Bank Rate rises to 4%: cash-flow checks for small firms
The November rate rise makes it time to check which borrowing can change, confirm lender notices and update the cash forecast using the terms of each facility.
Latest UK SME news
Black Friday returns: check what returned stock is worth
A supplied hypothetical coat example shows why small fashion retailers should test returns costs, resale timing and assumptions against their own records before Black Friday.
Delivery fees: Christmas price checks for small online shops
The CMA’s new delivery-fee letter gives small online retailers a focused pre-Christmas check of adverts, product pages, basket totals and optional services.
Cyber Essentials discount: what UK small firms should check
Eligible UK small firms can access a 75% Cyber Essentials assessment discount. Check certification history, funding availability and the separate supplier route.
New VMD logos: website checks for animal-medicine retailers
AIRS has ended. Online animal-medicine retailers should check their GB or NI logo instructions, registration details and customer-facing website pages.
Defence offsets: what UK small suppliers should prepare for
The UK offset policy will apply to selected defence procurements from April 2027. Small suppliers should understand project approval, value and commercial terms.
Babcock’s Indonesia programme: checks for small suppliers
Babcock’s UK supplier day highlights Indonesia maritime opportunities. Small firms should check registration routes, work packages and terms before committing.
Warm Homes loans: what small installers should check
The Warm Homes loan launch gives small installers a reason to check lender access, MCS certification, quotation evidence and payment terms before discussing finance.
Respect Orders: what England’s small shops should do now
Respect Orders are now available in England and Wales. Small shops in England can check incident records, reporting routes and existing case-review options.
Paper Self Assessment deadline: what sole traders must check
HMRC must receive standard paper Self Assessment returns by 31 October. Sole traders should check their filing route, access and submission arrangements this week.