Wake Up to Money Bottom of the class
Oct 15, 2025
Byron Dixon, the founder of Microfresh, discusses the challenges small businesses face, particularly in diversifying supply chains amid rare earths dependence. Lucinda Guthrie shares insights on cautious investor sentiment and declining M&A activity influenced by IMF forecasts for the UK. Meanwhile, Blake Garfield reveals how US-China trade tensions disrupt his mattress business's sourcing decisions and inventory planning, highlighting the broader impact on small businesses navigating tariff uncertainties.
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Diversification Eases Sectoral Downturns
- Businesses with flexible product lines (like Microfresh) can pivot between sectors to offset weak demand in one area.
- Diversification across retail, construction, and automotive helped Microfresh sustain growth.
UK Faces Above‑Peer Inflation
- The IMF flags the UK as likely to have the highest G7 inflation this year, raising investor concern and volatility.
- Higher UK yields reflect that worry and may limit near-term Bank of England rate cuts.
Stability Needed To Unlock SME Investment
- Small businesses need consistency and clear fiscal signals to restart investment and hiring.
- Governments should provide predictable policy so SMEs resume CapEx and employee spending.