The Competition and Markets Authority has updated its programme of work on Apple and Google’s mobile platforms, giving UK app developers, fintech firms and digital SMEs a clearer signal of the areas that may shape mobile markets in 2026. The update matters because mobile operating systems, app stores, browsers and in-app transaction rules can affect…
The government has introduced the Small Business Protections Bill to Parliament, setting out what ministers describe as the toughest late-payment regime in the G7. For UK small businesses, the headline is simple: large firms could face a clearer duty to pay smaller suppliers on time, with stronger powers for the Small Business Commissioner and a…
The government has announced the first steps in a long-awaited reform of the Consumer Credit Act, with rules set to move toward a more flexible regime overseen through the Financial Conduct Authority rulebook. For many small businesses, this will not be a change to act on overnight. But it is worth watching closely if your…
Rising food and input costs are still putting pressure on small traders, with one Northampton business owner warning that some ingredients have more than doubled in price over the past year. The BBC reported that Steve Reid, who runs The Northampton Cheese Company and The Northampton Charcuterie Company from Northampton Market, has seen dried apricots…
HMRC has updated its Employment Allowance guidance, giving small employers a useful reminder to check their payroll setup carefully when changing software provider. The allowance can reduce eligible employers’ Class 1 National Insurance bill, so it matters directly to small companies, charities, care providers and other organisations with staff costs to manage. The latest GOV.UK…