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What UK SMEs need to know now

Petrol nears 160p: four cost checks for UK small businesses
UK petrol prices have climbed to almost 160p a litre, adding fresh pressure to small businesses that depend on cars and vans. For trades, delivery firms, mobile services and rural employers, the rise is not simply a motoring story: it is a direct increase in the cost of reaching customers and keeping work moving. What…

October Budget confirmed: the planning dates UK SMEs need now
The UK Budget is set for 28 October and the representation deadline is 9 September. Here is how small firms can prepare without acting on speculation.

New powers for English mayors: what small businesses should watch
English mayors are set to retain more locally raised tax revenue and gain wider powers over transport, skills and planning. Here is what SMEs should watch next.

Warehouse robots are spreading: what smaller UK retailers should check
Mobile warehouse robots are gaining ground in UK retail. Here are five checks smaller retailers should make before investing in automation.

MOD factory studies open a new route into defence supply chains for UK SMEs
Twenty-two companies have won MOD feasibility contracts worth up to £300,000 each. The programme points to wider opportunities for manufacturers, engineers and regional suppliers.

UKDI Cycle 8: what defence technology SMEs need to know
UKDI Cycle 8 offers funding for rapidly deployable defence technologies. Here are the challenge areas, deadlines and readiness checks for UK SMEs.
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