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Small Business (SMB) Stories - Page 3

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Small Business (SMB) stories

Hands-on review: Avast Ultimate Business Security verdict
Virtual Private Networks

Hands-on review: Avast Ultimate Business Security verdict

For Windows-heavy firms lacking patch management, the suite adds central control and browser defence, though it needs careful configuration.

By Sean Mitchell • 5 min read • Last week
team.blue launches AI connectors across software brands
Enterprise Resource Planning

team.blue launches AI connectors across software brands

Small businesses can now manage bookings, campaigns and compliance inside AI chatbots instead of switching between separate software tools.

By Regine Laguilles • 5 min read • Last week
The surcharge ban didn't remove the cost of card payments. It moved it, and small businesses are carrying it
Small Business

The surcharge ban didn't remove the cost of card payments. It moved it, and small businesses are carrying it

Small retailers face thinner margins unless card fees fall through to merchant plans, with borrowing power also likely to weaken later.

By Nick Lim • 5 min read • Last week
Allan Tongs wins exclusive Australian deal with d'Albora
Manufacturing

Allan Tongs wins exclusive Australian deal with d'Albora

Australian buyers can now order the Elite AT43 through d'Albora, after the New Zealand boatbuilder secured its first formal market entry there.

By Mara Sugue • 3 min read • Last week
Ravical raises USD $17 million seed round led by MMC
Software-as-a-Service

Ravical raises USD $17 million seed round led by MMC

The funding will help the AI platform expand across Europe and into the US as accounting firms seek ways to grow without hiring more staff.

By Karen Joy Bacudo • 4 min read • Last month

Stories from Other Regions

Small Business (SMB) stories

Former staff still access data after leaving, survey finds
Human Capital Management

Former staff still access data after leaving, survey finds

Lost access controls are leaving sensitive company systems open long after staff depart, with 64% of ex-employees still able to view data.

By Mara Sugue • 3 min read • Last week
Wahda Bank picks Backbase for digital platform in Libya
Digital Transformation

Wahda Bank picks Backbase for digital platform in Libya

Libyan businesses and later retail customers will gain online banking as Wahda Bank starts rolling out a new platform in 2027.

By Karen Joy Bacudo • 3 min read • Last week
Dext launches perks programme offering UK firms discounts
Financial Systems

Dext launches perks programme offering UK firms discounts

Small firms can now access savings of up to £10,000 on software and services as rising costs continue to squeeze margins.

By Karen Joy Bacudo • 4 min read • Last week
Mamun raises USD $3 million to back Gulf-Asia trade
Fintech

Mamun raises USD $3 million to back Gulf-Asia trade

The Muscat-based platform will use seed capital to widen financing for exporters and importers caught in a USD $2.5 trillion trade gap.

By Karen Joy Bacudo • 4 min read • Last week
HugoHub goes live in Pakistan with digital bank pilot
Fintech

HugoHub goes live in Pakistan with digital bank pilot

The pilot could help expand access to banking in a market where only slightly more than a quarter of adults had an account in 2024.

By Karen Joy Bacudo • 5 min read • Last week
Australian SMEs brace for fuel, power cost pressures
Housing

Australian SMEs brace for fuel, power cost pressures

Most Australian SMEs expect fuel and utility bills to squeeze margins over the next year, while 73% see the economy weakening.

By Karen Joy Bacudo • 4 min read • Last week
Netcompany launches Trader Support Service for HMRC
Digital Transformation

Netcompany launches Trader Support Service for HMRC

Businesses moving goods between Great Britain and Northern Ireland can now use a revamped free service, after more than 50,000 pilot declarations.

By Sofiah Nichole Salivio • 3 min read • Last week
Your bank statements are now your loan application. Most small business owners don't know it
Fintech

Your bank statements are now your loan application. Most small business owners don't know it

Real-time checks on deposits, overdrafts and even buy now, pay later debts can mean quicker approvals or a loan rejection for owners.

By Nick Lim • 4 min read • Last week
A factor rate of 1.20 is not 20 per cent, and small businesses are paying for the confusion
Fintech

A factor rate of 1.20 is not 20 per cent, and small businesses are paying for the confusion

Small firms can face annual borrowing costs of about 73 per cent on a $50,000 loan when a factor rate is misunderstood.

By Nick Lim • 5 min read • Last week
xTool launches modular X1 laser cutter worldwide
3D Printing

xTool launches modular X1 laser cutter worldwide

Australian buyers face prices from AUD $5,249 for a modular desktop laser system that can add new modules instead of being replaced.

By Sean Mitchell • 4 min read • Last week
HP launches subscription service for UK small firms
Apple

HP launches subscription service for UK small firms

UK small firms can now access HP kit on monthly terms, easing upfront costs as the company targets a cash-strapped business market.

By Joseph Gabriel Lagonsin • 4 min read • Last month
PSE Consulting to host Merchant Acquiring Conference
Software-as-a-Service

PSE Consulting to host Merchant Acquiring Conference

Pressure is mounting on traditional acquirers as AI shopping tools, marketplaces and embedded payments reshape who controls checkout and bears fraud risk.

By Karen Joy Bacudo • 4 min read • Last month
Australia small business sales steady as jobs growth lifts
Construction

Australia small business sales steady as jobs growth lifts

Hiring improved in the September quarter as small business jobs rose 3.9%, though wage growth slowed and sector performance stayed uneven.

By Karen Joy Bacudo • 3 min read • Last month