Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and businesses (SMBs) are crucial for the UK's economic vitality, playing a fundamental role in job creation and driving economic growth. In fact, according to Statista , SMEs accounted for a staggering 99.9% of all businesses in the country at the beginning of 2021, cementing their importance in the UK economy. However, they often face difficulties in accessing finance. Banks are less likely to lend to SMEs due to their size and risk profile, so instead they rely on internal funds, or cash from friends and family, to get started. The International Finance Corporation ( IFC ) estimates that 65 million firms in developing countries lack the financing they need to operate, totaling around $5.2 trillion each year.

The past few years have presented numerous challenges for small local food and drink businesses, especially those operating in the delivery and takeaway sectors. The rise of third-party delivery platforms that demand hefty commissions has intensified competition and caused a decrease in customer traffic for these establishments. In order to overcome these obstacles and maintain a competitive edge, it is crucial for these businesses to prioritise innovation. This is why many SMEs in the restaurant and cafe industry seek external support. Fortunately, Mealzo is on a mission to bring back the vibrancy of SEMs in the restaurant and cafe sectors, which play an integral role in our local communities throughout the UK.

By using the Mealzo platform, small local businesses can benefit from a range of innovative features, such as Commission-Free food ordering websites, automated ordering processes and targeted marketing campaigns. Our platform also provides comprehensive analytics and reporting tools, enabling partners to gain insight into their customer base and pinpoint areas for improvement. At Mealzo, we are passionate about supporting our local communities and are proud to be the go-to platform for all small and medium-sized restaurant and takeaway businesses looking to stay competitive in an ever-changing industry.

The Challenges Faced by Small Businesses

Small businesses, particularly in the food delivery and takeaway community, face obstacles that impede their growth and prosperity, underscoring the critical need for innovative solutions like Mealzo to support their operations. Here are some of the challenges faced by small businesses:

1. Limited Resources:

   Small local takeaways and restaurants often operate with limited financial resources, making it difficult for them to invest in marketing, technology, and other aspects essential for growth. This lack of resources puts them at a disadvantage compared to larger competitors.

2. Lack of Visibility:

   Local food delivery and takeaway owners struggle to stand out in a crowded market. They often lack the marketing budgets and strategies to effectively reach and attract customers. As a result, they may remain unknown or be overshadowed by bigger players in the industry.

3. Delivery Challenges:

   Offering delivery services can be costly and logistically challenging for small businesses. They may lack the infrastructure, manpower, or technologies required to efficiently deliver food to customers, limiting their ability to compete with larger, well-established delivery platforms.

4. Customer Loyalty:

   Building customer loyalty is critical for SMEs, but it can be difficult to achieve. With limited resources for marketing and customer retention programs, these businesses may struggle to create strong connections with their target audience and keep them coming back.

Here are the top reasons why Mealzo stands by SMEs:

Here are the top reasons why Mealzo stands by SMEs:

1. Support Local Jobs:

   Mealzo plays a pivotal role in supporting local jobs. By partnering with SME restaurants and cafes, the Mealzo team helps create employment opportunities within the local community. This collaboration enables small businesses to expand their operations and hire more staff members, stimulating economic growth and reducing unemployment rates. Through Mealzo's platform, customers can actively contribute to the growth of their local economy by supporting these establishments and the jobs they provide.

2. Boost Local Communities:

   Mealzo understands the importance of vibrant and thriving local communities. By supporting SMEs, Mealzo actively contributes to the overall development and prosperity of these communities. When customers order food through Mealzo's platform, they are not only enjoying a delicious meal but also investing in the local area. The revenue generated through these transactions circulates within the community, benefiting other local businesses and services. This collaborative approach fosters a sense of community pride and strengthens the fabric of neighborhoods.

3. Unique Experiences:

   Mealzo values the relationships it builds with its customers and SME partners. Small business owners, like the local restaurants on our platform, treasure their customers and provide personalized service that oozes personality and character. As a Mealzo user, you can expect a brilliant and memorable dining experience, filled with smiling faces and passionate people who genuinely care about their customers. Supporting SMEs ensures that you have access to unique experiences and a strong sense of community.

4. Reduces Your Carbon Footprint:

   Mealzo's commitment to supporting SMEs also aligns with its efforts to reduce the carbon footprint and race to Zero commitments. SMEs, especially local restaurants, are often within walking or cycling distance of residents, reducing the need for car usage. Additionally, SMEs tend to source their products locally, resulting in fewer miles travelled compared to larger companies. By choosing Mealzo and supporting SMEs, you are actively contributing to a more sustainable and eco-friendly food industry. You can also join the SME Climate Commitment on this journey by taking action and aiming to halve greenhouse gas emissions before 2030, reaching net zero before 2050.

Mealzo goes the extra mile in supporting small and medium-sized enterprises in the UK's restaurant and cafe industry. We understand the unique challenges faced by local takeaway and restaurant owners and strive to provide tailored support to help them thrive. By using Mealzo, an online food ordering platform dedicated to supporting SMEs, you not only enjoy the convenience of ordering food online but also play a vital role in bolstering the local economy, supporting job creation, fostering unique experiences, and reducing your carbon footprint. Together, let's champion and support SMEs for a stronger and more sustainable community.