Marketing & Sales News & Guidance

Pen-and-ink illustration of a UK engineering supplier checking an export crate beside a port, with a small Union Jack as the only coloured detail

New UKEF buyer-finance pilot: what small UK exporters can do now

by Alistair Cowen-Page
29 September 2026

A new UK Export Finance pilot aims to help overseas buyers purchase from British suppliers. Here is what smaller exporters can prepare while the details take shape.

Pen-and-ink illustration of a small creative business team preparing to export digital work, with a small Union Jack as the only coloured element

New Creative Trade Forum targets export growth for UK creative SMEs

by Alistair Cowen-Page
27 August 2026

The new Creative Trade Forum and a further £10 million for Innovate UK’s Next Wave programme aim to help UK creative businesses scale and sell overseas.

Pen-and-ink illustration of a small UK business leader studying a world map with diplomats, with a small Union Jack as the only coloured element

New FCDO network opens diplomatic insight to UK business leaders

by Alistair Cowen-Page
26 August 2026

The FCDO’s new Global Network Programme gives internationally active UK business leaders access to diplomatic and geopolitical insight. Here is what SMEs should know.

Pen-and-ink illustration of a small UK business owner reviewing a subscription renewal calendar and cancellation checklist, with a small tucked-away Union Jack as the only coloured element

Subscription rules arrive early: an SME checklist for January 2027

by Alistair Cowen-Page
11 August 2026

UK subscription rules are due three months earlier than planned. Here is what small providers should review before January 2027.

Pen-and-ink illustration of a small UK technology business connecting cloud services to public buildings, with a small tucked-away Union Jack as the only coloured element

G-Cloud 15 opens a £14bn public-sector route for UK tech SMEs

by Alistair Cowen-Page
10 August 2026

G-Cloud 15 gives UK technology SMEs more flexible entry points to a public-sector cloud framework valued at about £14 billion.

Supermac’s trademark win: five brand lessons for small businesses

by Alistair Cowen-Page
8 August 2026

Supermac’s has won the right to register its name and logo in the UK despite McDonald’s opposition. The ruling offers practical trademark lessons for smaller firms.

Pen-and-ink illustration of a small UK shopkeeper reviewing prices and stock beside a shop display, with a small tucked-away Union Jack as the only coloured element

Primark price cuts: five practical lessons for small retailers

by Alistair Cowen-Page
26 July 2026

Primark is cutting prices on hundreds of core products as online rivals intensify competition. Here are five useful pricing and stock lessons for small UK retailers.

Pen-and-ink illustration of a small UK exporter preparing goods for India, with a small Union Jack as the only coloured element

UK-India trade deal is live: a practical checklist for small exporters

by Alistair Cowen-Page
17 July 202624 July 2026

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.

Pen-and-ink illustration of a UK small business owner at a shop or takeaway counter reviewing customer feedback on paper, with plain packaging and a small tucked-away Union Jack as the only coloured element

CMA fake reviews probe: what UK small businesses should check now

by Alistair Cowen-Page
27 March 202615 July 2026

The Competition and Markets Authority has opened five new investigations into fake and misleading online reviews, including cases involving Just Eat, Autotrader, Feefo, Dignity and Pasta Evangelists. On the surface that looks like a story…