New public contract rules: what small suppliers should prepare for 2027
Central government will put more weight on jobs, skills and local opportunity in major contracts from January 2027, while simplifying requirements for smaller tenders.
Petrol nears 160p: four cost checks for UK small businesses
UK petrol prices have climbed to almost 160p a litre, adding fresh pressure to small businesses that depend on cars and vans. For trades, delivery firms, mobile services and rural employers, the rise is not…
New powers for English mayors: what small businesses should watch
English mayors are set to retain more locally raised tax revenue and gain wider powers over transport, skills and planning. Here is what SMEs should watch next.
Warehouse robots are spreading: what smaller UK retailers should check
Mobile warehouse robots are gaining ground in UK retail. Here are five checks smaller retailers should make before investing in automation.
MOD factory studies open a new route into defence supply chains for UK SMEs
Twenty-two companies have won MOD feasibility contracts worth up to £300,000 each. The programme points to wider opportunities for manufacturers, engineers and regional suppliers.
UKDI Cycle 8: what defence technology SMEs need to know
UKDI Cycle 8 offers funding for rapidly deployable defence technologies. Here are the challenge areas, deadlines and readiness checks for UK SMEs.
Technical education from 14: what the reforms could mean for small employers
New technical pathways from age 14 are intended to connect pupils with local employers and industries. Here is what England’s small businesses should watch.
Primark price cuts: five practical lessons for small retailers
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.
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.
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.