What are the top SME publications in the UK?

Whether you're an entrepreneur, a small-to-medium (SME) business owner, or a supplier to the SME sector, achieving coverage in the business press is one way to boost visibility and reputation.

In this blog post, we'll explore the top SME publications in the UK, considering circulation figures and overall industry clout. From national newspapers, broadcast to trade magazines, we look at the publications shaping the SME narrative.  

UK National Newspapers and Broadcast

The Times Business Section - When it comes to national newspapers, The Times is a heavyweight with a dedicated Business section that also provides a SME perspective. The publication's in-depth analysis, expert columns, and coverage of pertinent issues make it a staple for business readers. Follow the business editors on social media to find out what stories are spiking their interest and pitch in accordingly.

The Guardian - The Guardian's Small Business Network is a gem for SME owners. This dedicated platform offers a wealth of resources, from expert advice to success stories so lots of case study and thought leadership opportunities available.

Financial Times - Known for its comprehensive business reporting, the Financial Times provides insightful articles, analysis, and features tailored to the needs of SMEs. While it can prove more of a challenge to achieve coverage in this publication, if you have a strong, compelling success story, and are doing something different, this will help you stand out and catch their attention.

BBC’s Wake Up to Money – The BBC's "Wake Up to Money" programme, aired each weekday from 5am-6am, serves as a valuable PR opportunity for SMEs due to its extensive reach, diverse coverage, and accessibility for interviewees. The programme covers a wide range of topics including business, economics, finance, and technology. Interviewees are invited to participate in live discussions on the programme. This offers SMEs a platform to share their insights, perspectives, and promote their products or services directly to a large audience in real-time.

BBC Radio 4 In Business – In Business is a series about the world of work. It often features expert guests and insightful discussions on various aspects of entrepreneurship, management, and innovation. SMEs can leverage this platform to showcase their expertise, share industry insights, and position themselves as thought leaders in their field.

Business Trade Magazines

Management Today – This is one of the top and most respected UK business magazines to target. The interviews, opinion pieces and podcasts are great PR opportunities, but you need to be willing to say something different. There tends to be longer lead times for the interviews to appear.

Real Business - Real Business is a prominent trade magazine dedicated to SMEs and entrepreneurs. With a focus on success stories, challenges, and market trends, there’s lots of opportunities for interviews and opinion pieces. News which contains new stats and insights are also welcomed.

Startups - Startups.co.uk is an online platform and magazine that caters specifically to start-ups and small businesses. With practical advice, resources, and success stories, it provides several PR opportunities including entrepreneur profiles, company news and analysis.

Elite Business Magazine - Elite Business Magazine is a publication that celebrates the best in British entrepreneurship. Targeting SMEs across various sectors, it offers a blend of thought leadership, success stories, and expert opinions. It’s always on the lookout for leaders with interesting stories and news hooks.

SmallBusiness.co.uk - As the name suggests, SmallBusiness.co.uk is a dedicated platform for small business owners. The online publication covers a wide array of topics, from legal advice to marketing strategies. It has its own podcast called Small Business Snippets, which is an opportunity for business owners willing to talk about a key challenge they have faced.

SME magazine – This magazine does what it says on the tin. It provides news stories, features and expert blogs examining the key issues affecting SMEs. It has a regular case studies section and leadership opinions piece that you can pitch for.

It's important to note that this list of publications is not exhaustive. There are many other SME publications worth exploring, dependant on your target audience and unique business and communication objectives.

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If you are in the SME sector and would like support with your PR strategy, then do get in touch via our contact page and we can advise on how we can support your objectives.

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