Running a small business or working for yourself in the UK? You’re not alone — and you’ve probably got a lot on your plate. From managing customers to chasing payments and staying on top of admin, it all adds up quickly.
Technology won’t fix everything, but it can ease some of the pressure. Whether you work solo or lead a small team, the right tools can help you save time, stay organised and keep control.
There are more than 5.5 million small businesses in the UK and around 4 million of them are one-person businesses. Businesses that use digital tools are more likely to grow and run smoothly.
This guide shares simple, practical ways technology can make day-to-day business easier. Pick one or two ideas that feel useful and see how they work for you.
When time’s tight, anything that helps you work faster or more efficiently can make a big difference. Switching between apps, doing things manually and chasing people for updates can eat into your day.
71% of small UK businesses using cloud tools say they help them work more efficiently.
Example: Maki & Ramen, a growing restaurant chain, improved day-to-day operations by using project tools to cut down on admin and improve communication.
It’s easy to miss a message when it comes through email, social media or your website. But staying organised doesn’t need to be complicated.
Only 1 in 3 UK small businesses currently use a customer relationship management tool (CRM) (Capterra UK).
Worth noting: Keeping just 5% more customers can increase profits by up to 95%.
Sending invoices, storing receipts, and keeping track of who’s paid — these jobs can take up more time than expected. But there are ways to simplify them.
84% of small UK businesses say cloud accounting helps them work faster. 77% say it gives them a clearer view of their finances.
Many customers will search online before getting in touch. A clear, simple online presence helps build trust.
Only 65% of UK sole traders have a website, compared to over 90% of other small businesses.
Whether you're out seeing clients, working from home, or part of a small team spread out across locations, some tools can help things run smoothly.
46% of UK workers now work remotely at least part of the week.
If you already have data —sales, web traffic, or costs — you can use it to spot trends and adjust how you work.
Only 21% of UK businesses that collect data actually use it to improve how they work.
Example: Pampeano, a small UK retailer, used smarter stock tools to keep bestsellers in stock and reduce waste.
If you're self-employed or running a small business, managing payments, bookings and admin can feel like a juggling act. Xiva brings it all together in one easy-to-use app — no lock-in contracts, no monthly fees, and no need for extra devices.
Whether you're taking payments in person or online, selling services or products, Xiva helps you manage your business and get paid conveniently — without the usual hassle.
You don’t need to use everything at once. Start with one part of your business — whether that’s getting paid, setting up bookings, or organising your customers — and build from there.
Every small change adds up. Over time, it can help you free up hours, reduce hassle, and focus more on the work that matters.
If you’re looking for something easy to put in place today, Xiva is a simple place to begin.
Start your business and payments journey with Xiva.
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