#29 THE RESILIENCE GAP - PART 1: Why Some SMEs Will Not Get Through This

The Azets Barometer told us something interesting. Split almost down the middle. 46% of SMEs pessimistic. 43% optimistic. Donald Boyd has been advising SME businesses for over 30 years and says the data reflects reality. It depends on the business. It depends on the owner. And right now, the average sentiment is uncertain.

In this episode of Fresh Perspectives, Rob Brown talks with Donald Boyd, UK Head of Growth at Azets, about the real mood inside UK businesses as we reach the middle of 2026. Donald draws on direct client conversations, not surveys, to explain what is happening on the ground. Labour costs are the number one pressure. Margins are tightening. And a chunk of the SME market is, in his words, in recession.

Donald and Rob cover what separates the businesses navigating this from the ones that will not make it through, why the 13-week cash flow is the single most practical tool most SMEs still are not using and what good advisory looks like when a business owner is running out of runway. The message is direct. If you are running your business off a bank statement, you need to have a serious conversation with your advisors.

Connect with Donald Boyd on LinkedIn.

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Fresh Perspectives is the business podcast from Azets where advisers, experts and leaders share fresh thinking to help you move forward with confidence.

Each episode explores real-world challenges and opportunities for business owners and entrepreneurs, from finance and growth to leadership and technology.

Formerly Bang The Drum, the show continues Azets’ commitment to sharing practical advice, new ideas and inspiring stories from across the business community.

This podcast has featured at #1 in the Apple Podcast charts for Management podcasts and #19 in the Apple Podcasts charts for Business podcasts.

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Find more about Azets at www.azets.com.

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Episoder(63)

#33 PRIVATE CREDIT VS THE BANKS - PART 1: Who Wins and Who Loses?

The rules of business finance have changed. Interest rates have moved, lender priorities have shifted and the structures being used to get deals done look nothing like they did three years ago. If you...

14 Okt 26min

#32 HMRC IS WATCHING - What Charities and NFPs Need to Know in 2026

HMRC has changed how it scrutinises charities. It now uses AI-supported analytics to cross-reference tax filings, public records, social media and more than 30 external databases. Even minor inconsist...

7 Okt 25min

#31 THE ENTREPRENEURSHIP TAX - What's Holding Britain's SMEs Back

Britain built its reputation on the back of people who took risks. The entrepreneurs who started with nothing, backed themselves and built something. That spirit hasn't disappeared. But the conditions...

30 Sep 23min

#30 AI LIPSTICK - PART 2: Why Most SMEs Are Not Getting What They Paid For

Only 41% of UK SMEs say their workforce has the skills to use AI effectively. Only 45% say their AI investments have delivered a measurable return. Donald Boyd is not surprised. He has watched firms b...

23 Sep 24min

#28 DEBT OR EQUITY - How Businesses Should Think About Funding Growth

Most business owners think about funding when they need it. By that point, their options have already narrowed. Whether you are investing in technology, expanding into new markets, making an acquisiti...

9 Sep 26min

#27 DEBT DECISIONS - Is Now the Right Time To Refinance

One business owner had stacked so many loans that his monthly repayments hit £35,000. He was profitable. He was thinking about selling up because the debt had become unbearable. Mark Barrie's team rev...

4 Sep 20min

#26 CASH IS KING - PART 2: The Decisions SME Leaders Can't Keep Putting Off

When Peter Gallanagh wants to know how a business is really doing, he does not ask the owner. He asks the receptionist. That instinct for ground-level truth is what runs through this conversation. In...

26 Aug 13min