Assessing business strategy, latest inflation figures, and business banking trends for SMEs in 2025
Business owners could take a leaf out of the government’s book and assess their business strategy, making decisions to cut departments to save costs where necessary. Also, we take a look at the impact of July’s inflation increase and the latest business banking trends for SMEs so far this year.
Knowing When to Cut Loose: Lessons from the UK Space Agency
The government announced last week that the UK Space Agency will be wound up as an independent body and absorbed into the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology. A key reason for the decision was to save costs.
While few of us are running space agencies, the principle is the same for businesses of all sizes: sometimes it makes sense to step back and ask whether each part of the business is still pulling its weight.
Cost versus value
One of the departments in your business, or a service line you offer, might be expensive to run while not creating enough return. This could be because demand has fallen, or because the overheads involved – staff, premises, stock, administration – outweigh the income.
For example, a café might realise that a complicated dish on its menu is rarely ordered, yet takes up staff time, ingredients and storage space. By removing it, the café can focus on less time-consuming, more profitable items.
Duplication of effort
As businesses grow, it’s common for overlap to creep in. Perhaps two teams are doing similar work, or two products are targeting the same customer need. Removing duplication can free up resources to focus on the most profitable activities.
Strategic focus
Just because something has been part of the business for years doesn’t mean it fits the business needs of the future. You might find that your business is gradually shifting towards one type of client or service. If so, it may be better to let go of areas that no longer fit with that.
Oversight and control
Sometimes the issue isn’t cost or duplication, but clarity. Bringing a function under closer control can improve decision-making and accountability. This might mean centralising a service rather than scrapping it altogether.
What practical steps could you take?
- Regularly review your profit margins by service line, product or department.
- Be alert to hidden costs, such as staff time, storage or administration costs.
- Ask whether a service or product still fits your long-term goals.
- Consider whether the work could be done more efficiently elsewhere in the business.
The decision to close a part of your business can be difficult, especially if it has a history or loyal customers. But like the government’s reasoning with the Space Agency, sometimes it’s the right move to save costs, sharpen focus and avoid spreading yourself too thin.
If you would like help assessing your business’s strategy or setting up a system that allows you to monitor performance, please get in touch. We would be happy to help you!
Inflation Rises – But Is It Worse Than Expected?
The Office for National Statistics (ONS) has confirmed that inflation rose to 3.8% in July. At first glance, that sounds like a worrying development for households and businesses. But before assuming the worst, it’s worth looking a little closer at the figures.
In line with expectations
The Bank of England had forecast inflation of 3.76% for July, so the actual figure is very close. While some headlines highlight the “unexpected” rise, it is broadly consistent with what economists were predicting. The Bank still expects inflation to peak at around 4% in September, before easing in the autumn.
The role of air fares
One of the biggest drivers behind the jump was air fares. Prices rose more than 30% between June and July 2025 – the steepest monthly rise since records began in 2001. The reason, according to the ONS, was the timing of school holidays. In 2024, fares were recorded during term time. This year, the data was gathered during the school holidays, when demand and prices are naturally higher.
This suggests that at least part of the increase is a one-off effect, rather than a sign of a longer-term trend.
Food costs still creeping up
Food prices also played a role. Items like coffee, orange juice, meat and chocolate saw notable rises. Food inflation is now at 4.9% – its fourth monthly increase and the highest since February 2024. For businesses such as cafés and restaurants, these cost pressures are very real. Margins remain under strain, and many owners face tough decisions about pricing.
Looking ahead
The economics director at the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales, Suren Thiru, has warned that inflation could rise above the Bank of England’s predicted 4% peak, given higher business costs and global food prices. However, he still expects inflation to ease later in the year.
What does this mean for businesses?
While times remain challenging, particularly in sectors reliant on food, the latest figures don’t suggest a sharp change in the wider economic outlook. Inflation is still moving along the path the Bank of England expected, even if the journey is a little bumpy.
For most businesses, the message is to keep a close eye on costs, but not to overreact to a single month’s data. The rise in air fares may grab headlines, but it doesn’t necessarily change the bigger picture.
See: https://www.ons.gov.uk/economy/inflationandpriceindices/bulletins/consumerpriceinflation/latest
Business Banking in 2025: Trends for SMEs
The latest Business Banking Service Quality survey organised by the Competition and Markets Authority shows a shift in the way UK businesses are choosing their banking partners. Challenger banks are steadily gaining popularity, while it seems that some traditional high street banks are losing ground.
Who came out on top?
The three top-rated banks for overall service quality were Monzo, Mettle, and Starling Bank. Challenger banks appeal to businesses with their streamlined digital platforms, faster account openings, and easy-to-use online tools, which can make day-to-day banking more efficient.
However, it’s also notable that Handelsbanken, a bank that holds itself to providing banking where relationships matter, came fourth in the poll. This was despite it not featuring highly under the online and mobile banking services category.
This suggests that while businesses value digital convenience, there is still demand for personalised support.
Is it time to switch?
Moving to a provider with better digital tools can save time on your routine transactions and the time spent dealing with your finances. Some banks may offer lower fees, more flexible lending, or a better interest rate, which can positively affect your bottom line.
A bank that understands the sector your business works in and provides proactive support can also be an asset that helps your business grow.
Of course, switching banks is not without its considerations. The process can take time and needs to be well managed to avoid causing issues for your customers and suppliers. It’s also worth noting that not all digital-first banks provide the full suite of services that a business might need.
Are there any other takeaways?
While the survey is about banking, the results provide some broader takeaways for businesses.
The growing popularity of the challenger banks suggests that convenience, speed and user-friendly digital tools are highly valued by many. The success of a relationship-driven provider also shows that personal contact, trust and tailored advice remain essential.
For businesses of all types, balancing these two priorities can be a key factor in building loyalty and satisfaction.
You might ask: Are my systems easy to use? Do my customers and employees feel supported and valued? Even small improvements in these areas can have a meaningful impact.
The business banking market is evolving. This might provide you with an opportunity to improve your own banking arrangements, or it might be a prompt to review how your own business is doing. Whatever the case, staying aware of changing expectations can help you ensure your business remains responsive and well-prepared for the future.
See: https://www.bva-bdrc.com/business-banking-service-quality-great-britain/