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.
New novel food guidance: what small food businesses should check now
The Food Standards Agency and Food Standards Scotland have published new guidance for cell-cultivated and novel food businesses. Small firms should use it to check whether a product needs authorisation before launch.
Vaping Products Duty: what retailers and wholesalers should check before October
HMRC has set out what UK retailers, wholesalers and distributors should do before Vaping Products Duty and duty stamps affect vaping products released from 1 October 2026.
HMRC’s MTD agent update: what small businesses should ask their accountant now
HMRC has published a special Making Tax Digital agent update for advisers. Small businesses should use it as a prompt to confirm software, records and quarterly reporting routines with their accountant.
Packaging data deadline: what small producers should check before 1 September
PackUK has set a 1 September 2026 deadline for correcting 2025 packaging data if producers want changes reflected in pEPR fee notices. Small firms should check records and compliance-scheme deadlines now.
Northern Ireland goods rules: the checks UK SMEs should make before their next shipment
HMRC has updated guidance on moving goods in and out of Northern Ireland. Small firms should check EORI, VAT, commodity-code and duty processes before the next shipment is delayed.
Late starts after England match: what small employers should weigh up today
England’s 1am World Cup kick-off has left many UK employers deciding whether to allow late starts, changed shifts or short-notice leave. For SMEs, the best answer is a practical one: be fair, be clear, and protect service levels.
Bridge strikes: why small firms should recheck delivery routes
Network Rail says bridge strikes still cause heavy disruption and repair costs. SMEs using vans, HGVs or third-party carriers should treat route planning as an operating risk, not just a driver issue.
Workplace health plans: what small employers should watch now
The latest Keep Britain Working update points towards clearer expectations on sickness absence, return-to-work plans and workplace health data. Small employers should start with simple, repeatable processes rather than wait for formal standards.