70% of sole traders unprepared for HMRC's MTD shake-up
From April 2026, sole traders earning over £50,000 must adopt HMRC's Making Tax Digital. Research reveals 70% are unprepared, risking compliance issues. Learn how to adapt.
Category : Small Businesses
22% Minimum Wage Rise 'Causing Headache' for Small Firms
The National Living Wage rising to £12.71 an hour is creating a 'wage compression' crisis for small businesses, squeezing pay gaps and demotivating supervisors. Experts warn of brutal choices ahead.
DWP sickness benefits training plan criticised as inadequate
A new DWP scheme to train 5,000 SME managers to support sick employees has been branded 'spin politics' by business leaders, who say it fails to address the scale of 2.8 million long-term sick. Read the full analysis.
BCRS hits £2m lending milestone for Welsh SMEs
BCRS Business Loans has provided over £2m to 34 Welsh SMEs via the British Business Bank's Investment Fund for Wales, creating 104 jobs and safeguarding 189. Read more about the economic impact.
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Lloyds Bank closing invoice finance service for SMEs
Lloyds Banking Group is shutting its invoice financing service by year-end, leaving thousands of small firms seeking new funding options. Read the full story and expert reactions.
Pub faces £62k loss from business rates change
A publican warns new business rates could cost his family firm £62,000 annually, with industry leaders fearing widespread closures. Read the full story.
All-Year Christmas Café in Ironbridge Closes Doors
A festive café and shop in Ironbridge that celebrated Christmas daily has shut after six years. Owner Kim Warren cites rising bills and high street decline but will continue trading online.
Business owners warned to prepare 3-6 months for sale
Business owners are urged to start preparing now for a sale to beat a Capital Gains Tax increase in April 2026. Delays could cost tens of thousands. Expert advice inside.
Small Business Owners' Cautious 2026 Outlook
UK small business owners express cautious optimism for 2026 but warn of a 'serious reality check' for the wider economy. Experts cite inflation, rates, and AI risks.
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Willenhall businessman seeks £260k over railway disruption
A Willenhall businessman says his firm faces a 'slow and painful death' due to railway works, demanding £260k compensation. Read his story and the official response.
Essex businesses hit hard by Chancellor's Autumn Budget
Local firms in Brentwood and Shenfield warn of job cuts and rising costs after Chancellor Rachel Reeves' Autumn Budget. Read the full impact on businesses and jobs.
Help to Grow Programme Returns for South Wales SMEs
Swansea University invites South Wales SME leaders to join the government-funded Help to Grow management programme in Jan 2026. Boost your business strategy and growth. Apply now.
Pubs hit with £150m business rates rise in 2026
British pubs warn of soaring bills and closures as a £150 million business rates increase looms. Industry leaders call for urgent government support to save local pubs.
iPhone 17 for UK businesses from £19.81/month
Raylo Business now offers the iPhone 17 and other Apple tech from just £19.81/month with no upfront cost. Flexible subscriptions help SMEs upgrade devices sustainably.
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Cyber Monday Pixel 10 Pro Deal for Small Firms
Vodafone Business launches exclusive Cyber Monday Google Pixel 10 Pro deal for small teams. Boost productivity with AI tools, lifetime warranty and superfast 5G.
Businesses cut hiring plans after Budget, poll shows
Over half of UK business leaders plan to slow hiring following the Autumn Budget, with many fearing further tax rises. Discover the impact on corporate growth.
Talentheads Founder Sam Spoors on Business & Recruitment
Sam Spoors, founder of Morpeth-based Talentheads, shares her journey from corporate recruitment to building a 10-strong team. Discover her insights on sector evolution, work-life balance, and why the North East business community is second to none.
Side Hustles Add £5,400 to UK Incomes Annually
A new Royal Mail poll reveals UK side hustles generate an average of £5,400 yearly. Discover how selling online is boosting household budgets and find support for your venture.
Self-employed lose £3,000 a year to admin work
Self-employed workers in England sacrifice £3,000 annually on unpaid business admin. Discover how the new Making Tax Digital initiative aims to help and ease the burden.
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Pension salary sacrifice cap threatens small businesses
Chancellor Rachel Reeves' £2,000 salary sacrifice cap in the Autumn Budget could force thousands of employers to scrap pension schemes and halt hiring. Experts warn of a £4.7bn raid on retirement savings.
AJP Recruitment Wins Fastest Growing Small Business Award
AJP Recruitment has been named the North East's Fastest Growing Small Business of the Year. Discover how their steady, sustainable approach powered their remarkable rise.
Family-run performing arts company wins Walsall prize
Crystal Academy: Aerial Arts and Dance CIC crowned Walsall's local winner in Sage's 'Behind the Badge' competition, winning match tickets and business support tools to help them thrive.
Family Balloon Business Wins West Brom Competition
CC Balloons Wedding and Occasions, a family-run business from Rubery, has been crowned West Bromwich Albion's local winner in Sage's 'Behind the Badge' competition, winning match tickets and business software.
Solihull food outlet wins Birmingham City EFL prize
Cleopatra's Kitchen in Solihull wins Sage's 'Behind the Badge' award for community support. Discover how small businesses are championed alongside their local football clubs.
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Small businesses fear 'untenable' Autumn Budget
UK small business owners warn Rachel Reeves' Autumn Budget could make operating 'untenable' with fears of tax hikes and red tape. Read their urgent concerns.
Over 1 Million Firms Ditch Black Friday
Discover why 1.2 million UK small businesses are rejecting Black Friday sales this year. Explore the shift towards sustainable promotions and long-term customer value.
West Kirby businesses threaten closures over parking fees
West Kirby faces a crossroads as new parking charges threaten to drive shoppers away. With 50 business closures already, traders fear this could be the final straw for the high street.
Calls to Continue West Midlands Business Growth Scheme
A West Midlands programme has helped 2,000 SMEs secure £4.2m. Businesses urge its continuation as funding ends in March 2026. Read more and see how to attend the final summit.
Birmingham greengrocer fights closure after 55 years
John Ward, 76, says his Stirchley greengrocer J&H Ward beats supermarkets on price and quality. He warns the community must support him now or the shop will close for good.
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Birmingham greengrocer's 55-year fight for survival
John Ward, 76, fears his Stirchley greengrocer J&H Ward will close after 55 years unless locals choose his shop over big supermarkets. Support local business.
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