This week: the Chancellor's under pressure and your HR to-do list just got longer.
Good afternoon {{crm___first_name}}
Government borrowing came in well above forecast last month, adding pressure on Chancellor John Healey ahead of his first Budget next month. Borrowing was almost a fifth higher than the year before and £3.5 billion more than official forecasters expected, driven largely by persistently higher inflation, the ONS said. For small businesses hoping for tax relief in the Budget, it's not an encouraging backdrop – economists are already calling further tax rises "virtually inevitable."
SME growth is the answer, says serial entrepreneur and author Nigel Cumberland – who's built businesses everywhere from Hong Kong to Dubai. He makes the case that the UK's economic position could be turned around by start-up and SME growth, but tax and the employment burden is actively holding back the UK’s 96% micro-enterprise community.
We're also excited to share that Enterprise Nation and Visa Foundation have launched AI for Every Business, a $2 million, three-year programme offering free AI support to over 157,000 small businesses - welcomed by AI Minister Kanishka Narayan.
From the Government Technology and AI Conference, a useful corrective to hype: sometimes better data or a simpler process beats another AI tool.
And with employment law changing fast, we cover what "all reasonable steps" on third-party harassment means for a business with no HR department, plus the new trade union access and notification duties landing this autumn.
Small businesses face sweeping harassment liability as customer abuse becomes employer's legal problem
AI-able vs AI-ready: The distinction small businesses need to make
AI for Every Business: Supporting over 157,000 small businesses with AI adoption
Trade union access rights: Why small businesses should prepare before October 2026
Why small businesses are the answer to Britain's growth problem (and what's stopping them)
Have a brilliant product you want to take to the world? The Alibaba.com CoCreate Pitch is coming to Europe and it’s your chance to get in front of one of the world’s biggest e-commerce platforms and win a $200,000 start-up fund in 30 seconds.
🌐 Sign up for the free Backing Your Business – Get Fit For The Digital Future event, from Mastercard, Square and DBIST on Thursday 15 October. You can register here.
💰 Apply for the Enterprise Nation Next Generation Grant and give your business a £1,500 boost, plus six hours of mentoring.
💸 Share your experience with us and enter a prize draw for £300 in vouchers. Take our barometer.
🏦 Step forward in your business banking journey with NatWest and Mettle. Register your interest in a couple of minutes.
🤝 Want to win new contracts? Sign up to Supply Connect to secure reliable, long-term contracts tor your business.
🛍️ Access the Powering Local Businesses hub for free support, events and resources to help you grow your local business.
🤖 Explore the Tech Hub for practical guides, videos and expert insights on AI and digital tools to help you work smarter.
That’s all for this week!
You’ve reached the bottom, but the conversation doesn’t stop here. We’d love your thoughts, feedback, or even a quick hello - hit reply to share what’s on your mind.