#29 THE RESILIENCE GAP - PART 1: Why Some SMEs Will Not Get Through This
- S5E29
- 21:26
- September 16th 2026
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.
Follow and subscribe to Fresh Perspectives on your favourite player, leave a review and share it with others who you think might enjoy it.
Find more about Azets at www.azets.com.
Contact us at podcast@azets.co.uk.
Fresh Perspectives
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.
Follow and subscribe to Fresh Perspectives on your favourite player, leave a review and share it with others who you think might enjoy it.
Find more about Azets at www.azets.com.
Contact us at podcast@azets.co.uk.
