{"id":26036,"date":"2025-11-26T10:20:35","date_gmt":"2025-11-26T10:20:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/?p=26036"},"modified":"2025-12-02T18:08:11","modified_gmt":"2025-12-02T18:08:11","slug":"unlocking-growth-einvoicing-and-ai","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/unlocking-growth-einvoicing-and-ai\/","title":{"rendered":"Unlocking growth: How e-invoicing and AI help small businesses work smarter, not harder\u00a0"},"content":{"rendered":"<header class=\"entry-header has-dark-background-color entry-header--has-illustration entry-header--has-illustration--generic\">\n\t<div class=\"container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"entry-header__row row align-center\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"col col-lg-7 col-xlg-6 entry-header__content\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"component component-single-header\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"entry-header__misc text--subtitle text--uppercase text--small\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/category\/free-guides-templates\/\" class=\"entry-header__link\">Free guides &amp; templates<\/a>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"entry-title-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h1 class=\"entry-title\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tUnlocking growth: How e-invoicing and AI help small businesses work smarter, not harder\u00a0\t\t\t\t\t<\/h1>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"entry-header__description\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"single-post-details container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"col\">\n\t\t\t<span class=\"posted-on \"><time class=\"entry-date published\" datetime=\"2025-11-26T10:20:35+00:00\">26 November, 2025<\/time><\/span><span class=\"reading-time\"> min read<\/span>\n\t\t<button\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\tclass=\"social-share-button button button--icon button--secondary js-social-share-button\"\n\t\t\tdata-share-title=\"Unlocking growth: How e-invoicing and AI help small businesses work smarter, not harder\u00a0\"\n\t\t\tdata-share-url=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/unlocking-growth-einvoicing-and-ai\/\"\n\t\t\tdata-share-text=\"Please read this interesting article\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<span class=\"social-share-button__share-label\">Share<\/span>\n\t\t\t<span class=\"social-share-button__copy-label\" hidden>Copy Link<\/span>\n\t\t\t<span class=\"social-share-button__copy-tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\" hidden>Copied<\/span>\n\t\t<\/button>\n\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\t<\/header>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-post-author has-dark-background-color alignfull\">\n\t<div class=\"container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"col\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"co-authors\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t<div class=\"entry-author-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t<a class=\"entry-author\" href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/author\/francescawhitehall\/\">\n\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"40\" height=\"40\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/02\/Francesca-Whitehall-350x350.jpg\" class=\"entry-author__image\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/02\/Francesca-Whitehall-350x350.jpg 350w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/02\/Francesca-Whitehall.jpg 600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 40px) 100vw, 40px\" \/>\t\t\t\t<span class=\"entry-author__name\">Francesca Whitehall<\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/a>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\n<p>Running a small business shouldn\u2019t feel like a battle against paperwork. Yet for many SMEs, managing finances, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/invoice-cheat-sheet\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">handling invoices<\/a>, and dealing with tax reporting still consume hours every week.\u202f<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>And these frictions aren\u2019t minor irritations\u2014they directly delay cash flow, limit growth, and drain resources.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The message from our experts is clear: the system isn\u2019t working, and e-invoicing is the most effective way to fix it.&nbsp;That&#8217;s what we look at in this article.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Here\u2019s what we cover:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n<?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><div class=\"wp-block-yoast-seo-table-of-contents yoast-table-of-contents\"><ul><li><a href=\"#h-what-e-invoicing-actually-is-and-why-it-s-different-from-pdfs-nbsp\" data-level=\"2\">What e-invoicing actually is (and why it&rsquo;s different from PDFs)&nbsp;<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-how-e-invoicing-solves-your-everyday-business-problems\" data-level=\"2\">How e-invoicing solves your everyday business problems<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-why-e-invoicing-matters-faster-payments-fewer-errors-lower-risk-nbsp\" data-level=\"2\">Why e-invoicing matters: Faster payments, fewer errors, lower risk&nbsp;<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-why-e-invoice-standards-and-mandates-matter-for-smes-nbsp\" data-level=\"2\">Why e-invoice standards and mandates matter for SMEs&nbsp;<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-where-ai-fits-in-turning-clean-invoice-data-into-smarter-decisions-nbsp\" data-level=\"2\">Where AI fits in: Turning clean invoice data into smarter decisions&nbsp;<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-what-needs-to-happen-next-for-e-invoicing-nbsp\" data-level=\"2\">What needs to happen next for e-invoicing?&nbsp;<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-final-thoughts-small-change-big-impact-nbsp\" data-level=\"2\">Final thoughts: Small change, big impact&nbsp;<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/div>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<div class=\"video-container-wrap -mode-full\"><div class=\"video-container\"><video\n\t\t\t\tclass=\"sage-video video-js vjs-default-skin \"\n\t\t\t\twidth=\"640\"\n\t\t\t\theight=\"360\"\n\t\t\t\tdata-setup='{ \"controls\": true, \"aspectRatio\" : \"16:9\", \"poster\": \"https:\/\/img.youtube.com\/vi\/l-lTlpdUb5w\/maxresdefault.jpg\", \"techOrder\": [\"youtube\"], \"enablejsapi\": 1, \"origin\": \"https:\/\/www.sage.com\", \"sources\": [{ \"type\": \"video\/youtube\", \"src\": \"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=l-lTlpdUb5w\"}], \"youtube\": { \"ytControls\": 0, \"cc_load_policy\": 3, \"modestbranding\": 1, \"hl\": \"en_GB\", \"playsinline\": 1 } }'\n\t\t\t\tcrossorigin=\"\"><\/video><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-what-e-invoicing-actually-is-and-why-it-s-different-from-pdfs-nbsp\">What e-invoicing actually is (and why it\u2019s different from PDFs)&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>As of 2025, Sage\u2019s global research\u2014<a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/company\/digital-newsroom\/2025\/07\/28\/unlocking-growth-frictionless-trade-for-smes-powered-by-e-invoicing-and-ai\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Unlocking growth: Frictionless trade for SMEs powered by e-invoicing and AI<\/a>\u2014shows the following:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>37% of UK invoices are paid late.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>65% of US SMEs experience significant friction getting paid.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>UK SMEs spend \u00a315.4bn per year on tax admin.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>EU SMEs spend \u20ac204bn annually on compliance.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>These challenges often force otherwise healthy businesses to take out loans just to cover payroll or keep operations moving.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>International trade creates even more pressure. A single trading process can require up to 36 documents and 240 copies, slowing exports and adding unnecessary cost.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>E-Invoicing is the solution.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It&#8217;s legally defined as the transmission and storage of invoices in an electronic format without duplicate paper documents, using either a structured format such as XML or an unstructured format like PDF. But this can sound more complex than it is. &nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Put simply, e-invoicing is the digital exchange of invoice data. It\u2019s not just emailing a PDF. It\u2019s a fully digital, machine-readable invoice format that software can interpret and process instantly, enabling faster, more accurate, and automated financial workflows.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-how-e-invoicing-solves-your-everyday-business-problems\">How e-invoicing solves your everyday business problems<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>As explained in the video above, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/e-invoicing-in-the-uk\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">e-invoicing solves key problems<\/a> by:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Creating invoices in a structured electronic format, not PDFs.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Using a common dictionary so every field is universally understood.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Applying a verified digital identity to confirm who sends and receives each invoice.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>This means your system, your customer\u2019s system, your accountant, and your bank can all read the same data automatically. There\u2019s no manual entry, no guessing, no re-keying, and no errors.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It\u2019s simple, secure, and removes the layers of human and AI effort currently needed to interpret a PDF.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Open networks such as <a href=\"https:\/\/peppol.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Peppol<\/a> then allow invoices to travel securely between businesses, forming the foundation for safer, faster trade.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-why-e-invoicing-matters-faster-payments-fewer-errors-lower-risk-nbsp\">Why e-invoicing matters: Faster payments, fewer errors, lower risk&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>E-Invoicing isn\u2019t just a tech upgrade. It solves real, everyday problems for SMEs. \u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Here are the key advantages that make the biggest impact:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"1\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Get paid faster: <\/strong>Businesses using e-invoicing typically get paid 5\u20137 days sooner, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/how-does-ai-help-this-small-business-get-paid-faster\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">improving cash flow<\/a> and reducing reliance on short-term credit.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"2\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Reduce errors at the source: <\/strong>Today 53% of UK SMEs struggle to gather correct invoice data and 52% receive invoices containing errors.<strong> <\/strong>With e-invoicing, data is validated before it\u2019s sent, cutting out common mistakes entirely.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"3\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Lower fraud risk: <\/strong>79% of SMEs received a fraudulent invoice in the past year. Verified digital identities significantly reduce the risk of fraudulent invoices by confirming the identity of the sender, though businesses should still maintain internal controls and checks.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"4\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Cut time spent on tax and compliance:<\/strong> Structured invoice data can automatically pre-populate tax returns, reduce manual adjustments, boost accuracy, and support real-time reporting. This frees time and reduces costs while helping governments close tax gaps more efficiently.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"#gate-6b8bab66-b686-4c65-9452-7ca92a55faf2\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Download our report: Unlocking growth: Frictionless trade for SMEs powered by e-invoicing and AI<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-why-e-invoice-standards-and-mandates-matter-for-smes-nbsp\">Why e-invoice standards and mandates matter for SMEs&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Here\u2019s a frustration many SMEs share: Every customer wants you to invoice differently.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Different formats. Different portals. Different processes.\u202f&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It\u2019s confusing and inefficient. Common standards would solve this problem by ensuring everyone uses the same language and structure.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Sage&#8217;s research shows awareness is still low:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Only 7\u201311% of UK leaders are familiar with e-invoicing.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Just 3% of US leaders know about it.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>However, support for mandates is also on the rise, with 42% of UK CEOs\/COOs and 30% of SMEs supporting B2B e-invoicing mandates&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The reason is simple: Businesses are tired of reinventing the wheel with every customer. They want clarity and consistency, not a new process for every customer.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-where-ai-fits-in-turning-clean-invoice-data-into-smarter-decisions-nbsp\">Where AI fits in: Turning clean invoice data into smarter decisions&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Once invoices are digital, all have the same structure, and can be verified before being sent, then <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/video\/ai-documentary-proving-value\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">AI can unlock new value<\/a> that the current process simply can\u2019t match.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>AI can:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Detect unusual payment patterns&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Automate approvals and workflows&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Improve fraud detection&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Forecast cash flow&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Generate real-time financial insights&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Speed up cross-border trade by matching invoice data with customs requirements.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>E-Invoicing, combined with tools like <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/sage-copilot\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Sage Copilot<\/a>, puts these capabilities in the hands of small businesses without requiring advanced technical skills.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>AI isn\u2019t replacing people. It\u2019s removing low-value admin work so owners and finance teams can focus on the things that matter to them. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>At the same time, SMEs still remain responsible for accuracy and compliance with tax and reporting obligations, even when using e-invoicing or AI tools. AI supports the process, but accountability still rests with the business.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-what-needs-to-happen-next-for-e-invoicing-nbsp\">What needs to happen next for e-invoicing?&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Real transformation will only happen if governments and SMEs take coordinated steps toward adoption. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Here\u2019s what each group should prioritise next:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-for-governments-nbsp\">For governments&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Governments play a crucial role in setting the foundations for widespread e-invoicing adoption. &nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Key actions include:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Treating e-invoicing as essential digital infrastructure&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Rolling out phased B2B mandates&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Adopting a single, harmonised standard&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Embedding digital identity to prevent fraud&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Connecting e-invoicing with tax, customs, and procurement systems.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-for-smes-nbsp\">For SMEs&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>SMEs can prepare for future mandates and improve efficiency today by taking a few simple proactive steps. &nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>These include:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Prepare early rather than waiting for a mandate&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Lean on accountants: 86% recommend e-invoicing&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Get familiar with digital standards and tools.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-final-thoughts-small-change-big-impact-nbsp\">Final thoughts: Small change, big impact&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>E-Invoicing isn\u2019t just about speeding up payments, it\u2019s about building a smarter, more connected way of doing business. A way that frees up time, reduces stress, and gives small businesses access to tools and insights that once only big enterprises could afford.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>What looks like a small shift actually delivers big impact: Reducing admin, accelerating payments, strengthening fraud prevention, and creating clean, consistent data that unlocks AI-powered insights.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It also paves the way for broader improvements across customs, tax, procurement, carbon tracking, and more.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>And the potential is enormous, as widespread adoption across Europe could save SMEs \u20ac14 billion every year.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For small businesses already stretched thin, that\u2019s a meaningful transformation, and one that makes growth feel not just possible, but achievable.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"single-cta gated-content\">\n\t<div class=\"single-cta__positioner\">\n\t\t<div class=\"single-cta__wrapper has-dark-background-color\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"single-cta__content\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"single-cta__title h3\">Frictionless trade report: Powered by e-invoicing and AI<\/h2>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"single-cta__description\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p>Discover how e-invoicing and AI can remove friction, reduce admin, and unlock new growth opportunities\u00a0for SMEs.<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\t\t\t\thref=\"#gate-6b8bab66-b686-4c65-9452-7ca92a55faf2\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"single-cta__button button button--primary\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t>Download now<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1440\" height=\"810\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/04\/GettyImages-1210334452-1440x810.jpg\" class=\"single-cta__image\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/04\/GettyImages-1210334452-1440x810.jpg 1440w\" sizes=\"auto, (min-width: 48em) 33vw, 100vw\" \/>\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"single-cta\">\n\t<div class=\"single-cta__positioner\">\n\t\t<div class=\"single-cta__wrapper has-dark-background-color\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"single-cta__content\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"single-cta__title h3\">Subscribe to the Sage Advice newsletter<\/h2>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"single-cta__description\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Join more than 500,000 UK readers and get the best business admin strategies and tactics, as well as actionable advice to help your company thrive, in your inbox every month.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\t\t\t\thref=\"#gate-b1a63862-3fa0-4a5e-bb67-c76b88bbc6b8\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"single-cta__button button button--primary\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t>Subscribe now<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1440\" height=\"810\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/04\/GettyImages-1073797282-1-1440x810.jpg\" class=\"single-cta__image\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/04\/GettyImages-1073797282-1-1440x810.jpg 1440w\" sizes=\"auto, (min-width: 48em) 33vw, 100vw\" \/>\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<section class=\"more-topics alignfull has-grey-light-background-color wp-block-sage-post-topics\">\n\t<div class=\"container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"row\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"col col-12 col-lg-4\">\n\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"more-topics__title h2\">Browse more topics from this article<\/h3>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"col col-12 col-lg-8\">\n\t\t\t\t<ul class=\"post-tags__list\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"post-tags__item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/tag\/accountant-automation\/\" class=\"post-tags__link button button--secondary\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tAccountant automation\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"post-tags__item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/tag\/ai\/\" class=\"post-tags__link button button--secondary\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tAI\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"post-tags__item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/tag\/e-invoicing\/\" class=\"post-tags__link button button--secondary\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tE-invoicing\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/ul>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n<div class=\"alignfull wp-block-sage-related-posts\">\n\t<section class=\"related-posts card-grid has-dark-background-color\">\n\t<div class=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"row\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"related-posts__heading related-posts__heading--featured h1\">Explore more wisdom<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t<div class=\"row related-posts__featured\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col card-grid__item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<article\n\t\tclass=\"card-post related-post related-post-0 post-30315 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-money-matters tag-bookkeeping tag-e-invoicing business_type-small-business business_type-medium-sized-business card-post--is-clickable\"\n>\n\t<div class=\"card-post__media-wrapper\">\n\t\t<figure class=\"card-post__media\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1214\" height=\"810\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2023\/09\/GettyImages-875247398-1214x810.jpg\" class=\"card-post__image\" alt=\"Dealing with payroll tasks for the business\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2023\/09\/GettyImages-875247398-684x384.jpg 684w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2023\/09\/GettyImages-875247398-768x513.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2023\/09\/GettyImages-875247398-1214x810.jpg 1214w\" sizes=\"auto, (min-width: 48em) 250px, (min-width: 30em) 100vw, 100vw\" \/>\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t<\/div>\n\n\t<div class=\"card-post__content\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"card-post__label\">Recommended<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"card-post__meta\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"card-post__meta-text\"><span class=\"posted-on \"><time class=\"entry-date published\" datetime=\"2026-06-02T16:16:14+01:00\">2 June, 2026<\/time><\/span><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"card-post__meta-text\"><span class=\"reading-time\">9 min read<\/span><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t<p class=\"card-post__title h3\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"card-post__title-link\"\n\t\t\t\t\thref=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/what-is-an-electronic-invoice\/\"\n\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWhat is e-invoicing? Advantages and disadvantages of electronic invoicing\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"card-post__description\">\n\t\t\t\tLearn everything about e-invoicing, from how it works to automation, payments, and compliance. Discover how it streamlines processes for faster transactions.\t\t\t<\/p>\n\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t<\/article>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"row related-posts__non-featured\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col col-12\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"related-posts__heading related-posts__heading--more h4\">More on this Topic<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col col-6 col-lg-3 card-grid__item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<article\n\t\tclass=\"card-post related-post related-post-1 post-15795 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-money-matters tag-accountant-accounting tag-accountant-automation tag-brexit-business tag-business-finances business_type-small-business business_type-medium-sized-business\"\n>\n\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\tclass=\"card-post__link\"\n\t\t\thref=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/what-is-account-reconciliation\/\"\n\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t<figure class=\"card-post__media\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"684\" height=\"384\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2023\/08\/GettyImages-1325244864-1-684x384.jpg\" class=\"card-post__image\" alt=\"man in office\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2023\/08\/GettyImages-1325244864-1-684x384.jpg 684w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2023\/08\/GettyImages-1325244864-1-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2023\/08\/GettyImages-1325244864-1-1440x810.jpg 1440w\" sizes=\"auto, (min-width: 48em) 250px, (min-width: 30em) 100vw, 100vw\" \/>\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"card-post__meta\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"card-post__meta-text\"><span class=\"posted-on \"><time class=\"entry-date published\" datetime=\"2026-06-02T15:28:18+01:00\">2 June, 2026<\/time><\/span><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"card-post__meta-text\"><span class=\"reading-time\">10 min read<\/span><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t<p class=\"card-post__title h5\">\n\t\t\tAccount reconciliation: What it is and best practices\t\t<\/p>\n\n\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t<\/article>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col col-6 col-lg-3 card-grid__item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<article\n\t\tclass=\"card-post related-post related-post-2 post-30036 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-strategy-legal-operations tag-accountant-accounting tag-accountant-automation tag-accountant-tax tag-ai tag-bookkeeping tag-mtd-accountants tag-making-tax-digital-for-income-tax business_type-accountants\"\n>\n\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\tclass=\"card-post__link\"\n\t\t\thref=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/accountex-2026\/\"\n\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t<figure class=\"card-post__media\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"684\" height=\"384\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2026\/05\/accountex2026-684x384.jpg\" class=\"card-post__image\" alt=\"Accountex 2026\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2026\/05\/accountex2026-684x384.jpg 684w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2026\/05\/accountex2026-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2026\/05\/accountex2026-1440x810.jpg 1440w\" sizes=\"auto, (min-width: 48em) 250px, (min-width: 30em) 100vw, 100vw\" \/>\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"card-post__meta\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"card-post__meta-text\"><span class=\"posted-on \"><time class=\"entry-date published\" datetime=\"2026-05-15T16:54:23+01:00\">15 May, 2026<\/time><\/span><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"card-post__meta-text\"><span class=\"reading-time\">7 min read<\/span><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t<p class=\"card-post__title h5\">\n\t\t\tAccountex 2026: Accounting work has changed. Most firms are still structured for what it used to be\t\t<\/p>\n\n\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t<\/article>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col col-6 col-lg-3 card-grid__item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<article\n\t\tclass=\"card-post related-post related-post-3 post-29969 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-technology-innovation tag-ai business_type-small-business\"\n>\n\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\tclass=\"card-post__link\"\n\t\t\thref=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/ai-skills-technext-festival\/\"\n\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t<figure class=\"card-post__media\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"684\" height=\"384\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2026\/05\/woman-using-ai-684x384.jpg\" class=\"card-post__image\" alt=\"a woman using AI\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2026\/05\/woman-using-ai-684x384.jpg 684w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2026\/05\/woman-using-ai-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2026\/05\/woman-using-ai-1440x810.jpg 1440w\" sizes=\"auto, (min-width: 48em) 250px, (min-width: 30em) 100vw, 100vw\" \/>\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"card-post__meta\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"card-post__meta-text\"><span class=\"posted-on \"><time class=\"entry-date published\" datetime=\"2026-05-06T10:26:47+01:00\">6 May, 2026<\/time><\/span><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"card-post__meta-text\"><span class=\"reading-time\">3 min read<\/span><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t<p class=\"card-post__title h5\">\n\t\t\tAI is already in your business. Here&#8217;s how to get ahead of it in Newcastle\t\t<\/p>\n\n\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t<\/article>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col col-6 col-lg-3 card-grid__item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<article\n\t\tclass=\"card-post related-post related-post-4 post-29890 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-technology-innovation tag-accountant-accounting tag-accountant-automation tag-ai tag-workplace-technology business_type-accountants\"\n>\n\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\tclass=\"card-post__link\"\n\t\t\thref=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/accountants-bookkeepers-practice-pricing-ai\/\"\n\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t<figure class=\"card-post__media\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"684\" height=\"384\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2023\/09\/GettyImages-1402342490-684x384.jpg\" class=\"card-post__image\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2023\/09\/GettyImages-1402342490-684x384.jpg 684w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2023\/09\/GettyImages-1402342490-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2023\/09\/GettyImages-1402342490-1215x810.jpg 1215w\" sizes=\"auto, (min-width: 48em) 250px, (min-width: 30em) 100vw, 100vw\" \/>\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"card-post__meta\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"card-post__meta-text\"><span class=\"posted-on \"><time class=\"entry-date published\" datetime=\"2026-04-29T15:24:07+01:00\">29 April, 2026<\/time><\/span><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"card-post__meta-text\"><span class=\"reading-time\">6 min read<\/span><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t<p class=\"card-post__title h5\">\n\t\t\tThe AI pricing trap: How accountants can avoid it\t\t<\/p>\n\n\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t<\/article>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>E-invoicing is reshaping how small businesses get paid, cut admin, and stay compliant. This blog shares expert insights from our new video and global report on how e-invoicing and AI cut friction and help SMEs work smarter.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1309,"featured_media":16425,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_sage_video":true,"post_featured_image_hide":false,"sage_hide_published_date":false,"sage_hide_read_time":false,"sage_hide_share_buttons":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[139,6,114],"tags":[224,50,332],"business_type":[4,3,115],"lilypad":[],"context":[],"industry":[],"persona":[67,68,70,71,72,73,74,75],"imagine_tag":[221,309],"coauthors":[391],"class_list":["post-26036","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-free-guides-templates","category-money-matters","category-trends-insights","tag-accountant-automation","tag-ai","tag-e-invoicing","business_type-small-business","business_type-medium-sized-business","business_type-accountants"],"sage_meta":{"region":"en-gb","author_name":"Francesca Whitehall","featured_image":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2023\/09\/GettyImages-1436821731.jpg","imagine_tags":{"221":"Accountant automation","309":"AI Hub"}},"distributor_meta":false,"distributor_terms":false,"distributor_media":false,"distributor_original_site_name":"Sage Advice UK","distributor_original_site_url":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog","push-errors":false,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/posts\/26036","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/users\/1309"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=26036"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/posts\/26036\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/media\/16425"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=26036"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=26036"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=26036"},{"taxonomy":"business_type","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/business_type?post=26036"},{"taxonomy":"lilypad","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/lilypad?post=26036"},{"taxonomy":"context","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/context?post=26036"},{"taxonomy":"industry","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/industry?post=26036"},{"taxonomy":"persona","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/persona?post=26036"},{"taxonomy":"imagine_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/imagine_tag?post=26036"},{"taxonomy":"author","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/coauthors?post=26036"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}