• 79% of people looking to move (rent or buy) homes in the next five years want a smart home
• They’re willing to pay a premium of 7.7% on the average UK house price, a value of around £21,774
• 70% of survey respondents want to improve energy efficiency with smart technology and 63% want to save money. A further 75% want technology that will improve security
• Demographics are changing—48% of Gen Z want a smart home, but the number of over 65s looking for a smart home is increasing, a trend that we expect to continue

LONDON, U.K – June 27^th 2024 – Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. Today, Samsung has released the latest data from its Smart Home Buyers Index 2024 (SHBI)^[1].

The SHBI demonstrates the strength of the market opportunity for developers and homebuilders, with an overwhelming 79% of people surveyed saying that they want a smart home^[2]. What’s more, they’re willing to pay an average premium of 7.7% on the average UK house price of £282,776, a value of around £21,774^[3]. With the smart home market predicted to show a compound annual growth rate of 11.66% between 2024 and 2028 and generate projected revenues of approximately £8.6bn in 2024 alone^[4], it’s clear that this movement is only gathering pace.

Financial concerns were chief among those looking for a smart home. In addition to the 63% of people who wanted cost savings through technology, around 70% of respondents highlighted energy efficiency as a key motivation in using smart technology, with 84% wanting to save money on their energy bills. This interest in energy-efficient devices and appliances was supported by Samsung’s analysis of search volumes, where searches for smart energy appliances rose nearly 60% from April 2023 to April 2024, led by air source heat pumps. Search volumes for air source heat pumps increased 173% year on year, overtaking searches for smart meters.

The focus on energy efficiency should be welcome news for an industry that is gearing up for the current UK Government’s Future Homes and Buildings Standards, which requires that new homes built from 2025 produce 75% to 80% less carbon than homes delivered under previous regulations. This comes into effect in 2025 and those homebuilders and developers that incorporate the appropriate future-proofed technologies, can support people in their quest for energy efficiencies and cost savings in the future, particularly as newer technologies become available.

Mark Seaman, Head of Samsung B2B Integrated Offering Team commented: “Samsung’s Smart Home Buyers Index uncovers the key consumer priorities for smart homes. We are a key partner for developers and homebuilders, guiding them as they deliver innovation and smarter living solutions. Through providing insights such as this, Samsung can help ensure the industry is keeping pace with changing consumer demands. The data shows that understanding the importance consumers place on smart homes will increase the value of rental and sale prices to help drive return on investment for homebuilders and developers.”

However, consumers’ finances should not be the only consideration when designing homes. After energy efficiency and cost savings, home security was the biggest reason people were looking to integrate smart technology, with 75% of people wanting peace of mind and to safeguard their homes with connected security features such as doorbells or cameras. Building connectivity into homes will allow for secure networks that are accessible from phones and other devices, enhancing a feeling of security and control.

The SHBI has also highlighted trends across age demographics. Smart homes are not just for young people. There has been an increase in the number of people more than 65 years old, who want to take advantage of smart technology in their homes. It’s therefore important that the industry doesn’t solely consider the technology needs of younger generations but are prepared to cater across demographics. This is particularly noteworthy with the older UK population^[5] expected to grow to around 26% by 2066^[6].

The UK construction industry is expecting new work output to grow by 21% during the five years from 2024 to 2029^[7]. Those responsible for new construction projects would do well to take heed of the SHBI’s insight that technology is a key reason people want to move into new builds. The survey found 80% of people finding such homes attractive, with 36% citing the amount of smart technology that is pre-fitted as the main reason. A further 53% believe new developments are designed for modern life, likely including technology capabilities, whereas 57% returned to energy efficiency as their motivation to move into new developments. When asked specifically about new builds, 40% of people aged over 65 thought that pre-fitted technology would motivate them to move into one, again demonstrating the importance of integrating technology in all types of homes, including retirement properties.

Mark continued, “It’s critical that homes can support ongoing technology development and adapt to the ever-evolving landscape for smart devices and appliances. The sole focus shouldn’t be on providing technology for the short-term but on ensuring that homes are future-proofed. With 61% of our survey respondents saying they expect AI to become more important to them in the coming years, even if they’re not using it now, it’s clear today’s consumers are increasingly aware of its potential.

“Recent years have seen significant focus on the UK housing market, and the cost-of-living crisis, rising inflation and uncertain energy prices have also been top of many people’s agendas. There is a real opportunity for developers and homebuilders to engage the right partners and integrate technology from the outset, taking a digital-first approach when building the homes of tomorrow, today.”

TO DOWNLOAD THE SMART HOME BUYERS INDEX, PLEASE CLICK HERE

[1] The SHBI provides an in-depth picture of key consumer trends regarding smart technology in the home. The Index is based on a bespoke survey of more than 1,000 consumers looking to move (buy or rent) homes in the next five years, combined with analysis of search volumes for smart devices and appliances from April 2023 to April 2024.

[2] Defined as a ‘home equipped with lighting, heating, and electronic devices that can be controlled remotely by smartphone or computer’.

[3] Data taken from UK House Price Index as of May 2024 – https://landregistry.data.gov.uk/app/ukhpi/

[4] Data taken from Statista Market Insights: https://www.statista.com/outlook/dmo/smart-home/united-kingdom

[5] Data taken from the Centre for Ageing Better – The State of Aging 2023 – 2024

[6] Data taken from the Office for National Statistics – Living longer (ons.gov.uk)

[7] BCIS Building Forecast – Construction Industry Forecast | BCIS

The study, conducted by Samsung UK & Ireland, surveying 1,500 consumer entrepreneurs, reveals while financial freedom (40%), a sense of accomplishment (29%), and more peace and joy in life (12%) are key reasons for them wanting to start a business, 27% say they simply don’t have the time to do so.

One of the barriers identified by the research was a lack of mentorship. Having a mentor was acknowledged as crucial to getting their idea off the ground (42%) yet just one in ten say they have one. Instead, Brits turn to their mum or dad (36%), and a quarter turn to friends (26%). One in ten reveal they even seek career inspiration from their favourite character on TV or a social media influencer, whilst others say they have chatted career goals with a bartender.

Annika Bizon, Marketing and Omnichannel Director at Samsung UK & Ireland said: “Transforming a business idea into a reality is never just one leap, it’s many, many steps – some bigger than others. Whether it’s listening, providing advice, or sharing honest experiences, it’s important to encourage and nurture a friend or colleague to embrace their entrepreneurial spirit where possible, as that one idea, could end up being an incredible business reality.”

The role of friends and family in the pursuit of achieving career aspirations is clear, yet findings reveal that entrepreneurs lack support and encouragement from their nearest and dearest. A quarter (25%) of would-be business owners say more backing and belief from friends and family would help them bring their ideas to life. In fact, 13% who told their idea to friends at the pub were laughed at. The same number shared their idea with their parents but felt they didn’t understand or encourage them.

Coinciding with the findings, Samsung UK has launched a three-part video series on its YouTube channel – ‘9 Minute Mentors’ – giving nine minutes of valuable insights to those businesses who aren’t losing that time to incompatible tech^[1]. The series features three hugely successful UK start-ups: London coffee business Grind; premium synthetic hair extension brand, RadSwan; and subscription-based flower company Freddie’s Flowers. Hosted by Samsungs’ Annika Bizon, Marketing and Omnichannel Director and Joe Walsh, Director of B2B, the series gives aspiring business owners the opportunity to hear from the best in the business, as they discuss challenges faced, opportunities embraced, and their top tips for aspiring entrepreneurs for how they can turn their business idea, into a successful reality.

According to the research, over half of respondents said they lack the confidence to invest time into themselves and their ideas (56%) or don’t have enough financial backing (51%) to make a go of things. Close to a third (32%) say they simply wouldn’t know where to start, while around a quarter (22%) say they don’t have the right technology or knowledge to get their idea off the ground.

Samsung knows that having the right technology to back up a business is imperative and that every second counts. In fact, better technology to give entrepreneurs time back to make a go of their idea, was cited by one in four (24%), as a barrier to pursuing a new business idea.

“The most successful enterprises originate from a single brilliant concept, but aspiring business owners need to rely on other building blocks, such as good technology to move from ideation to action. Samsung for Business offers solutions that empower organisations to overcome challenges that impede productivity and profitability, ensuring technology works efficiently, so leaders can focus on what truly matters. To foster greater entrepreneurship in the UK and stimulate robust economic growth, it’s our collective responsibility to identify and eliminate the obstacles faced by those striving to pursue their dreams.” Joe Walsh, Director of B2B, Samsung UK & Ireland concludes.

Samsung For Business’ unique ecosystem gives business owners what they need to take their business from where they are to what’s next. From the latest devices to unrivalled support, defence-grade security and unique partnerships, Samsung connects everything to help them work wonders.

You can watch the 9 Minute Mentors series here.

[1] https://www.viewsonic.com/library/business/wasting-time-meetings/#:~:text=Time%20wasted%20in%20meetings%20accounts,time%20lost%20just%20setting%20up.

Based on the insight^[1] that people lose nine minutes every meeting due to technical issues, Samsung understands that having the right tech to back up your business is imperative, and that every second counts – launching ‘9 Minute Mentors’ with the goal of giving that lost time back.

The video series brings together insights, learnings, and advice from the best in the business, from overcoming major challenges during the pandemic, finding inspiration in family members, and understanding the importance of building a people-first culture.

Captured in Samsung’s SmartThings Home, located in its UK headquarters, interviews are hosted by Samsung UK and Ireland’s Annika Bizon, Marketing and Omnichannel Director and Joe Walsh, Director of B2B.

In Episode 1, launched today, Annika speaks with David Abrahamovich, Founder of Grind about the evolution of the brand, some major business pivots undertaken in the last 5 years, and its huge growth story– largely down to embracing the business as technology-first. During this discussion, hear from David about expensive failures and how they have led to greater consistency.

Watch episode 1 here:

[1] Research conducted by Sapio

A survey of 1,000 adults looking to move home (buy or rent) in the next five years, combined with the analysis of Google search trends between March 2022 and March 2023, showed six key insights:

• Consumers want smart technology and will pay a premium for a smart home – 6.5% more than the average house price in the UK**
• Customers are prioritising energy efficiency – 71% said energy efficiency is a key factor when considering a smart home
• Ideally, new build developments should be smart tech optimised to attract the modern buyer – a third are drawn toward new builds as they think they will be pre-fitted with smart tech
• Almost 40% of Gen Z buyers want their next property to be a smart home
• Smart Energy devices lead the online search categories when compared to lifestyle, home and security – half of all UK smart tech searches featured the phrase ‘smart energy’
• Device compatibility is key – 81% said it is “important” tech is compatible and works seamlessly with current device

With 35% of respondents saying they would be “much more likely” to go for a home if it was fully equipped with smart tech, and just over a third say they would move into a home without smart tech but would retrofit it later, the importance of this technology becomes clear. One in ten said they would only move into a house with smart technology.

Almost nine in ten (88%) of those planning to buy or rent in the next five years would consider a new build property, with nearly half of those doing so because the homes are likely to be energy efficient. Searches for ‘energy efficient new build homes UK’ doubled between March and April 2023.

Movers are keen to step into a home which is set up to suit their technological needs – with 86% saying they would consider a smart home when searching for their next property. The appetite is clearly there, with people being prepared to spend 6.5% more for a fully equipped smart home – which would add more than £18,000 to the average house price of £285,000.

Thinking specifically about which devices are most attractive to consumers in the home, the majority chose a smart meter or smart TV as the most popular device. In a breakdown of UK Google searches in April 2023 for smart devices across four categories; ENERGY, LIFESTYLE, HOME APPLIANCES, SECURITY, it is smart energy devices that stand out as the strongest category (50% searched this category).

It’s clear that concern around the cost of living and environmental impact is growing in importance. Technology relating to energy efficiency is highly sought after with 29% saying they would like an air source heat pump in their home, which again was in the top three searches for smart home products after a smart meter, and before a heat pump tumble dryer. Almost three quarters (71%) said energy efficiency is a key factor when considering a smart home and more than half (56%) say it will save them money.

Mark Seaman, Head of New Business Development at Samsung UK, commented: “These results have shown that there is a real opportunity for the construction industry to answer the technology requirements of the modern consumer, to build homes that are future fit, to give buyers smarter, more efficient and better-connected properties that stand the test of time.

“That’s why, over the past few years we’ve been focused on building partnerships across the construction industry to strengthen our collaborative approach to meeting the needs of home buyers. Adopting a consultancy mindset, we have proven experience partnering with clients from the planning stage through to completion to ensure the right smart technology is applied to developments. We’re helping shape the homes of the future – creating smarter spaces that are powered by technology and have the potential to benefit everyone.”

Mark Zwerner, Vice President Global Strategic Partnerships at ABB, added: “As a proud partner of Samsung, we are pleased to see this kind of evidence supporting our experience of the consumer desire for smart technology in the home.

“Our jointly developed interconnected solutions for energy management, the smart Internet of Things (IoT) connection, and home automation allow users to easily manage their homes via one single app, touch panels, or Smart TVs. As a major leader in innovation, Samsung also supports our vision of providing owners and operators with a fully connected solution to manage all units within a larger property.”

These results have shown that smart tech in the home has evolved considerably, and those in the construction industry have a real opportunity to answer the clearly signalled requests for energy efficiency, money saving and enhancement of daily life, which in turn will of course increase sales.

For more information on how Samsung can help businesses in the construction industry, please visit: https://www.samsung.com/uk/business/appliance-solutions/construction/

TO DOWNLOAD THE SMART HOME BUYERS INDEX, PLEASE CLICK HERE

While an early start is popular, with an average clocking on time of 8.21am, burning the midnight oil is now less popular, with an average ‘clocking off time’ of 3.06pm, showing the rewards of efficient working practices. One in five of those polled (20%) said they only work when they want to, while just 14% stick to a traditional 9-5.

Work is headspace not a physical space

More than ever, work is about focus not location, with the average business owner not having set foot in an office for 148 days, and one in five never having done so at all. Instead, almost two-fifths (37%) of entrepreneurs have taken a working holiday without telling clients, with the practise far more common amongst those aged 25-34 (48%) compared to just 20% of those over 55. That confidence seems linked to technology, with more than half (51%) upgrading their work phone so they can operate anywhere, on their own terms. There is, however, a continuing sense of dedication, with 43% of small business owners taking less holiday time, preferring to continue to work from wherever they are.

Mental and emotional wellbeing are major considerations, and there is growing sentiment that work should not be all encompassing even among business owners; 71% said they put their family life ahead of their business, with 27% saying the same for friends. In a sign of how much the conversation has shifted, half (49%) said they prioritise their emotional health ahead of their business.

Modern entrepreneurs aren’t just trying to improve their own work/life balance though, they’re encouraging their staff to do the same. Half (49%) let their employees change their working hours to fit in with their lives, a third (35%) are happy to let their staff choose their working hours so long as they get the job done, and remarkably, almost a quarter (23%) will let staff come in late if they’ve been out the night before. That duty of care is being taken seriously, with 36% allowing their employees to take “mental health days” if needed.

Dynamic technology for changing times

The owners detailed the biggest changes to their working lives over the last 5 years as:

1. Flexible hours (36%).
2. Fewer or no face-to-face meeting (18%).
3. Wearing casual clothes (10%).
4. Working from anywhere (9%).

Making the most of time spent working

The days of being deskbound are almost over, with 97% of respondents performing non-work activities during the traditional “working day.” Self-care is clearly a priority, with three-quarters (74%) taking time out to exercise and, almost half (47%) to develop a new skill, such as learning a language. In a further uplevelling of work/life balance, respondents spend an average of 1 hour and 12 minutes on household chores, and 39% spend up to 2 hours playing with their children. More unusual work-time activities include learning to knit, bathing a pet iguana, attending a football match and 46% admit to getting their hair done during their office hours. Apparently far more normal is the habit of napping, with one in five (22%) taking daily siestas to help them perform better.

Commenting on the research, Joe Walsh, Director of B2B at Samsung UK said: “UK business owners are the backbone of our economy, and their dedication and commitment inspires me every day. This research reveals, that they are also leading the charge on transforming our preconceived ideas of how we should work. For modern entrepreneurs, work is wherever they find the right headspace. It’s all about finding new ways of working that bring more individual satisfaction and reward.”

“Multi-tasking, multi-screens, multi-priorities; all are now commonplace, with a refreshed focus quality over quantity. As many of the respondents expressed, if their business can be run effectively from a beach in Greece or after picking up their kids from school, why shouldn’t it be? Technology is at the heart of this change, with the right tools empowering them to juggle what they need to do and what they want to do, without missing a beat, and driving growth.”

Serial investor and founder of 10×10 Capital, Andy Davis explains, “The stereotype of how a business owner must work and act is being rewritten. It’s now about what is most effective both personally and professionally. For me, speed is everything, so I need technology that develops alongside my workflow and is easily accessible wherever I go. My Samsung Z Fold4 has helped me grow from being a good to communicator to a great one, because it literally lets me see the big picture.”

To find out more about Samsung’s range of business focused products and services visit: https://www.samsung.com/uk/jointhefold

A poll of 1,000 UK office workers has shown how the working world – in particular the office – has changed over the past 18 months, with 65% of people confessing that tech has enabled them to work wonders from anywhere as they adopt a more flexible, and positive attitude to work. Even the locations we’re working from have changed, since it’s now considered okay to work from practically anywhere – including cafes, public transport or even from the garden shed.

And it’s not just about where we work that’s changed, it’s how we talk and interact with each other too. One in two Brits (48%) said that since remote working, their communications with colleagues (and even the boss!) have become more informal, with nearly two thirds (63%) calling time on business jargon.

According to the report, formal language was used “too much” in the workplace – moving towards more informal ‘accessible’ language as hybrid working continues. And when it comes to more visual (mobile-first) forms of communications, nearly half (43%) admitted to using emojis in work emails or messages, with the laughing face, thumbs up, clapping and even eye roll emojis coming out on top – further suggesting the new era of business language.

Technology has been a key factor in business transformation, with devices and solutions to make remote working more manageable– reimagining what it means to work from anywhere, but still keeping workers productive. Nearly two thirds of people (65%) said tech has made them feel ‘more connected’ to their colleagues despite being further apart, regardless of where they work, and a fifth of people (21%) said they couldn’t do their job without it.

What’s most staggering perhaps, is that 65% of people would now not apply for a new job unless the employer offers mobile devices (laptops or work phones) to support work on the move.

Joe Walsh, Director of Business Technology Solutions at Samsung, said: “Businesses of all shapes and sizes fought for survival over the past 18 months when forced to work remotely, with both employers and employees witnessing a radical shift to a mobile workforce. There’s no doubt that technology lies at the heart of this transformation and whilst mobile tools and tech may have been used experimentally during the pandemic, the possibilities are very real now – with many opting for this hybrid style moving forward, having seen the benefits.

Samsung for Business provides technologies, solutions and tools that can help businesses overcome the barriers that limit how productive and profitable they can be, enabling employees to work wonders, literally wherever they are. We want our tech to work harder, so businesses don’t have to, providing built in security and support so it’s one less thing to worry about. We want to give businesses the confidence to go all the way in realising their potential and there’s no better time to do that than now, when the working world is in flux and hybrid working has been supercharged beyond belief.”

Remote working is here to stay, and the research validates that. Two thirds of people (61%) claim to have become more productive and efficient as a result, and over half (52%) of people said having the option to work remotely has also improved their relationships with loved ones. In fact, nearly one fifth of Brits (18%) said they are more likely to extend their holidays and spend more quality time with friends or family, given they can now work remotely from anywhere, removing the need to add on extra holiday to cover travel time.

Joe added: “For years, the perception was that work could only be done from the office or work premises. But with more of us working remotely, more permanently, we’ve shown that technology can revolutionise this old-fashioned view of working.

Many Brits are feeling more relaxed about the new world of work, having adapted well over the past 18 months. And as our research has shown, it has increased productivity and improved relationships, to the extent that very few want to go back to the old ways of full-time office work.”

The survey has been conducted by Samsung for Business to celebrate Work Wonders, a new platform which showcases the vibrancy and variety of modern UK businesses. With the reassurance of Samsung’s end-to-end ecosystem of products, tools and services, Work Wonders is designed to help businesses of all sizes get the confidence they need to take it all the way in this new era of hyper-flexible working and new workplace norms.

For more information about Samsung for Business and Work Wonders, please visit: Samsung.com/uk/workwonders.

Notes to Editors:

Research was carried out by One Poll, on behalf of Samsung. A total of 1,000 UK office workers were surveyed between the 17^th-19^th September 2021.

Following a year of unprecedented change, it’s predicted a quarter of Brits will work from home full-time by 2025, compared to just 5% in 2019^[1]. With mobile technology becoming essential for remote productivity, organisations now face a wave of challenges to deploy a mobility strategy that is controlled, effective and secure.

The study run by Samsung Enterprise Edition – which surveyed decision-makers and employees in the Finance and Professional Services sectors^[2] – aimed to identify where businesses experienced the most troubling tech challenges when forced into the sudden reality of remote working. Most notably, over a quarter (29%) respondents experienced increased security threats and three in ten (30%) businesses admitting to not having enough mobile devices to offer to their remote workers.

Consequently, seven out of ten employees admit to having used their personal device for work purposes – either exclusively or alongside a work device – with 18% noting that they haven’t felt confident in the security of their device for the last 12 months. With UK businesses now incurring more frequent security threats than ever before^[3], decision-makers now face a race against time to ensure their operations are secured for a hybrid working model.

According to the study, Enterprise Management Mobility (EMM) – technology and software that enables businesses to securely manage employee use of mobile devices and applications – has become an increasingly popular solution to addressing these issues, as more organisations look to simplify and secure their mobility strategy.

Samsung Enterprise Edition is one example of an EMM solution, combining a complete suite of mobile technology and services with Knox security from the chip-up, enabling businesses to integrate end-to-end security and remote configuration into their fleet of devices.

Six in ten (60%) organisations either started or expanded their use of EMM within the last year, with nine in ten adopters planning to invest even more in 2021. With every adopter (100%) experiencing benefits, the most positively impacted areas we revealed as:

• Tightened security: Over half of adopters (55%) selected enhanced security as a key benefit. Additionally, nine in ten of those using the solution feel confident in the security of their company’s devices – significantly higher than those who don’t (78%).
• Performance boost: Over a third of respondents reported improved levels of collaboration (34%), productivity (35%), and quality of work (36%) as direct results from deploying the solution. With a third of respondents admitting to suffering employee productivity issues this year, these are invaluable benefits.
• Device control: Four in ten decision-makers said it simplifies the management of individual devices, notably with software updates (46%), and over a third (34%) enjoy easier configuration and management of large mobile fleets. With 87% respondents saying that device longevity is crucial for their operations, EMM is a key enabler of a longer lifespan.

Following the accelerated transition to remote working in 2020, and the increased mobility challenges that came with it, the survey found that 40% of businesses who have not previously considered EMM solutions, now plan to invest throughout 2021.

Joe Walsh, director of B2B at Samsung UK & Ireland, commented: “The last year has shown us that we can never be too prepared when it comes to the steps we can take to secure our business. Mobile phones have become more critical than ever for productivity, but the acceleration of remote and hybrid working models has made the management and protection of large mobility fleets even more challenging – particularly for those who have not previously considered it.”

“It is encouraging to see that Enterprise solutions are becoming a popular and effective way for businesses to boost security, and we continue to listen to our customers to develop integral solutions that address their day-to-day challenges. With Samsung Galaxy Enterprise Edition, we provide organisations with more choice, more control and more protection when managing their mobile fleets, so they can do less work and more business.”

The survey also asked decision-makers to outline where their mobile technology priorities were for 2021. Leading areas in included, key upgrades across security platforms (45%), outdated software (37%) and hardware (35%), with 5G also a notable inclusion. A third of respondents (33%) said they’re preparing to integrate 5G-ready devices into their organisations this year with the same number saying they will become an essential factor in the future of hybrid work.

From flagship devices, such as the newly launched Samsung Galaxy S21 5G Series, to A Series and Rugged models, Samsung offers a wide range of devices within its Enterprise Edition portfolio. For more information, please visit: https://www.samsung.com/uk/business/enterprise-edition/

+++

About Samsung for Business:

Samsung is committed to developing devices and solutions that are built for the way businesses are evolving today. By understanding the needs of organisations large and small, Samsung for Business provides innovative mobile-first technology that solves their challenges and brings new opportunities.

Backed up by Samsung’s unique defence-grade security platform, Knox, businesses can choose from a wide portfolio of devices knowing their company is in safe hands. Ranging from industry-ready and award-winning rugged devices, to top-spec Galaxy Enterprise Edition smartphones with full-service support, Samsung strives to deliver technology that powers business success.

For more information, https://www.samsung.com/uk/business/.

###

[1] https://www2.deloitte.com/uk/en/pages/consumer-business/articles/consumer-tracker.html

[2] The research was carried out by Ketchum Research and Analytics, on behalf of Samsung. A total of 1,000 people aged 18+ were surveyed in the UK, including 600 employees and 400 decision-makers across the following industries: Financial Services and Professional Services. Fieldwork ran from 10^th February – 16^th February 2021 and was conducted by Vitreous World.

[3] https://www.beaming.co.uk/cyber-reports/2020-cyber-threat-analysis/

Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd and iZettle, A PayPal Service, have today announced a new partnership to support small businesses nationwide by streamlining payment acceptance. The two companies are joining forces to leverage their technology and explore innovative solutions for small businesses.

Samsung will start by offering iZettle’s technology as part of a new small business bundle allowing merchants that purchase its Enterprise Edition and select other devices to access easy and affordable commerce tools that help them run and grow their business.

By using iZettle with Samsung devices, merchants will be able to accept fast and secure payments, in seconds, optimising the speed and experience of customer transactions, and reducing the need for cash. Merchants will also be able to login to iZettle to access business critical analytics including real time sales data and smart stock management.

The collaboration reaffirms Samsung and iZettle’s commitment to supporting the growth of small businesses and comes at a time when industry collaboration has never been more important.

“We are delighted to announce this partnership with iZettle and bring their technology to Samsung’s Enterprise Edition devices,” says Joe Walsh, director of B2B at Samsung Electronics UK & Ireland. “At Samsung, we believe in the power of small businesses and strive to offer them the best solutions that will enable them to future-proof and thrive in a digital era. iZettle is an excellent addition to our growing B2B ecosystem and we look forward to moving forward together.”

To celebrate the partnership and enable merchants to benefit from the technology immediately, Samsung is offering a FREE^[1] iZettle card reader with almost all^[2] Enterprise Edition models and also the Tab Active2.

“We’re thrilled to partner with Samsung to ensure small businesses across the UK have the tools they need to run their business” says Jacob de Geer, Vice President of Small Business Products and iZettle, at PayPal. “Covid-19 has been a huge accelerator for contactless and digital payments, changes that would have taken years happened overnight due to this new reality. Going mobile is key and by joining forces with Samsung, we’re enabling more small businesses to accept contactless payments in seconds.”

Available from 15^th July to 30^th September 2020^[3], Samsung business customers will be able to claim an iZettle Reader 2 with the purchase of the Tab Active2 or any eligible Samsung Enterprise Edition smartphone or tablet, including Galaxy S10, S10e, Note 10, S20, S20+ 5G, A50, XCover Pro, Tab Active Pro.

The iZettle Reader 2, allows companies to accept payments from all major credit and debit cards, contactless and device payments including Apple, Google and Samsung Pay. The latest iZettle device takes only a few minutes to set up through the iZettle app, and can be paired with the user’s smartphone or tablet via Bluetooth, allowing small businesses to start accepting contactless payments in an instant.

The partnership represents a valuable expansion of Samsung’s Galaxy Enterprise Edition – its complete suite of mobile technology and services designed to give businesses more choice, more control and more protection. The addition of iZettle to the Galaxy Enterprise Edition’s growing service portfolio reiterates Samsung’s dedication to future-proofing businesses of all sizes, enabling them to adapt to and succeed in an ever-changing environment.

For more information on how to redeem your free iZettle Reader 2, please visit: samsungpromotions.claims/izettle. Terms and conditions apply.

###

About Samsung for Business:

Samsung is committed to developing devices and solutions that are built for the way businesses are evolving today. By understanding the needs of organisations large and small, Samsung for Business provides innovative mobile-first technology that solves their challenges and brings new opportunities.

Backed up by Samsung’s unique defence-grade security platform, Knox, businesses can choose from a wide portfolio of devices knowing their company is in safe hands. Ranging from industry-ready and award-winning rugged devices, to top-spec Galaxy Enterprise Edition smartphones with full service support, Samsung strives to deliver technology that powers business success.

For more information, https://www.samsung.com/uk/business/.

About iZettle

iZettle, a member of the PayPal family, is on a mission to help small businesses succeed in a world of giants. Founded in Stockholm in 2010, the financial technology company revolutionised mobile payments with the world’s first mini chip card reader and software for mobile devices. Today iZettle’s commerce platform for small businesses in Europe and Latin America provides tools to get paid, sell smarter and grow your business. www.izettle.com

About PayPal

PayPal has remained at the forefront of the digital payment revolution for more than 20 years. By leveraging technology to make financial services and commerce more convenient, affordable, and secure, the PayPal platform is empowering more than 300 million consumer and merchant accounts in more than 200 markets to join and thrive in the global economy. For more information, visit paypal.com.

^[1]Purchase between 15/07/2020 – 30/09/2020 from a participating retailer, claim online from Samsung between 15/07/20 and 29/10/20. See https://20201.samsungpromotions.claims/izettle for full Ts&Cs. Use of the Rewards are subject to iZettle’s terms and conditions of use found here https://www.izettle.com/gb/general-terms-and-conditions.

^[2] Offer includes all Enterprise Edition models, other than A40 and XCover 4s