Auzzi Shopping

Men's Weekly

.

YouBiz research reveals key trends and challenges facing Southeast Asian SMEs in 2023

  • Written by Auzzi Shopping

  • YouBiz has launched its first white paper on spend management, with analysis of over 60,000 business transactions from over 4,500 companies, and surveys with over 160 SME executives in Southeast Asia today.

  • The press release highlights emerging spend insights YouBiz uncovered and how spend management will be the key growth driver for SMEs in 2023. For more information on the 2023 Business Spend Insights report by YouBiz, please visit: https://www.you.co/biz/2023-biz-spend/


    • Reducing operational costs emerged the top business priority among all SMEs surveyed
    • Over 85% of SMEs are exposed to currency fluctuations as cross-border transactions increase with the acceleration of global expansion plans
    • As borders reopen, SME travel and entertainment spend increased by 2X in the last two quarters of 2022
    SINGAPORE - Media OutReach - 19 January 2023 - YouBiz, the SME spend management platform by YouTrip, launched its first whitepaper studying emerging business spending trends and key business priorities for SME in 2023. Titled ‘2023 Business Spend Insights: Keys to SME Success in Uncertain Times’, the report analyses over 60,000 business transactions from over 4,500 companies, and surveys with over 160 SME executives in Southeast Asia.

    Reducing operational costs was identified as the top priority for SMEs as macro conditions for 2023 remain uncertain. As borders reopened last year, business travel resumed and companies doubled their travel and entertainment spend in the last two quarters of 2022. Cross-border payments also surged, with more than 7 in 10 SMEs facilitating foreign currency transactions monthly as they worked with overseas suppliers and partners to establish operations in new markets. This has however led to a spike in overall operating costs.

    “In our conversations with SMEs, the issue of reducing operational costs and spend management surfaced numerous times. YouBiz understands that as companies emerged from the pandemic, they grew even more prudent in the face of continued economic uncertainties. And as borders reopened, the increase in cross-border payments drove greater urgency and need for better spend management,” said YouTrip Co-Founder and CEO Caecilia Chu.

    “As a valuable and reliable partner of SMEs, YouBiz is committed to helping businesses harness their full potential by uncovering spending trends, challenges and considerations, as well as showcasing best practices and case studies in our in-depth report, to help companies better forecast and manage their business spend for the year ahead,” she added.

    Reducing operational costs is imperative in the face of economic uncertainties

    Reducing overall operational costs emerged the top business priority for SMEs in 2023 as business leaders ready themselves for impending challenges and volatility ahead, despite the positive economic growth in the region.

    Among SMEs surveyed, reducing operational costs (40%) takes precedence over the development of new products and services (30%), improving real-time spend management (17%) and finding new supply chain partners (10%).

    But as borders reopen, SMEs are hungry for new growth opportunities overseas

    Global business travel is expected to reach US$1.4 trillion in 2024, a year sooner than forecasted. SME owners are riding this resurgence of business travel, increasing their travel and entertainment (T&E) spending by 2X in the last two quarters of 2022. This upward trend is projected to continue into the first quarter of 2023.

    Based on the report findings, companies in the professional services industry (35%) invest the most in business travel. Executives of these companies are keen to budget more for travel spend to expand sales in new markets and reinforce partnerships that have been affected by the lack of face time during the pandemic.

    Over 85% of SMEs are exposed to FX fluctuations with the increase in cross-border payments

    With easier and quicker access to payments in most foreign currencies globally, SMEs are able to venture into overseas markets without compromising on their rate of growth, operational efficiency and cashflow. 56% of SMEs surveyed regularly transact with foreign currency including card spend, making and receiving payments – with more than 90% transacting S$50,000 or more.

    However, 86% of SMEs face exchange rate fluctuations on their frequent transactions in foreign currencies. Without the necessary tools to hedge against foreign currency fluctuations, SMEs are likely to incur opportunity costs as a result of overestimating or underestimating their overseas expenses – impacting the overall operational costs of working with overseas partners.

    Leveraging spend management tools reduces operational costs and builds business resilience

    Adopting the right spend management solution enables SMEs to have real-time control of various budgets, and the tools to effectively manage FX fluctuation risks that arise from cross-border payments. This is essential as YouBiz estimates 8 in 10 SMEs do not have full visibility on company spend. SMEs are also looking out for easy-to-use, affordable and convenient solutions that are complementary to their business operations and support the various foreign currencies they frequently transact in.

    Caecilia added, “As SMEs evaluate the myriad spend management tools in the market, YouBiz aims to advise them on the key areas of spend management and resource optimisation, and share with business owners timely insights that will propel their growth to the next level.”

    For more information on the 2023 Business Spend Insights report by YouBiz, please visit: https://www.you.co/biz/2023-biz-spend/

    Hashtag: #Fintech #SME #SMEs #Business #Spend #CorporateSpend #B2B

    The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

    About YouBiz

    Launched in 2022, YouBiz is the leading multi-currency corporate card and spend management platform for SMEs. Built by YouTrip, a first-mover in the Southeast Asian fintech and digital payments space, YouBiz provides SMEs and startups with an easy-to-use, convenient and affordable spend management platform to power their cross-border payment needs and global expansion plans.

    Today, YouBiz is one of the fastest growing spend management fintechs and a reliable partner for SMEs as they accelerate their business growth with the best in market exchange rates, at zero FX fees.

    For more information, please visit

    Today's Features at Auzzi

    What Makes a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Gym in Melbourne Ideal for Personal Safety Training

    Key Highlights Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in Melbourne emphasises self-defense techniques and leverage-based strategies suitable for individuals of all sizes. Gyms offer expert instructors, m...

    How Aussie Women Can Achieve a Glamorous Look with the Right Hair Extensions Supplier

    Key Highlights Hair extensions offer an instant transformation, allowing Aussie women to achieve a flawless finish and glamorous appearance. Selecting the right supplier ensures superi...

    From Paddock to Plate: Australian Chefs Embrace Local Extra Virgin Olive Oil

    Key Highlights Australian chefs are incorporating local extra virgin olive oil into their culinary creations, emphasising its distinct flavours and health benefits. The use of early ha...

    Physical Rejuvenation Through Clinical Pilates: A Solution for Melbourne’s High-Performers

    Key Highlights Clinical Pilates offers tailored exercise programs to meet individual needs, enhancing physical strength, core stability, and overall wellbeing. It is particularly effec...

    The Romantic Side of a Mount Buller Tour for Honeymooning Couples

    Photo: Alzburg Resort Mansfield Key Highlights Mount Buller offers a dreamy escape high in the Victorian Alps, making it perfect for honeymooners seeking romance. Spectacular activities...

    10 Key Steps for Parents Navigating Primary School Enrolment in Victoria

    Key Highlights Navigating primary school enrolment in Victoria involves understanding the enrolment criteria and placement policies. Researching neighborhood schools and finding your l...

    How to Gently Whiten Your Teeth Without Harming Your Enamel

    Source Image We all want whiter and cleaner teeth. However, there is a ton of misinformation out there. We do live in the age of the internet after all, and myths can spread faster than w...