Making Tax Digital: the first quarterly update deadline is 7 August
More than 864,000 sole traders and landlords face the first Making Tax Digital quarterly deadline. Here is what affected small businesses should check before 7 August.
Under-25 employer NI cut: what the MPs’ proposal could mean for SMEs
MPs want employer National Insurance relief extended to every worker under 25. Here is what the proposal could mean for small employers—and what remains unchanged.
Defence SME action plan: how small firms can pursue new contract opportunities
The MOD wants to increase its spending with SMEs by £2.5 billion by summer 2028. Here is what the new action plan means and how capable small firms can prepare.
Tax adviser registration deadline: what small firms should check before 18 August
Tax advisers who are new to dealing with HMRC, or who currently interact with it without certain online accounts, have until 18 August 2026 to register under a new mandatory system. The immediate duty falls…
Cosmetics safety notifications: a compliance check for UK SMEs
New OPSS figures are a timely reminder for small cosmetics brands, importers and retailers to check product safety, notification and labelling arrangements.
Digital services accessibility: a practical check for UK SMEs
The government wants essential online services to become easier to use and more inclusive. Here is what the direction of travel means for SMEs and what they can check now.
UK-India trade deal is live: a practical checklist for small exporters
The UK-India trade agreement took effect on 15 July. Small exporters should now check tariffs, origin rules, pricing and paperwork before quoting Indian customers.
Salary details in job adverts: what SME employers should prepare for
Proposed pay-transparency rules could require salary information in job adverts. Here are the practical checks smaller employers can begin now while the detail is consulted on.
Payment times are improving, but SMEs still need to watch late invoices
New figures show large businesses are paying suppliers faster than in 2018, but 15 percent of invoices were still paid late in 2025. Small firms should use the data as a prompt to tighten credit…
New trade call for input: why small exporters should respond before September
The government is asking businesses for evidence on future trade relationships with Indonesia, the Philippines, the UAE and Uruguay. Smaller exporters have until 14 September 2026 to feed in practical barriers and opportunities.