• Starting in London, the roadshow will visit 8 locations across the UK to host panels discussions and networking drinks to bring the SME community together
• The announcement comes as UK FinTech Week begins, showcasing innovation in the financial services sector
• Over half of business leaders (51%) believe in the importance of networking, yet a third (33%) of the UK’s SME leaders have never spoken to other business leaders to seek advice and share experiences 
• The Roadshow forms part of Klarna’s SME Support Package launched in July to get SMEs back on their feet after a tough few years 

 Klarna, a leading global retail bank, payments, and shopping service that helps consumers save time and money, and be informed and in control, has launched its nationwide SME Roadshow to host panel discussions, networking events and drinks to bring small and medium retailers together. The roadshow’s announcement coincides with UK FinTech Week, one of the world's leading FinTech events which showcases innovation in the financial service sector. 

Klarna commissioned research found that while 51% of SME leaders know the importance of having a network of like-minded business leaders, a third (33%) have never spoken to another like-minded business to either seek advice or discuss experiences. The roadshow will provide a forum where SME owners and leaders can be open about the challenges, experiences and successes. Stopping off in London, Dublin, Edinburgh, Manchester, Cardiff, Birmingham, Newcastle and Belfast, the roadshow will host multiple events ranging from panel discussions to networking drinks for the 100 recipients of Klarna’s SME Support Package. 

Launching in London, Klarna will host a panel moderated by Christian Howes, presenter and social media expert. Other panelists will include Alex Marsh, Head of Klarna UK, Emma Jones, Founder of Enterprise Nation and Matt Kennedy, Founder of Fussy (one of the support fund winners and recent Dragon’s Den alumni). Following the panel, guests will have the evening to network with like-minded SME’s and business leaders to share experiences and advice, all while enjoying a DJ set by Charlotte De Carle. 

The roadshow is part of Klarna’s SME Support Package, its £3m support package created to boost SMEs as they recover from the pandemic. The winning 100 SMEs received a specialist support package including complimentary use of Klarna’s Pay later products for one year, WeWork All Access passes for three months and £15,000 worth of Klarna media services including in-app advertising, social media and promotional support on the Klarna app.  

Alex Marsh, Head of UK at Klarna said, “SMEs are an integral part of our economy, and it’s so important that we give them as much support as possible to help them thrive. We hope that alongside the Support Package we’ve curated, that by bringing these leaders together, we can form a strong and powerful SME community built on support and knowledge sharing. I’m very much looking forward to meeting all the different leaders across the country.”