Opportunities with SMEs

Learn all about the many benefits working for an SME has, as well as how to fin opportunities with an SME.

SMEs (Small to Medium Enterprises) are companies with fewer than 250 employees.

Typical SMEs are web design companies and marketing agencies, manufacturers and engineering companies, local opticians and dentists, independent retailers and other service providers. 

When you consider that there are an estimated 5.9 million SMEs in the UK and that UK SMEs have a combined turnover of £2.3 trillion, you can see how they offer some fantastic job opportunities for graduates. Not to mention all of the fantastic opportunities with SMEs located across Europe and the Rest of the World.  

Working for an SME can be extremely rewarding. Unlike a larger company, you are likely to get exposure to all parts of the business and you will learn fast! Your voice is more likely to be heard and you could find yourself in a senior role more quickly than you would in a larger organisation. Looking for SME opportunities can also help you to side-step the fiercely competitive graduate recruitment processes of blue-chip companies.

Here are some useful resources to help you make sense of the SME world and the opportunities it offers for you.

Vacancies with SMEs

Aston Futures

Aston Futures

Start your search on Aston Futures where we have lots of exciting opportunities with great local, national and international SMEs. Simply filter your job search by company size.

Speculative Applications

Speculative Applications

SMEs are perhaps the most likely employers to be open to receiving speculative applications. This guide shows you how to start with a speculative application.

Researching SMEs

SME opportunities can take effort on your part to discover. The process for landing an SME job is less likely to involve lengthy application processes and assessment centres and more likely to involve building networks and even making speculative applications. This is where a little research will help. Below we have directed you to some of the best places to start your search.

British Chamber of Commerce

British Chamber of Commerce

The British Chambers of Commerce represent businesses of all sizes in the UK. They have regional chambers which are a good place to start your research into local companies.

UKSPA

UKSPA

There are over 100 Science Parks across the UK. These parks are home to innovative, dynamic companies which often work hand in hand with universities and they are exciting places to work.

Yell.com

Yell.com

Yell.com is particularly useful if you are searching for jobs in optometry, law or other professions that typically have a large number of independent High Street firms. Focus by profession and by location to build a list of possible contacts.