The government says the Growth Guarantee Scheme will support significantly more SME lending by 2028/29. For small firms, the practical question is how to prepare before approaching lenders.
HMRC has updated guidance on authorising paid tax agents. Small businesses should check who can act for them, which tax services are covered, and whether old adviser access should be removed.
UK Export Finance and the British Business Bank plan a new scheme for smaller exporters. It will not launch until spring, but SMEs can start preparing the evidence lenders will expect.
The Bank of England’s chief economist has warned rates may need to rise again this year. Small firms should stress-test borrowing, cash flow and pricing before the next decision.
Skills England has published 39 Local Skills Improvement Plans across England. Small employers should check whether their sector, vacancies or training needs are reflected locally.
The Food Standards Agency and Food Standards Scotland have published new guidance for cell-cultivated and novel food businesses. Small firms should use it to check whether a product needs authorisation before launch.
HMRC has set out what UK retailers, wholesalers and distributors should do before Vaping Products Duty and duty stamps affect vaping products released from 1 October 2026.
The Building Safety Regulator is changing how it handles building assessment certificates for higher-risk buildings in England. SMEs working as duty holders, contractors or advisers should check what still needs attention.
UK Export Finance says it backed more than GBP11 billion of financing last year. For SMEs, the key question is whether export finance, guarantees or insurance could unlock viable overseas orders.
The government wants faster routes for testing and commercialising new products. For SMEs, the value will depend on clear regulator access, practical sandboxes and fair routes into pilots.