British business, clearly explained
Independent daily reporting that turns UK policy, tax, finance, employment and technology developments into practical points for small-business owners.
Latest reporting
What UK SMEs need to know now
New Creative Trade Forum targets export growth for UK creative SMEs
The new Creative Trade Forum and a further £10 million for Innovate UK’s Next Wave programme aim to help UK creative businesses scale and sell overseas.
New FCDO network opens diplomatic insight to UK business leaders
The FCDO’s new Global Network Programme gives internationally active UK business leaders access to diplomatic and geopolitical insight. Here is what SMEs should know.
HMRC payslip fraud warning: checks small employers should make now
HMRC has warned about payslip and CIS deduction fraud. Here are practical checks for small employers, agencies and businesses using contractors.
Pub and hotel business rates review: what small operators should do now
A review of business rates valuations for pubs and hotels is under way. Here is what small operators in England and Wales should document now — and why bills do not change yet.
UK power plant cyber attack: a resilience checklist for small businesses
A cyber attack reportedly took a small UK power generator offline for four days. Here are practical resilience checks SME owners can make now.
Apprenticeship wage credit proposal: what SMEs can claim now
A proposed 30% wage rebate has renewed debate about apprenticeship costs. Here is what UK small employers can claim now and what remains only a proposal.
Your working week
Explore the issues shaping small business
Follow a topic for current developments, useful dates and practical implications.
British SME directory
Find businesses that support smaller firms
Browse a growing directory of UK providers, or add a relevant business for review. Listings are a separate service from our independent editorial coverage.
Search British SME’s reporting, guides and business listings.
How we work
Context you can trace, written for decisions you actually make
Start with the source. We link to official announcements, regulators, data and other material evidence wherever practical.
Explain the consequence. Our focus is what a development could change for a smaller employer, supplier or owner-manager.
Correct the record. Our editorial standards explain automation, attribution and how to report an error.