Small to medium enterprises (SMEs)

What are SMEs?

Small to medium enterprises (SMEs) are businesses that range in size from sole traders to companies of up to 250 employers. They include all kinds of industries and services, and make up 99.9 per cent of all businesses in the UK.

Why work in an SME?

Working in an SME you are likely to be involved in many different areas of the company, allowing you to gain wide experience. You may be given responsibility early on in your career, and have the opportunity for promotion. You could also benefit from a sense of camaraderie among employees and enjoy more flexible and family-friendly work environment in an SME.

Finding jobs in SMEs

While SMEs don’t have the large recruitment directories of larger companies, they do employ almost 60% of those working in the private sector in the UK. Finding job vacancies in this sector is not difficult.

See our advice on finding job vacancies.

While you are still studying, the STEP programme offers second and third year students opportunities to take up paid, eight-week project assignments in SMEs over summer vacation or part-time during term.

Visit the STEP programme website.