UK SMEs prioritise trendy and high-quality products as direct sourcing takes centre stage, reveals new Alibaba.com research

As 57% of UK SMEs plan to find new suppliers, driving cost efficiency and enhancing product quality amongst top priorities for year ahead

LONDON, Feb. 26, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across the UK are set to make major changes to their product sourcing strategies this year, according to new data from Alibaba.com, a leading platform for global business-to-business (B2B) e-commerce.

Just under half of UK SMEs say that sourcing products at more cost-effective prices (43%) is a top priority in 2025. This is followed by finding trusted suppliers (40%), finding sustainable products (32%), and sourcing new and trendy products to acquire new customers (31%).

In addition, more than half of UK SMEs (57%) plan to change suppliers*, as they increasingly turn to digital sourcing channels, such as online B2B marketplaces, to find new suppliers, source new products and unlock growth. Just under two thirds (59%) of UK SMEs surveyed said digital sourcing^† is more important^‡ now compared to this time last year. This indicates an increased preference for direct sourcing – buying goods directly from suppliers, rather than intermediaries.

The study of more than 1,000 sourcing decision makers at SMEs in the UK was launched in the run-up to March Expo 2025, Alibaba.com's major B2B sourcing event of the year. March Expo connects buyers and sellers from around the world, helping them discover the latest product opportunities and build new supplier partnerships. During the month, B2B buyers can also shop from thousands of sustainable products and benefit from over two million deals with product certificates. 

Kuo Zhang, President, Alibaba.com, said: "UK SMEs are becoming more strategic in their sourcing, focusing on affordability, trend responsiveness, and supplier reliability to stay competitive. Our research shows that SMEs are looking beyond cost savings and actively seeking new suppliers to future-proof their businesses. This shift aligns with a broader trend across Europe, where the number of orders placed by European buyers on our platform in February increased by 75% year-on-year. As businesses embrace digital sourcing, they are gaining greater flexibility and access to a wider range of products to support their growth."

To support SMEs in adapting to these changing market dynamics, March Expo 2025 will provide access to more than one million new products at competitive prices and offer coupons valued between $5 and $500 available at check-out. First time orders receive up to $20 off on shipping fees with orders shipped via Alibaba.com.

In February, the fastest-growing product categories sourced by European SMEs were skincare and cosmetics, gifts and artefacts, and consumer electronics.

March Expo starts on 1 March on Alibaba.com.

Notes to Editors

The research was conducted by Censuswide, among a sample of 1,001 decision makers (aged 18+) in UK SMEs who are responsible for sourcing in companies with under 150 employees (excluding sole traders).

The data was collected between 31 January 2025 and 6 February 2025. Censuswide abides by and employs members of the Market Research Society and follows the MRS code of conduct which is based on the ESOMAR principles.

* 'Strongly agree' and 'Somewhat agree' responses combined

† Sourcing products through online B2B marketplaces

‡ 'Much more important' and 'More important' responses combined

About Alibaba.com

Launched in 1999, Alibaba.com is a leading platform for global business-to-business (B2B) e-commerce that serves buyers and suppliers from over 200 countries and regions around the world. It is engaged in services covering various aspects of commerce, including providing businesses with tools that help them reach a global audience for their products and helping buyers discover products, find suppliers and place orders online fast and efficiently. Alibaba.com is part of Alibaba International Digital Commerce Group.

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