Alex von Schirmeister, Author at Elite Business Magazine

Alex von Schirmeister

Managing Director, UK & EMEA Alex is the Managing Director of Xero, responsible for business operations across Europe, Middle East and Africa. Alex has more than 25 years of senior leadership experience, having led teams across Europe and Latin America in e-commerce, payments, telecommunications, FMCG and consultancy. Prior to Xero, he led the European operations for small business payments technology company SumUp, and before that held senior leadership positions at Electrocomponents plc and at eBay, where he gained exposure to a large constituency of merchant sellers. Alex believes that small businesses are a crucial piece of the fabric of our communities, alongside many of the sectors that support them – such as accountants and bookkeepers. He is passionate about giving small businesses access to the digital tools they need to unlock their true potential.

How do you solve a problem like productivity?

Alex von Schirmeister

Jun 20 '24

Productivity is a crucial economic benchmark for countries around the world. Improving it means companies can produce more without needing to increase staff numbers

How are we still talking about late payments?

Alex von Schirmeister

May 20 '24

Picture this – something that contributes millions to the economy and accounts for more than half of UK employment is being constrained by a major obstacle that is entirely avoidable. You’d make it a priority to fix it, right?

Why it’s time to ditch the jargon

Alex von Schirmeister

Mar 26 '24

Why it’s crucial technology firms and those supporting small businesses communicate clearly the relevance of new technology

Four AI trends small businesses should watch in 2024 and beyond

Alex von Schirmeister

Jan 11 '24

Until recently, the applications of artificial intelligence have remained in the hands of scientists, engineers and big business

Staying on track in a challenging economy

Alex von Schirmeister

Dec 19 '23

For UK small businesses, fighting tough economic conditions can feel relentless. Between inflation, low economic growth and labour shortages, many are facing the perfect storm of conditions that make trading difficult.

Keep your supply in order to prosper this festive season

Alex von Schirmeister

Nov 22 '23

For business owners, the festive period represents more than spending well-earned time with family and friends

Why beating the ‘digital drag’ could help your small business thrive

Alex von Schirmeister

Oct 12 '23

If there’s one thing I’ve learned from working with small businesses, it’s to never underestimate their incredible contribution – especially the smallest ones. They are the ones driving jobs, economic growth and a place for people to come together

Show me the money – finding funding in a low growth economy

Alex von Schirmeister

Sep 21 '23

Whether it’s an entrepreneur trying to get a new venture off the ground, or an existing business trying to get to the next level, there’s no escaping the fact that money makes the business world go round

A new frontier: helping small businesses thrive with flexible working models

Alex von Schirmeister

Aug 9 '23

The Covid-19 pandemic changed the way businesses around the world operate

How to run your business mindfully, healthily and successfully

Alex von Schirmeister

Jul 11 '23

There are many different motivations behind starting a small business. Some people seek a better work life balance, while others chase bringing a lifelong passion project or business idea to life.

Five areas we need to see greater action on late payments

Alex von Schirmeister

Jun 13 '23

We all know about the big challenges facing small businesses. Many of these challenges are unavoidable – record inflation, a talent shortage and rising energy costs. That’s why it’s heartbreaking to see the continued impact of completely avoidable issues such as late payments damaging their outlook too.

Government digital delay shouldn’t halt small business progress

Alex von Schirmeister

Mar 1 '23

It can be nice to have an excuse to put something off. Need to paint the garden fence but a sudden downpour scuppers your plans? Oh no. That’s a shame. Put the kettle on.