Sam North
Founder, SME XPO
Small and independent retailers in the UK are navigating one of the most complex and competitive landscapes in decades.
Economic volatility, rising operational costs, digital transformation and evolving consumer expectations are creating both enormous pressures and exciting opportunities.
Optimistic retailers expand globally
The KPMG Private Enterprise Barometer 2025 reveals that over 90% of private retailers remain optimistic about the future, with two-thirds planning to launch new products or services and nearly 70% aiming to enter new markets. This optimism persists despite tough trading conditions, underscoring the sector’s resilience.
Support for scaling retailers
For UK independent retailers to scale up and navigate these complex challenges require support, resources and a connected ecosystem. That’s where SME XPO 2025 comes in. Now in its fourth year, this leading event has established itself as a cornerstone event for scaling businesses, designed to give UK retailers the tools, insights and networks they need to grow sustainably and confidently.
Taking place 18–19 June at London’s ExCeL, SME XPO will bring together over 5,000 scale-up founders, 100+ best-in-class suppliers and a powerhouse lineup of speakers and workshops that speak directly to the needs of modern retailers.
SME XPO is about helping small businesses
become the engine that powers the
UK’s next phase of economic growth.
Event enables smart retail growth
From the high street to hybrid ecommerce models, the retail community attending the exhibition will find expert-led sessions across four core themes: Starting Out, Scaling Up, Money Talks and Future Tech & AI. For small retailers, this is a rare opportunity to:
- Connect with investors and alternative finance providers who understand the unique pressures of retail and want to support its growth;
- Discover cutting-edge tools and technologies that can help streamline operations, build loyalty, and boost online presence;
- Learn from founders who’ve scaled successfully, including those who have navigated digital pivots, international expansion and omnichannel strategies;
- Engage in workshops on AI, cybersecurity, supply chains and more — all with practical insights tailored to the SME landscape.
At its core, SME XPO is about helping small businesses become the engine that powers the UK’s next phase of economic growth. In retail, that means enabling independents not just to survive, but to scale smartly, sustainably and confidently.
Promoting local and ethical business
With consumer preferences increasingly leaning towards local, ethical and experience-driven brands, the opportunity for independent retailers to grow is real. However, they need a support system behind them, and this event will help them to deliver.
For more information and to register for free, head to the SME XPO website.
