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.
Edinburgh visitor levy: what small accommodation businesses need to check
Edinburgh’s 5% visitor levy is now live. Small hotels, guest houses, hostels and self-catering operators should check booking calculations, invoices, guest messages and exemption processes.
English pubs promised a 20% business rates cut from April 2027
Pubs, social clubs and many live music venues in England are set to receive a further 20% business rates cut from April 2027, but eligibility details will not arrive until the autumn Budget.
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.
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.
Summer VAT cut: what small hospitality and leisure firms should check now
A temporary VAT cut on family attractions and children’s meals has begun for the summer holidays. Small hospitality and leisure firms should check eligibility, systems, pricing and records before changing offers.
Online marketplace VAT review: what high street SMEs should watch
The government is accelerating low-value import duty changes and consulting on wider online marketplace VAT liability. For UK small retailers, the key question is whether the reforms make competition fairer without adding new admin shocks.
Bank Rate held: what energy cost uncertainty means for SMEs
The Bank of England has held Bank Rate at 3.75%, but energy price uncertainty means small businesses should still stress-test borrowing, cash flow and costs.
UK borrowing jump: what small businesses should watch now
UK borrowing came in above expectations in May. For small businesses, the practical issue is what tighter public finances and uncertain interest rates mean for cash flow, borrowing and costs.
CMA clears ABF-Hovis deal: what small food firms should check
The Competition and Markets Authority has cleared Associated British Foods’ planned acquisition of Hovis, a decision that matters beyond the supermarket bread aisle. For small food businesses, independent retailers, cafes and local suppliers, the ruling…