UK Companies Forecast Robust Growth for 2024

Aircall Releases the 2024 Global Report: “The Voice of SMBs”

Aircall, the go‑to platform for customer phone and messaging, has just dropped a fresh, data‑driven look into how small and medium‑sized businesses (SMBs) are planning their growth in 2024. The report pulls together voices from 1,400 employees in North America, Australia, France, Germany, Spain, and the UK to reveal the priorities that matter most.

Why It Matters for the SMB Community

In a world where SMBs make up 95% of all companies and account for 70% of the global population, understanding the next steps is crucial. Aircall’s insights are designed to help these businesses turn today’s challenges into tomorrow’s opportunities.

Key Findings at Glance

64% of respondents are optimistic about the growth prospects for 2024, even in a tough market.
54% say the biggest growth driver will be strengthening connections and relationships with customers – the top priority across every region surveyed.
Four essential insights emerged as the pillars for problem‑solving, adaptation, and staying ahead in a constantly shifting business landscape.

What the Numbers Really Mean

The data suggests that building stronger customer bonds isn’t just an abstract goal – it’s the single most important lever for scaling. The emphasis on relationships indicates a shift from product‑centric to people‑centric strategies within SMBs.

Meanwhile, the optimism level is a bright sign: despite inflation, supply‑chain hiccups, and market fears, two in three SMBs feel confident they can grow in 2024.

The Four Pillars of Success

Aircall pinpoints four crucial themes to tackle the evolving business reality:

Problem‑solving agility – Respond quickly and smartly to challenges.
Adaptation mindset – Keep pivoting with changing demands.
Process efficiency – Streamline operations to reduce friction.
Customer engagement depth – Go beyond transactions to build loyalty.

Takeaway for SMBs

Armed with these insights, SMBs around the world can fine‑tune their strategies for 2024, turning the “hard” parts of business into growth hacks. The message is clear: prioritize people, stay flexible, and keep moving forward.

Aircall’s Role as a Growth Partner

As a trusted growth partner, Aircall is committed to providing the actionable data and analysis that SMBs need to thrive. Their fresh report is here to help businesses stay on the right track – and maybe add a little humor along the way.

A different SMB mindset and approach

Why Customers Are Now the Real “Growth” Engine for 2024

More than half of companies (61 %) have made a bold shift: customer experience trumps pure growth targets on the agenda for the next year. For small‑business owners navigating the roller‑coaster of 2023, the lesson has become crystal clear – it’s all about getting real, meaningful connections with people, not just cranking out numbers.

1⃣ “Growth Beyond the Totals” – The New Playbook

54 % of firms now pin their success on building deeper, lasting relationships with customers.
This trend is consistent worldwide, proving that “sell every bill you can” is old news. Even Google and Yahoo are tightening rules on bulk email campaigns—an industry cue that outreach is not only about volume but quality.
Think of it like this: you’re no longer a ticker-tape parade. It’s more like a handshake over a cup of coffee.

2⃣ AI: Your New Co‑Pilot

Technology has become the secret sauce for SMBs trying to keep headways in a busy market. In 2023, AI walked into the spotlight, and for 48 % of businesses now that’s the very tool that will lift customer satisfaction over in the coming year. AI is the friendly sidekick that handles the routine, leaving the human touch for the moments that truly matter.

3⃣ Human Connection – The Heartbeat of Customer Delight

72 % of respondents highlighted that their top goal for the coming year is not just excellent service but genuine customer happiness. It’s the comeback of real chat and active listening that flips the sales script from “how to close” to “how to leave smiles.”

4⃣ Coaching: Fighting the Talent Attrition Battle

While 65 % of firms boast strong training and coaching programs, a startling 35 % are either short on such initiatives or need to revamp them—especially as industries race to keep their star employees.
Coaching isn’t just a perk; it’s a survival strategy—cutting turnover and keeping the right folks on board.

From the Desk of Aircall’s CEO – Scott Chancellor

“I hopped on board as Aircall’s CEO at the tail end of 2023, and this report gave me an adrenaline kick as soon as I read the findings.
Like Aircall, I’m all about tiny businesses – this Voice of SMBs 2024 isn’t a dry/just a report; it’s a fact‑filled handbook that will help SMBs troubleshoot, adapt, and stay ahead of the ever‑shifting commercial terrain.
With the right tactics, SMBs can navigate lean budgets, stiff competition and still unlock a kind of growth they can brag about.” – Scott Chancellor, CEO, Aircall