- Day-to-day banking
Day-to-day banking
Our day-to-day banking services cover everything you need to run your company finances, from accepting credit card payments to paying your bills.
- Finance
Finance
At Santander, we understand that to expand your operation you need access to finance. Here you’ll find a range of options suited to short and long-term needs.
- International trade
International
We’re focused on bringing a fresh perspective to businesses with ambitions to grow beyond traditional markets.
Our extensive local networks and knowledge around the world means we’re ideally placed to support your international trade plans. Let us help you uncover the path to international success.
- Sectors expertise
Sector expertise
Our sector specialists are here to help you prosper.
We understand the complexity and evolving needs of businesses in a wide range of industries. Our experts will work with you to help turn your aspirations into reality.
- Insights & events
Insight & events
Read the latest Santander news, market developments and insights, as well as register your interest to attend our events held across the UK.
Trailblazers
What you can learn from the UK's high-growth businesses
What the Trailblazers do differently
Our latest round of research shows what puts the UK’s fastest-growing businesses in the lead. Over 1,000 businesses took part in our survey, and we found the difference in mindset was one of the factors that divided higher-growth and lower-growth businesses.
February 2020 findings
This third edition of our Trailblazers research once again shines a light on the characteristics that set high-growth businesses apart and further explores one of the key challenges facing UK businesses today: managing through uncertainty.
Uncertainty breeds opportunity
Where others might see volatility and uncertainty as a hindrance, Trailblazers see opportunities.
Two-thirds of the high-growth companies we spoke to are confident they’ll emerge from the current period of uncertainty that’s been affecting business confidence in even better shape than before.
Download the February 2020 report for all the insights.
Download report
What it means to be a Trailblazer
Ready for growth
By focusing on their goals and moving their business forward, Trailblazers make their own luck and ensure they’re not blown off course by any short-term uncertainties.
This self-belief and confidence allows them to seize initiatives while also concentrating on their long-term strategic visions.
The Trailblazers research reveals that 74% of high-growth companies already trade internationally or plan to do so in the coming 12 months,...
84%
84% of Trailblazers are confident of growth over the next 12 months, compared to 38% of all businesses surveyed.
47%
47% of high-growth companies believe the key to their future success will depend on implementing the correct growth strategy. Only 38% of lower-growth businesses agree.
Fit for business
Trailblazing businesses are professionally led and efficiently managed, with a clear and articulated vision for success. They also often have a more entrepreneurial style of thinking and are open to taking calculated risks to grow their business.
High-growth companies understand the power of strong leadership. They are led by management teams which have a clear vision for success and a...
79%
79% of Trailblazers rate their ability to formulate a strategic vision as good or very good, against 61% of lower-growth businesses.
74%
74% of Trailblazers rate their performance as good or very good in terms of their willingness to take risks, compared to 49% of lower-growth companies.
Investing for tomorrow
Part of the vision for Trailblazers is making sure they’ve invested in their business’ future.
Ensuring their people, systems and technology are ready for the coming challenges allows them to look at future plans, knowing the foundations of their business are solid.
64%
64% of high-growth businesses have increased their R&D investment over the last 3 years, nearly double the 33% invested by lower-growth businesses.
60%
60% of Trailblazers plan to increase their spending on staff training and development in the next 3 years, while only 31% of lower-growth companies are doing the same.
Exploring new ventures
Embracing opportunities, both in the UK and internationally, helps Trailblazers fuel their growth.
They know that by being ambitious and working in partnership with suppliers, customers and business rivals, opens up more doors.
Some 56% of the Trailblazers expect their sales to grow by at least 20% over the next 12 months (a further 23% predict growth of 10...
70%
70% of Trailblazers have formed some kind of alliance with other businesses in the last 3 years, compared to 52% of lower-growth companies.
69%
69% of high-growth companies intent to collaborate like this in the future, while only 46% of lower-growth businesses say the same.
About the Trailblazers
About the Trailblazers
Our research is based on a survey of senior leaders at more than 1,000 businesses conducted by YouGov from November to December of 2019.
From this sample, we identified a group representing 18% of the total cohort: high-growth companies that have grown their revenues by at least 20% over the past 12 months and/or which expect to do so over the coming year. We compared the views of these Trailblazers to those of lower-growth businesses, defined as those currently growing at a rate of less than 10% a year - these companies made up 59% of respondents.
How we can help you become a Trailblazer
At Santander, we’re passionate about helping ambitious businesses fulfil their potential. We have a wide range of services that will give you the support you need as you seek to accelerate your business’s growth. From advice and expertise to practical assistance such as finance for organic expansion, M&A activity or working capital, we can help turn your vision of the future into reality.
All products and services are subject to eligibility, status, terms and conditions and availability.
Growth capital
Growth Capital loans have been developed by Santander to help you invest in the growth of your business without the need to dilute your ownership.
Through our Growth Capital loan discover how we helped CitNOW, a global market leader in the automotive video industry, with their expansion plans.
