Xero Blog

Cast your mind back to 2020. Or maybe don’t. In the UK pandemic measures were in place, the country was in lockdown, and times were even tougher than usual for small businesses and employees. 

Despite the current economic climate, running a global enterprise is still the goal of many small and medium businesses. Recent research by our partner Airwallex shows that 70% of UK SMEs plan to expand into foreign markets in 2023.

We’re excited to welcome Bristol-based climate tech start-up, Ecologi, to the Xero App Store to support service-based small businesses in the UK to track and reduce their impact on the environment. 

Over recent months, we’ve been keeping you updated on Xero’s Single Touch Payroll Phase 2 roll out. This will see your business build on its existing STP reporting to share more information with the ATO and other government agencies whenever you process a pay run.

Last week, we celebrated our winning cohort of Xero Australia Award champions from FY22 and FY23. It was awesome to bring together 26 small business owners, advisors and app partners from across Australia to acknowledge their outstanding contributions to their local communities and the wider world of business. 

Xero app partner Projectworks has been working closely with Aerium Analytics, a Calgary-based technology company that uses data automation and analytics to provide geospatial intelligence, inspection, and wildlife management services using aerial drones. 

In my role as GM of Xero Go, I speak with sole traders, accountants and bookkeepers and have learned so much about the ups and downs of running a business solo.

In the House of Lords last week, I watched as we launched our manifesto to support small business recovery. Surrounded by our amazing accounting and bookkeeping partners and small business customers, I understood the magnitude of what we are fighting for. 

Every business, regardless of size, needs a voice.  But smaller businesses find it harder to get out and promote their brands and services. This may be cost-related, or due to a lack of PR experience.