Helping UK SMEs embrace digital change
A recent article by John Ruston at RFI Global offers valuable insight into the challenges UK small and medium-sized businesses have faced over the past five years. From economic pressure to rapid technological change, the piece highlights how difficult it can be for SMEs to adapt. It also explores the growing role of AI and whether small businesses see it as a threat or an opportunity.
From a BaseKit perspective, one area that stood out was the set of winning strategies for SME success as we move towards 2026. In particular, the emphasis on commitment to SME growth and the need for service providers to go beyond core offerings.
Moving beyond core financial services
The article highlights a clear shift within the banking and financial services sector. Rather than offering only traditional financial products, providers are increasingly looking to deliver value-added solutions that help small businesses grow and thrive.
This is something we see first-hand at BaseKit. Many of our partners in banking and financial services are expanding their propositions to include digital enablement tools, such as website builders and e-commerce solutions. These tools allow SMEs to build an online presence, reach new customers and generate revenue, all from within a trusted provider ecosystem.
Simplicity and no-code technology matter
As technology evolves, one of the biggest barriers for small businesses is complexity. Many SME owners do not have technical backgrounds, and the pace of change can feel overwhelming. This is where no-code platforms play a crucial role.
BaseKit’s products are designed to be simple and intuitive, enabling small businesses to create and manage websites, stores and bookings without writing a single line of code. This simplicity helps partners support their SME customers in embracing technological change with confidence rather than fear or overwhelm.
Designed for a mobile-first world
Another trend reinforced in the article is the shift towards a mobile-first era. At BaseKit, mobile-first design has long been a core principle. Our platform is built not only to deliver mobile responsive websites, but also for small business owners to create and manage their websites entirely from their phones.
This flexibility is especially important for time-poor SME owners who need tools that fit around how they already work.
Keeping pace with AI and innovation
Technological change continues to accelerate, particularly with the introduction of AI. Over the past year, BaseKit has introduced a range of AI-powered features designed to keep the platform relevant and useful for small business owners in the UK. These enhancements support faster setup, smarter content creation and a smoother overall experience.
Looking ahead to 2026
As we move towards 2026, it will be interesting to see how many banks and financial institutions continue to evolve their SME propositions. Those that combine trusted financial services with simple, no-code digital tools will be best placed to help small businesses adapt, grow and succeed in an increasingly digital economy.