Powering Up 2025: recommendations to help SMEs unlock the power of digital

Posted on Friday 06 June 2025 | IAB UK

Following a roadshow of regional roundtables with MPs, small business leaders and local press, we have summarised our findings into recommendations to help SMEs across the country unlock further growth via digital advertising 


In partnership with Reach, we’ve been on the road - from Newcastle to Cardiff, Stoke to Leeds - meeting MPs, councillors, local business leaders, and regional press to better understand how digital advertising can unlock growth for local businesses, publishers and people. 

The insights we’ve gathered have been invaluable. They’ve helped us engage in honest, productive conversations about what’s working and what needs to be better - whether that’s helping SMEs use digital channels more effectively, or ensuring that our local press can not only survive but thrive in a digital-first world.

We’re now launching a new report that brings together the voices and views of those we have spoken to and lays out clear, actionable recommendations for the Government to take to unlock the full value of digital advertising for SMEs in every part of the UK.

If you’re an SME looking for support on how to use digital advertising, head to our free to use, interactive tool, plus find out about our Digital Advertising Pioneers initiative here (and get involved!) 

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IAB UK

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