challenger digital bank, has made two of its business accounts free for freelancers and small businesses.
The bank is suitable for entrepreneurs who travel or trade overseas a lot. Its currency exchange rates are far lower than high-street banks and customers can hold, exchange and transfer 29 currencies. Employers can issue fee-free corporate cards to employees to reduce expenses when they’re abroad. Revolut also integrates with apps including Slack, Xero, FreeAgent and Zapier. Future bolt-ons include expenses management.
More than 100,000 businesses in Britain and the rest of Europe have signed up for the service.
Although Revolut will not say how many customers it wants to sign up by scrapping its £25 per month, product owner James Gibson said: “We got feedback from small businesses that £25 a month is too much for them. Now that we’re free, we want customers to come and give us a go.”
And although there is no subscription fee, international transfers are charged 0.4pc above the interbank rate.
Revolut for Business has also introduced more flexibility into its paid-for plans, enabling customers to either upgrade or downgrade their plans at any time.
Gibson said: “We understand first-hand how frustrating it can
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How to protect your profits from currency volatility
by Michael Somerville • • 0 Comments
The post How to protect your profits from currency volatility appeared first on Small Business.