Alistair Cowen-Page – British SME

Pen-and-ink illustration of a cafe owner and visiting tradesperson checking a customer car park, with a small Union Jack as the only coloured detail.

Private parking code: what small firms should check now

by Alistair Cowen-Page
20 October 2026

New private parking protections are announced for Great Britain. Small firms can review customer instructions, operator contacts and work-driver records while awaiting commencement.

Pen-and-ink illustration of a small building contractor and cafe owner reviewing refit plans, with a small St George flag as the only coloured detail.

Building-control charges: what small firms in England should check before November

by Alistair Cowen-Page
19 October 2026

England’s building-control charging rules change from 6 November. Small builders and firms planning premises work should check local fees, advice costs and quote assumptions.

Pen-and-ink illustration of two civilian engineers inspecting a portable power unit in a small workshop, with a small Union Jack as the only coloured detail.

Army power challenge: what small technology firms can submit

by Alistair Cowen-Page
16 October 2026

UKDI’s new Army power challenge has a 10 November deadline. Small technology firms should check funding routes, exclusions and eligibility before preparing a bid.

Pen-and-ink illustration of a conservation contractor inspecting a historic English stone building, with a small St George flag as the only coloured detail.

Heritage repair awards: where small trades can follow up

by Alistair Cowen-Page
15 October 2026

Repair awards for 74 heritage sites in England give small conservation firms a reason to check project buying routes, relevant work and payment terms.

Pen-and-ink illustration of a childcare provider reviewing blank paperwork at a nursery desk, with a small Union Jack as the only coloured detail.

Tax-Free Childcare: half-term payment checks for small providers

by Alistair Cowen-Page
14 October 2026

HMRC’s half-term reminder gives small childcare providers a useful moment to check account details, help parents find them and match Tax-Free Childcare payments.

Pen-and-ink illustration of a contractor and homeowner inspecting a removable doorway flood barrier, with a small St George cross flag as the only coloured detail.

Flood certificate pilots: what small trades in England should watch

by Alistair Cowen-Page
13 October 2026

New homeowner flood-certificate pilots in England could change customer questions. Small trades should prepare clear advice and records, while checking their own flood plans.

Pen-and-ink illustration of a cafe worker checking an egg tray beside a clipboard in a stockroom, with a small Union Jack as the only coloured detail.

Egg recall: urgent supply checks for small food businesses

by Alistair Cowen-Page
12 October 2026

An FSA alert identifies eggs stamped 3UA1012066. Small food businesses should check supplies, stop using affected eggs and follow withdrawal and recall advice.

Pen-and-ink illustration of a kitchenware shop owner reviewing a laptop beside a secured glass display of kitchen knives.

Knife marketing warning: checks for small retailers

by Alistair Cowen-Page
9 October 2026

A new Home Office warning puts knife marketing and displays in focus. Small retailers can review listings, stock access and staff procedures.

Pen-and-ink illustration of a small business owner reviewing a folder beside a laptop, broadband router and desk phone.

BT/TalkTalk deal: small firms have until 9 October to comment

by Alistair Cowen-Page
8 October 2026

Small firms can submit evidence on the BT/TalkTalk deal until 9 October. Check existing contracts and current provider advice before making changes.

Pen-and-ink illustration of two colleagues having a quiet, supportive conversation in an office.

Pregnancy loss at work: support small employers can prepare now

by Alistair Cowen-Page
7 October 2026

Small employers are being encouraged to review how they support colleagues affected by pregnancy loss, ahead of new bereavement leave rights planned for April 2027. Miscarriage UK has contacted BritishSME to share practical guidance and…