The Impact of Global Supply Chain Disruptions on UK SMEs' International Business Strategies: A Post-Pandemic Analysis

This study examined how global supply chain disruptions have structurally reshaped global business strategies of UK SMEs in post-pandemic context. The study employed a mixedmethods research design. Data were collected from 450 UK SMEs with a response rate of 15.8% and interviews with 30 business leaders, we examine strategic changes made during 2020-2023. We discover that 78% of UK SMEs exporting made drastic strategic changes, embracing five core adaptation dimensions: diversification of supply base, nearshoring, digitalization, financial risk management, and operational flexibility. The study identified three varying forms of strategic response: resilience-based adapters (42%), growth-based pivots (35%), and defensive consolidators (23%). Companies that achieved full-scale transformations recorded higher performance, such as 23% greater revenue growth and 31% better supply chain reliability, while defensive consolidators recorded 8% revenue decline. Manufacturing SMEs recorded highest supply chain diversification (83%), technology companies pioneered digital transformation (91%), and professional services recorded highest operational flexibility gains (74%). The research adds to international business knowledge by providing empirical proof of the influence of external shocks on strategic evolution in small firms. The research proposed a SME Strategic Adaptation Framework (SSAF), which identifies three paths of adaptation: reactive resilience, proactive pivoting, and adaptive integration. The findings present practical recommendations to SME managers and policymakers operating in uncertain global trade landscape.