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Public sector contracts: social value rules lifted for bids under £1 million

From 1 January 2027, central government will assess social value in contract bids using a new model set out in Procurement Policy Note 026, published by the Cabinet Office in
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Companies House identity verification: the first directors have been prosecuted

The Insolvency Service has secured its first convictions for failing to meet Companies House identity verification requirements. Three directors from two companies were fined at City of London Magistrates' Court
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VAT and PAYE: HMRC consults on making Direct Debit compulsory

HMRC has consulted on a proposal to make Direct Debit the required method of paying VAT and PAYE return liabilities for most businesses and employers. The consultation ran from 23
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Business outlook: slow growth and weak investment forecast into 2027

The British Chambers of Commerce expects the UK economy to grow by 1% in 2026 and by the same amount in 2027, according to its latest quarterly forecast, published in
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Late payment reform: a bill that works in SMEs’ favour is now before Parliament

The Commercial Payments Bill was introduced in the House of Lords in May 2026, following the government's response to a public consultation on late payment. Once in force, likely no
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Business rates: the new multiplier system has not meant lower bills for everyone

From 1 April 2026, the business rates system moved from two multipliers to five, with lower rates for retail, hospitality and leisure properties under £500,000 rateable value, funded by a
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Employment Rights Act: the next wave of changes lands on 30 October

The next phase of the Employment Rights Act 2025 takes effect on 30 October 2026. Employers will be required to take all reasonable steps, rather than simply reasonable steps, to
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Companies House identity verification: the deadline is closer than it looks

Companies House now requires directors and people with significant control to verify their identity.
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The National Franchise Exhibition – Celebrating the Backbone of British Enterprise

Best of British Franchising
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What £150 Billion of US Investment Really Means for UK SMEs

US investment, a game-changer for UK SMEs — or just another headline for big business?
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Trade Tariffs hit UK SME’s

A quiet rule change in Washington has just rewritten the playbook for every UK small business selling into the U.S
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Digitalisation: SMEs Face a Costly Divide

The UK’s digital economy is accelerating fast but too many SMEs are struggling to keep pace with the costs, skills, and cyber risks
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Talent Shortages Stifle SME Ambitions

A deepening skills shortage is fast becoming the biggest threat to SME growth in 2025, as smaller firms lose talent to bigger employers.
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Rising Costs Squeeze SME Profit Margins

For SMEs that can cut waste, find efficiencies, and adapt fast, today’s cost pressures may spark the innovations that secure tomorrow’s growth

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