Mobile apps: a key tool for UK SMEs
Author: Keane Beaken | Date published: April, 8, 2025, UK | Read est: 5 min read
Small businesses today are turning to mobile apps to streamline operations, improve communications and fuel growth. A recent study has revealed that 62% of small business owners now do most of their work on their mobile phones, rather than computers. While three quarters of small businesses and sole traders use apps like WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger and Microsoft Teams for invoicing.
With a clear shift away from the long-standing traditional methods – like posting and emailing invoices and relying on desktop computers – we’ve entered the new era of powerful mobile apps. So, what’s this new era got in store?
Staying connected, each day
Hybrid working is no new topic – with many companies far into the process of adopting this approach. Needing greater levels of flexibility, efficiency and seamless connectivity, businesses are now making the move to mobile.
Effective communication is essential for any successful business. And the versatility of mobile enables people across the business to work and meet from anywhere, as well as attend to the needs of customers more conveniently. Almost half of small business owners say that being able to connect better with customers is one of the most significant advantages of using mobile collaboration apps.
Mobile apps like Microsoft Teams provide a centralised platform for collaboration. Giving teams one location to share files, discuss projects and manage tasks in the moment. And invoicing apps allow business owners and finance managers to send invoices as soon as jobs are completed, improving cash flow.
Employees can feel trusted to complete tasks in the way that best suits them and empowered in their work – enhancing productivity, employee experience, connectivity and belonging.
The power’s in your hands
Beyond the benefits of flexibility, mobile technology is giving other, more established devices a run for their money. Advances in mobile applications and technology mean they are now rivalling the performance of laptops, with a vast array of powerful apps that keep busy small businesses running smoothly on the go.
For example, 5G speeds can soar to a staggering 20Gbps, up to 100 times faster than 4G. For businesses, this means better connectivity for hybrid workers, fast and reliable communication, and the benefits of the latest technologies like Internet of Things (IoT) and AI.
From working as point-of-sale systems, to asset sharing and creation, as well as email management and appointment scheduling, mobile can empower a workforce to do it all from one device, wherever the day takes them.
Not only is this a game changer for productivity, but it also offers a cost-effective solution by avoiding the need for expensive hardware and software.
Maximise mobile for your business
Mobile apps are a key tool for UK SMEs. But to get the most from them, you will need to have business devices that deliver the right security and offer 5G solutions for better connectivity – if this is something your business could benefit from as part of its growth.
Setting your team up with the right mobile handsets and devices creates a strong foundation for better communication and in turn, better business. Even if you haven’t yet started looking into mobile for your business, you’ll likely know from your personal experience, that there is a seemingly endless (and always updating) range of mobile phones and tablets.
With a huge number of manufacturers, specs and features to choose from, consider what your priorities are. Examine how many you’ll need, what sort of app capabilities would come in useful and any additional services that’ll help you keep uptime high or provide you with valuable insights on performance.
For example, a retailer or hospitality business will have different requirements than recruitment and housing.
If you’re a retailer, you may benefit from a mobile device to take payment at a pop-up store or around the shop floor to save queuing time and simplify the checkout experience. Staff can also use apps to look up products and quickly check stock.
It’s possible to use mobile apps to drive innovative IoT and AI experiences by enabling things like interactive displays, virtual fitting and customer personalisation. While you can also analyse behaviours and optimise based on the insights.
Alternatively, if you’re a recruiter, communication could be the key capability, particularly for those employees who are out and about meeting with clients and candidates. You’ll want to consider apps for sending documentation and instant messaging to keep the process moving promptly.
Whichever industry you’re in – a partner can help you to determine what you need, and which devices and apps will best serve them.
The world is your oyster
Staying stuck at a desk is no longer your only option. Mobile apps are a powerful option to support fundamental business processes, collaboration and innovation potential.
At Focus Group, our business mobile specialists can connect you with the latest technology from all the major manufacturers, helping you to find the perfect phone. We can also support you with mobile device and application management – designed to keep you in control.
Discover how we can help you make the transition with our business mobile solutions.
Keane Beaken
Mobile Director
Keane, with an illustrious 22-year career in the business mobile industry, has been leading our Mobile team for over 15 years. During this time, Keane has been instrumental in building the division into the UK’s leading independent provider of business mobile solutions and his focus on developing collaborative partnerships with the top networks has enabled Focus Group to consistently offer the best service and commercial offering for our customers.
