In Amex’s survey of 500 senior decision-makers from small businesses, the majority (94%) recognise it is important to support one another, while almost three-fifths (57%) agree that their professional network has been highly valuable in helping to support or develop their business.
Building relationships that support business growth
Building a professional community is about more than simply exchanging cards at an event; it’s about building relationships that stand the test of time – sharing experiences and opportunities and fuelling business growth.
For example, a common benefit of small business relationships are referrals and recommendations of products and services. Indeed, 40% of business owners in the Amex survey viewed them as the most helpful type of support received from fellow business owners, followed by emotional support (33%), and business or financial advice (32%).
Unsurprisingly, almost three-quarters (71%) of those polled prefer a recommendation from a fellow small business leader rather than an online review (46%) when looking for advice on products and services. That’s because small business leaders trust what those in their network have to say – 84% agree they would only give a recommendation or referral to another small business leader if they were really happy with their experience with a product or service.
Refer fellow small business leaders for a win-win scenario
To foster greater collaboration and a stronger sense of community among small business owners, Amex is running a limited-time offer as part of its referral programme, Refer a Business, on the American Express® Business Platinum and Business Gold Cards.
Until 15 July 2025, American Express Business Platinum Cardmembers will be able to earn 35,000 Membership Rewards® points for each successful referral (up to a maximum of 90,000 points per calendar year). For a person successfully referred, they will be able to earn 80,000 Membership Rewards points when they spend £6,000 in the first three months of Cardmembership.
Existing Business Gold Cardmembers will be eligible to earn 25,000 Membership Rewards points for every successful referral (up to a maximum of 90,000 per calendar year).
And for a person successfully referred, they will be able to earn 40,000 Membership Rewards points when they spend £3,000 in the first three months of Cardmembership.
(Terms and conditions apply. 18+ subject to status. American Express Business Gold Card Annual Fee: £195 (£0 in the first year). American Express Business Platinum Card Annual Fee: £650.)
Membership Rewards can support improved work-life balance
Membership Rewards points earned on business spend can be redeemed, for example, on flights and hotel stays so small business leaders can take a break to recharge and relax. It’s a win-win for those business owners looking to improve their work-life balance.
In fact, the Amex research shows a great number of benefits, both professionally and personally, of having a good work-life balance. A majority of business leaders (55%) believe that a good work-life balance creates better mental well-being. Meanwhile, 44% say it improves decision making, 43% feel it provides better focus, and 41% believe it improves their productivity.
That is why American Express is committed to backing entrepreneurs and small business owners throughout their journey and rewarding them for their hard work.
For more information, visit the American Express Refer a Business page. Terms and conditions apply. 18+ subject to status. American Express Business Gold Card Annual Fee: £195 (£0 in the first year). American Express Business Platinum Card Annual Fee: £650.
All introductory offers are subject to change and can be withdrawn at any time. If you would prefer a Card with no annual fee, rewards or other features, an alternative option is available – the Business Basic Card. However, you will not be eligible for any referral rewards on the Basic Card.
American Express Services Europe Limited has its registered office at Belgrave House, 76 Buckingham Palace Road, London, SW1W 9AX, United Kingdom. It is registered in England and Wales with Company Number 1833139 and authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.
