Global small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are increasingly optimistic about their future business prospects, according to new research from Alibaba.com, a leading platform for business-to-business (B2B) e-commerce.
Based on a study of over 2,000 SME decision-makers across France, Germany, the UK and the US conducted at the end of August, Alibaba.com’s Global SME Confidence Index highlights 69% of SME decision-makers are more positiveabout their business growth opportunities when compared to six months ago.
SMEs in Germany are the most optimistic – 74% of those surveyed are more positive about their business growth opportunities when compared to six months ago – while 65% of SMEs in France said the same.
Yet, SMEs’ positive outlook for Q4 2024 and beyond is hampered by certain challenges. Inflationary pressures top the list at 38% of the vote, followed by challenges in marketing and customer acquisition (31%).