How UK SMEs can prepare for success this Black Friday

From managing rising costs to investing wisely, this report offers actionable insights to help your business overcome sector-specific challenges and thrive this peak season.

Read time: 4 mins  Added: 12/09/25

Three businesswomen sat at a table, smiling and discussing a report in a brightly lit office environment

The Revenue Advantage

With UK consumers spending over £7.1 billion during Black Friday 2024, small businesses have a major opportunity to boost revenue—if they act early and strategically. 

60% of Black Friday shoppers start browsing by October, so by planning early, investing upfront, and using funds to get ahead you can prepare for peak season success.

What’s holding SMEs back?

Black Friday is a huge opportunity – but many SMEs miss out, held back by tight cash flow, rising costs, or simply not enough time to prepare. Even profitable businesses struggle to act in time.  
 

What are the biggest costs for small businesses?

Utilities: 52.7% - energy costs are hitting hard – especially for retail, hospitality and online sellers with warehouse or pop-ups. 

Labour costs: 51.5% - wage pressure is rising, hiring’s tougher, and many are pausing recruitment. 

Taxes: 47.2% - tax hikes and policy uncertainty are making it harder to plan or invest confidently. 
 

Operational cost spikes are draining working capital too –making it harder for small businesses to invest in stock, marketing, or staff ahead of Black Friday. For those that could grow fast, this is a missed opportunity. Rising costs mean retailers and e-commerce sellers are forced to play it safe – or sit out the sales rush entirely.
 

For a more detailed look, you can download the full report (PDF, 2.5 MB).

Strategies to get ahead for Black Friday

For UK small businesses ready to act early, they’re investing upfront and using funding to get ahead. 
 

1. Start early

Browsing begins in October. Stock and ads need to be in market by then. 
 

2. Stretch the moment

Black Friday is now a 4-week season. Extend offers, create urgency and retarget late browsers.
 

3. Secure stock early 

With overseas delays and rising costs, locking in inventory now protects you from Q4 shortages and supply chain risks. 
 

4. Buy in bulk

Get stock at a discount to boost margins or increase competitiveness. 
 

5. Invest in visibility 

Q4 ad costs spike by 25-66%. Start ad campaigns early to avoid the noise and ad costs peak. 
 

6. Fund to grow, not just survive 

Revenue-based finance gives SMEs the capital to scale – with flexible payments based on future sales. And nothing to pay upfront. 

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