The results of a study presented by FedEx Express, a subsidiary of FedEx Corp. and the world’s largest express transportation company, show that Polish small and medium-sized enterprises are developing their business in new markets with the support of logistics companies.
As many as 95% of them export their goods to other European countries. Polish SMEs are optimistic about the future, mainly due to the growing e-commerce market – almost 80% of them are already generating revenue from this segment. The report also shows how transport companies help small and medium-sized enterprises implement sustainable development practices and overcome administrative obstacles. The FedEx SME Export Report was conducted by Harris Interactive on behalf of FedEx Express.
– The FedEx SME Export Report clearly shows the optimistic sentiment prevailing among Polish SMEs – one-third of those surveyed expect to increase their export revenues over the next 12 months. The report also reveals how Polish SMEs are collaborating with companies like FedEx. This allows them to grow in today’s global, digital market, where e-commerce reigns supreme – says Mariusz Mik, VP Operations Eastern Europe, FedEx Express.
Finding 1: Logistics companies facilitate export growth
76% of the companies participating in the FedEx SME Export Report admitted that the help of logistics companies in foreign trade is important to them, and 5% considered it crucial. Moreover, 28% of them admitted that they have started working more closely with transport companies over the last few years, and 29% signal a need for even greater support from logistics operators. This is mainly due to the needs of consumers who expect faster and cheaper shipping of goods (47% and 46% respectively), as well as a greater demand for more flexible logistics services among Polish SMEs (22%).
Almost half of the companies working with logistics operators are outsourcing more transport services (46%), mainly to increase revenue and the scope of their operations in new markets. 42% of the companies participating in the study admit that logistics companies help them overcome difficulties related to their business operations. SME representatives also point to the role of transport companies in the company’s development process from the start-up stage. 71% considered it important or very important, 5% – essential.
Finding 2: Increasing competition is the biggest business challenge for Polish SMEs
Greater competition, both in foreign markets and in Poland, business-unfriendly regulations, and rising production costs are the main barriers to the development of Polish SME exporters. Just over 1/5 of them (21%) also pointed to an inefficient supply chain, and 14% to a lack of knowledge of trade-related regulations. To deal with current challenges, almost half (45%) declared that they are investing in new technologies, and 40% in marketing and advertising.
Finding 3: Modern technologies under implementation
The FedEx SME Export Report also examined the use of modern technologies by Polish small and medium-sized enterprises. Some of them are already using smart office solutions (16% of responses), 3D printing, virtual reality, the Internet of Things – IoT (9% each), or robots (8%). Many more of the surveyed entrepreneurs declare that these solutions will start to bring them benefits within the next few years. More than half (52%) of Polish SME representatives admitted that technological innovations will make it easier for them to start or strengthen expansion into new markets.
Finding 4: Sustainable development is key for Polish SMEs
61% of entrepreneurs participating in the FedEx SME Export Report believe that sustainable development practices are important to them. For 8%, it is a priority. Among the reasons why it is so important, they mention, among others: improving the company’s image, increasing profits, or a positive impact on company culture. 39% believe that these practices make their companies more attractive to employees. The surveyed companies are implementing the idea of sustainable development by investing in local communities (30%), using a green supply chain (27%), or energy-efficient transport (22%). Logistics operators support SMEs in the area of sustainable development, e.g., by using environmentally friendly packaging or using fuel-efficient vehicles.