Small businesses hold firm on costs as customers, not tax, become the main worry.
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With the US midterms projected to deliver a decisive Democratic win, and international politics still weighing in on global prosperity, our latest Small Business Barometer shows how that backdrop is landing at home.
Perhaps just like in the US, things are normalising, but it’s not a strong picture. Seven in ten owners (71%) say rising costs have hit their business in the past year, in line with a year ago, so cost pressure has stopped rising – but is not yet easing. The bigger worry is now customers, not tax. More than half (54%) name customers spending less as their biggest financial challenge, against 9% who say taxes and business rates. Read the full Autumn 2026 Barometer here.
If winning and keeping customers is the challenge, we caught up with Borough 22, who went from allergy-safe doughnuts to prime-time TV after winning Black in Business.
With costs still high and time short, we also look at why everything still lands on your desk and how to stop it, and how to get your business recommended by ChatGPT, Gemini and Google.
Finally, a milestone worth marking: Enterprise Nation has reached 250,000 members. Thank you for being part of it.
Steady but not strong – small businesses hold firm on costs
From allergy-safe doughnuts to prime-time TV: How Borough 22 won Black in Business
Join Alibaba.com at CoCreate Europe 2026 at ExCeL London on 19–20 November to meet global suppliers and investors, and see how AI can help cut your costs. As part of the Enterprise Nation community, get your General Pass for £79, saving £220.
📣 Survey: Government is weighing up how to help small businesses with energy costs – take our survey to have your say and you could win £250.
💰 Apply for a £1,000 grant to invest in practical upgrades for your business, with 25 grants up for grabs as part of the Powering Local Businesses campaign.
➡️ Join NatWest Accelerator for free access to a nationwide founder community, co-working hubs and events – plus expert support when you need it.
⚡️ Save energy and reduce costs when running a business from a premises or your home.
Bookkeeping basics: Take control of your business finances
🗓 Tuesday 10 November | Online
That’s all for this week!
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