The CMA has imposed new rules on Google Search covering fair ranking and data portability. For UK SMEs, the practical issue is how search visibility, AI answers and complaint routes may change.
UK CPI inflation stayed at 2.8% in May, but the detail matters for small firms: transport inflation rose sharply while food and household-related costs eased.
The Competition and Markets Authority has cleared Associated British Foods’ planned acquisition of Hovis, a decision that matters beyond the supermarket bread aisle. For small food businesses, independent retailers, cafes and local suppliers, the ruling…
HMRC says mandatory payrolling of benefits in kind will now be phased in from April 2027, giving small employers more time to prepare payroll data, software and staff processes.
The Veterinary Medicines Directorate has launched an online registration form for internet retailers of veterinary medicines. Small retailers should check product scope, launch timing and website compliance before selling online.
UK Finance says payment fraud reached £1.28 billion in 2025, with authorised fraud losses rising sharply. Small businesses should treat AI-enabled scams as an operational risk, not just a consumer problem.
HMRC has updated its employer factsheet on National Minimum Wage checks, making this a useful moment for small firms to review pay records, working time and underpayment risk.
The UK-Japan investment package points to opportunities in clean energy, technology, infrastructure and life sciences, but small firms should watch for practical supply-chain routes rather than headlines alone.
April’s GDP dip is a useful prompt for small firms to check demand, cash flow and customer behaviour, especially in retail, services and local B2B markets.
HMRC plans more than 30,000 high street interventions in 2026 to 2027. SMEs should review sales, payroll and supplier records before enforcement activity reaches their sector.