By Liz Barclay – ex HMG’s Small Business Commissioner The early release of Rachel Reeves’s Budget points to sweeping tax changes. For small and micro businesses, the impact could be profound and painful. Before the Chancellor even reached the dispatch box today, the Office for Budget Responsibility appeared to spill the biggest secrets ofContinue reading “Budget Signals a Tougher Road Ahead for Small Firms”
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The Budget Is Coming – But Small Businesses Are Running Out of Road – by Liz Barclay
In the run-up to the 26 November Budget, small business owners across the UK are holding their breath. It’s not because they expect good news, but because every fiscal decision now feels like another turn of the screw. The mood is anxious, tired, and worryingly quiet. When small firms stop shouting, it’s usually becauseContinue reading “The Budget Is Coming – But Small Businesses Are Running Out of Road – by Liz Barclay”
More Small Firms but no Guarantee of Growth by Liz Barclay
The small business population is rising again, but too few are hiring. Without tackling costs and red tape, recovery will stall. Today, the government published the latest Business Population Estimates for the UK and Regions. It estimates there were 5.7 million businesses at the start of 2025 of which 5.64 million are small (0-49)Continue reading “More Small Firms but no Guarantee of Growth by Liz Barclay”
Can I Run a Business and Be a Good Carer or Parent?
A Factsheet from Juggling nappies and invoices? You’re not alone but you need a plan. You’re up at 2am with a teething baby, or managing school runs, or caring for an ageing parent, while trying to run your business and you feel like you’re failing at both. You’re doing something incredible and with the rightContinue reading “Can I Run a Business and Be a Good Carer or Parent?”
What Do I Do When My Product Gets Copied
A Factsheet from It’s your design, your idea, and now someone else is profiting from it. You spent months designing that label, perfecting that slogan or creating that service model your customers love. Then suddenly you see it on someone else’s website or online retailer’s platform or on social media. It’s not a coincidence. It’sContinue reading “What Do I Do When My Product Gets Copied”