UK Business Population Shrunk For First Time In 12 Years

UK Business Population Shrunk For First Time In 12 Years

28 November 2023 – New data has revealed that for the first time in 12 years, the UK business population has shrunk. More businesses have closed down than started up over the past two years. Since after the financial crisis in 2008/09, the number of active UK businesses has been rising every year, with the … Read more

Autumn Statement 2023: Its Impact On Small Businesses

Autumn Statement 2023: Its Impact On Small Businesses

23 November 2023 – Yesterday the Chancellor announced his Autumn Statement 2023, setting out the government’s fiscal plan for the year ahead. When the King’s Speech earlier this month announced that the government is focussing on growing the economy in the coming year, many business leaders lamented the lack of detail. With no clear indication … Read more

What The King’s Speech 2023 Means For Small Businesses

What The King's Speech 2023 Means For Small Businesses

14 November 2023 – Last week we witnessed a historic moment, when we heard the King’s Speech for the first time in 70 years. While economic growth featured prominently, small businesses will wonder what it all means for them. About once a year, the government outlines its priorities for the coming year delivered by the … Read more

75% Of UK Businesses Worry About Skills Shortage For 2024

75% Of UK Businesses Worry About Skills Shortage For 2024

31 October 2023 – A labour and skills shortage has been plaguing UK businesses for years now. And according to a new study, business leaders are concerned about the challenges continuing in 2024. The right staff is vital for any business to grow and thrive. But in recent years, a skills gap has impacted on … Read more

UK Shoppers To Spend Big On Black Friday And Cyber Monday

UK Shoppers To Spend Big On Black Friday And Cyber Monday

24 October 2023 – Black Friday and Cyber Monday have become important events in many shoppers’ diaries. A new survey suggests UK shoppers are planning to spend big during these discount events this year. This year was tough for many small businesses. High inflation and rising borrowing costs made running a business financially challenging. The … Read more

72% Of Small Businesses Want More Support To Upskill Staff

72% Of Small Businesses Want More Support To Upskill Staff

10 October 2023 – Small UK businesses have been impacted by a skills gap, which has made hiring new staff a huge challenge for some. 72% want more support from the government to upskill staff and close the skills gap. Small businesses had a tough time in the past few years. The pandemic made trading … Read more