Purpose-A global reach in exporting has been linked to profitability. The paper seeks to answer the influence of EU regulations on exporting decisions of UK manufacturing SMEs by investigating the home and host country based motivators behind SMEs' choice to export, and export regionally, within the EU. Design/methodology/approach-Contrasting the Uppsala and Resource-based view perspectives (using a sample of UK independent manufacturing SMEs and utilizing a survey, correlation analysis and factor analysis), the paper finds and describes the effect of the most recurrent motivators from the literature on the SMEs' decision to export within the EU or not. Findings-The paper finds that SMEs whose latest international market entry was not in the EU scored significantly higher in the factor scorings for the motivators in the external dimension than participants whose latest entry was in the EU. Several motivators show an association with the choice to export per se. The importance of regionalization to export initiation (and EU membership) within the EU is emphasized in the results. Practical implications-In the current climate, how can SMEs reduce market research costs for managers by relying solely and proactively on home country and internal advantages and motivators and being more aware of their surroundings? Managers and policymakers can direct their strategy, resources and policy more efficiently according to motivators; internal home country motivators (e.g. strengths of prices of products) direct the SME to overcome interregional liability of foreignness while host country motivators (e.g. legal restrictions in the host country) direct them to regional ventures. Originality/value-The literature and empirical work on the topic has been fragmented and conflicting focusing on specific motivators but not necessarily justifying the selection or origin of motivators even less on SMEs or taking into account regionalization. The topic of EU membership effect on UK SMEs has been under researched.

Purpose-Success in export ventures has been linked to managerial capabilities. This study seeks to examine the influence of exporting motivators on managerial perceptions of United Kingdom (UK) manufacturing small and medium-sized enterprises (SME) by investigating the links between export motivators and decision bias (i.e. predictable behaviour). Design/methodology/approach-Based on the Uppsala and Resource-based view perspectives (using a sample of UK independent manufacturing SMEs and utilizing a survey, correlation analysis and factor analysis), this study finds and describes the effect of the most recurrent motivators and clusters of motivators from the literature on the SMEs' decision to export by investigating the dimensions. Findings-This study finds that export motivators can be separated into specific dimensions leading to potential selection bias. In addition, the importance of size, knowledge of foreign markets and unsolicited orders show an association with the perceptions of motivator stimuli towards specific dimensions (research, external, reactive). Practical implications-Government policy and SME export strategy need to understand managerial perceptions and bias better in order to allocate resources efficiently towards stimulating exporting. Originality/value-The literature and empirical work on the topic has been fragmented and conflicting focusing on specific motivators but not necessarily explaining the selection or origin of motivators even less on SMEs. Dimensions have not been taken into account as clusters of motivators.

In this study, we demonstrate that web-based surveys are suitable for data collection in academic Businessrelated research. Using one of our datasets from an online study on entrepreneurial orientation, we investigated the construct validity and reliability of the instrument used to collect the data. Our analysis supports that for 28 Likert-scaled questionnaire items, a sample size of 332 people was adequate to conduct principle component analysis (PCA) and load the items into five components that are supported by literature. Cronbach's alpha was consistently high (α = 0.92), with no evidence that the reliability would increase if any of the survey items were dropped. We therefore conclude that for short webbased surveys (<30 items), a sample size of > 300 is suitable for exploratory factor analysis.

The case focuses on Werenbach watches, a micro SME based in Switzerland which managed to survive the current crisis of COVID-19 in an innovative way. The focus is on the behavioural aspects of leadership present in the case and which have led to tangible innovations. The innovations examined have led to the ability to source extensively and access funding to create a stronger global presence. The reasons for choosing servant leadership as an example are presented and the moderating links between attitude and implementation are listed and examined. Suggestions for managers and further research are presented. The chapter aims to be a toolkit for micro SMEs' CEOs willing to understand the fundamental behaviours behind access of funds and sources for a small firm.

The following case study overviews the steps followed to develop the first Digital Bank in Africa. Following a case study method, the crucial decisions made over a 2-year period is analyzed. The challenges of each different phase are described, as well as the outcomes and the impact they had in the bank's digital transformation journey. The case study is accompanied by illustrative strategy tools used during development to make the reader more familiar with the decision made. The case study concludes by highlighting success and failures in digital transformation and lessons for other banks.