New research shows 21% of UK SMEs cut staff last year as employer NICs, business rates and rising costs take their toll. Hospitality firms are hardest hit.
Category: News
Stay informed with the latest UK self-employed news, small-business policy changes, tax updates and freelancer market trends.
ITV dangles £500,000 TV advertising prize for Britain’s fastest-growing smaller firms
ITV has struck a media partnership with the Lloyds British Business Excellence Awards that will hand one winning British business £500,000 of airtime across the broadcaster’s channels and its ITVX streaming service in 2026.
Barclays reopens the high street door as digital-only rivals circle
Barclays is reversing years of branch closures, expanding its high street network and restoring the bank manager title as Revolut and Wise chase current account customers.
Barclays retreats from small business lending after private credit shocks
Barclays is cutting back lending to small businesses after losses linked to private credit firm collapses, raising concerns over access to finance.
Government sets £7.4bn small business spending target to boost local growth and jobs
The UK government will direct £7.4bn a year to small businesses by 2028, setting new departmental spending targets to boost growth, jobs and local economies.
Big firms face multimillion-pound fines under crackdown on late payments
Large UK companies could face multimillion-pound fines for late payments as new laws introduce a 60-day limit and stronger powers for the Small Business Commissioner.
Government to consult on ECITB and CITB merger into single construction skills body
The Government will consult on merging the ECITB and CITB into a single industry training body, as leaders warn engineering construction skills must remain protected amid plans to boost growth and clean energy jobs.
Spring Statement 2026: Rachel Reeves trims growth forecast as Middle East tensions cloud outlook
Rachel Reeves delivers Spring Statement 2026 with downgraded growth forecast, rising unemployment and improved fiscal headroom, as business leaders warn of energy shocks and economic fragility.
Energy bills could hit £2,500 if Iran conflict disrupts global gas supplies
UK energy bills could surge to £2,500 a year if the Iran conflict disrupts LNG supplies through the Strait of Hormuz, analysts warn, as wholesale gas prices jump 50%.
UK shop price inflation slows to 1.1% in February, easing cost of living pressure
Shop price inflation slowed to 1.1% in February, according to the BRC, as food and fashion discounts eased cost of living pressures ahead of the spring statement.
‘Exhilarating’ teenage entrepreneurs take their ideas to Westminster
Teenage entrepreneurs swapped classrooms for committee rooms this week as groups of 16 and 17-year-olds pitched their start-ups inside the House of Commons, offering ministers a vivid reminder of the ambition bubbling beneath Britain’s youth unemployment statistics.
Public fears over finances push UK consumer confidence back down
UK consumer confidence slipped to -19 in February, according to GfK, as concerns over personal finances and economic uncertainty depress spending and savings expectations.
Most young Britons cannot name a single entrepreneur
More than 56% of 18-25 year-olds cannot name a single entrepreneur, with Richard Branson still the most recognised, according to new YouGov research for Enterprise Britain.
Economic volatility keeps majority of London’s small business owners awake at night
Nearly 80% of London small business owners say economic volatility, tax fears and cashflow pressures keep them awake at night, despite rising growth expectations for 2026, according to Novuna research.
Taxpayers warned to pay HMRC by 3 March or face 5% surcharge
One million taxpayers who missed the 31 January self-assessment deadline must pay HMRC by 3 March or face a 5% surcharge plus 7.75% interest on unpaid tax.
