SMEs optimistic for future growth, but need support with workloads

New research from Aviva^[1] reveals that almost three quarters (73%) of small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) expect to grow in the next 12 months, with only 3% of businesses expecting to shrink. This paints an optimistic outlook for the UK economy as SMEs account for 99.8%^[2] of UK businesses.

Almost two thirds (62%) of growing SMEs are expecting increased customer demand in the next 12 months. Half (50%) plan to grow by diversifying their products or services, 48% hope to increase the number of people they employ, and 35% plan to grow through opening new sites.

Growing workloads

However, as businesses expand, so do the workloads of those in charge. Over three quarters (77%) of decision-makers in growing businesses report an increased workload, and almost one in five (18%) feel they have nowhere near enough time in the day to get everything done.

More than three quarters (77%) of SME decision-makers report that they are handling responsibilities beyond their main job more than once a week. Financial planning, sales and marketing top the list of time-consuming tasks, as well as managing staff/HR issues, dealing with admin such as arranging insurance, and IT and cyber security.

Many leaders are spending valuable time on admin, such as arranging insurance (35%), compliance and regulation (30%), business continuity planning (26%), and risk management and Health & Safety (24%). With 21% of SME leaders wishing they didn’t have to deal with admin tasks at all, businesses are in need of expert support more than ever.

Support for businesses

As business leaders get busier, insurance brokers can play a vital role in taking some of those tasks off their hands. However, research shows that SMEs aren’t always making the most of their insurance brokers. Less than a third (32%) look to their broker for risk management support, and only a quarter (25%) use a broker for business continuity planning.

As well as ensuring businesses have the correct insurance cover, brokers can help businesses understand the risks they face and plan for the future, enabling SMEs to grow with confidence.

For those needing support, Aviva offers business customers access to guidance through the Aviva BusinessLaw website, including unlimited access to a 24/7 legal advice helpline and email alerts to help business leaders keep up to date with changing laws and regulations. The insurer also has risk management guides openly available online.

Rebecca Gambrell, Managing Director, SME and Delegated Authorities at Aviva said: “SMEs are vital to our communities, so it is uplifting to see their confidence in the future. However, growth often brings a heavier workload and new challenges, at a time when business owners are already managing multiple demands.” 

“That’s where an insurance broker can really make a difference. A broker can help bring to life the risks a business is facing and make sure it’s covered appropriately as the business changes, whether through arranging adequate insurance cover, offering risk management advice, or supporting with business continuity planning.  

“By helping SMEs manage the risks they face, brokers can free up time for business leaders to focus on what they love – running and growing their business. With expert support in place, SMEs can concentrate on taking their businesses from strength to strength, knowing they’re protected.”

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References:

^1. _{The research was conducted by Censuswide, among a sample of 500 Insurance Decision Makers at SME Businesses in the UK. The data was collected between 27.08.2025 - 03.09.2025. Censuswide abides by and employs members of the Market Research Society and follows the MRS code of conduct and ESOMAR principles. Censuswide is also a member of the British Polling Council. [↑]}

^2. _{Business population estimates for the UK and regions 2024: statistical release - GOV.UK [↑]}

Enquiries:

Beth Meyer beth.meyer@aviva.com +44 (0)7350 398996

Erik Nelson erik.nelson@aviva.com +44 (0)7989 427086