No broad tax rises, a few real wins, and a lot of small print. Here’s every measure that touches your business, and when it starts.
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A year ago, we struggled to find the words “small” and “business” in the same sentence. This year, founders, entrepreneurs and the self-employed were front of mind, and for the people who run Britain’s small firms, being seen counts for something.
We asked the Chancellor not to add to the burden on small business, and he avoided the broad tax rises that would have hit them hardest. Two of the biggest measures were calls from our Budget submission: the Trading Allowance triples to £3,000, and small business rate relief rises to £18,000 for retail, hospitality and leisure. The rates package also gives the high street two years of certainty, and the support for households matters just as much, because a customer with more money in their pocket is the best support a small business can get. Our latest Barometer, out next week, found customer demand was one of the biggest concerns.
We’re watchful on a few things. Business Asset Disposal Relief has been halved, the rules on family succession need to live up to the promise in the Red Book, and on AI, far more money has gone into security than into helping small businesses adopt it. But the Chancellor faced severe trade-offs, and within those limits, the government has done a good job.
What we need next is strategy, not tactics: a ten-year plan for founders. Breathing space is welcome. A plan is what we’re waiting for.
Our full breakdown covers every measure, what it means for you and when it starts. If one affects your business, tell us. Your real reactions are what we take to government.
Also in this issue
Beyond the Budget, we’ve got plenty to help you plan ahead, from the buyers opening doors for small businesses at Supply Connect’s Meet the Buyer events and a government plan to cut pointless paperwork, to a new approach to youth unemployment that could unlock £4bn. There are also £1,000 resilience grants now open in partnership with EDF Small Business, and tips on getting ready for the Christmas rush.
How Supply Connect’s Meet the Buyer events are opening doors for small businesses
Government accepts taskforce plan to cut “pointless paperwork”
New youth unemployment approach could unlock £4bn, report finds
£1,000 business resilience grants now open for small businesses – in partnership with EDF Small Business
Deck the halls: How to prepare for the Christmas season
🚀 Join NatWest Accelerator for free and access co-working hubs, funding support and a UK-wide founder community.
💯 Entries are open for the Elite Business EB100 2027. Get your business listed amongst the UK’s top 100 SMEs.
🤝 Join conversations with like-minded members in Groups
🏆 Share your latest wins with us and we’ll feature you on our social channels
Will AI recommend your business? Getting found in ChatGPT and Google
🗓 Tuesday 3 November | Online
That’s all for this week!
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