According to the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), many small UK businesses are experiencing a decline in overseas sales. Unsurprisingly this has been exacerbated by President Donald Trump’s tariffs. The Chamber’s outlook report surveyed 1,800 SMEs. It revealed that over a quarter of exporters had experienced decreased sales in the first quarter of the year. This is a significant rise from the previous 14%. The stats showed that nearly a third of manufacturers faced sales declines This indicating broader issues within the sector. William Bain, BCC’s trade policy head, said: “We believe the Government has adopted the right strategy for tariffs of negotiation not retaliation, and the signals from the White House are there is a deal to be done.” He added: “It is also right to pursue a closer trading relationship with the EU and to point businesses towards the burgeoning opportunities in the Indo-Pacific region.”

iBOSS Comment:

A worrying fact but not entirely surprising. It is something that will take time to reverse. With the current unpredictability of Trump and his Team the solution would seem to be to concentrate sales effort outside of the US as Williamm Bains suggests.

If you are considering starting to export or looking to change your target markets but need some help and advice, then call us at iBOSS for a free initial consultation. We may also be able to help with any finance you need to fund your export plans. The Government, through the BBB, has recently announced new measures to support exporters. Call us on 07876 503830 or complete the enquiry form on our web site www.theiboss.co.uk ..

UK companies are projected to invest $650bn over the next three years according to the Times. The plan is to re-establish manufacturing in the UK. This is brought about by concerns over geopolitical risks and supply chain disruptions. This was revealed in a survey by Capgemini. Of British firms surveyed, 59% plan to enhance their manufacturing capabilities both domestically and in nearby countries by 2028. Rob Walker, UK managing director of Capgemini, stated that this reindustrialisation “represents a big opportunity for economic growth.”

iBOSS Comment:

Assuming the conclusions of this survey are accurate this is good news for the UK economy. Maybe we should say “Thank you” to Mr Trump for encouraging more moves to re-introduce manufacturing in this country!!? If you need help in developing your plans or funding growth then give us a call on 07876 503830. Or complete the enquiry form on our web site www.theiboss.co.uk and ask for a free consultation.

The Independent reports that the UK is at risk of becoming an “incubator economy”. Tech start-ups are increasingly being acquired by international competitors. The warning comes from Universities UK. They report that start-ups are being lured abroad due to insufficient funding for growth in the UK. The analysis by Universities UK (UUK) predicts that with adequate support, around 27,000 new start-ups could emerge by 2028, generating a turnover of approximately £10.8bn. The chief executive of UUK, said: “The growth in university supported start-ups over the last decade has been a staggering success. We can, however, do more to ensure that they can remain in the UK and grow here.” The Federation of Small Businesses also stressed the importance of universities in fostering entrepreneurship, highlighting regional disparities in support.

iBOSS Comment:

Something that we at iBOSS have been warning about for years. If you have plans to grow a ‘Tech’ business but are struggling to find the necessary support in the UK, then talk to us. Simply call Phil on 07876 503830 or e-mail phil@theiboss.co.uk for a free initial consultation on how we can help.

Setting up or buying a business can be both exciting and overwhelming, especially if it is your first time!. This is when we at iBOSS can help. Not only have we helped many clients, but all of our directors have experience of setting up their own businesses. We understand the does & don’t as well as the potential pitfalls and know how to avoid them! Importantly, we do not just sit on the sidelines making suggestions. We are quite prepared to roll our sleeves up and adopt a ‘hands-on’ attitude where needed.

iBOSS Comment:

To learn more simply call us on 07876 503830 or use our enquiry form to request a free consultation.

Technology Secretary Peter Kyle has pledged to ease unnecessary regulation that hinders development and use of cutting-edge technology. In announcing this he says that “there is no route to long term growth without innovation.” This comes as part of the Government’s first-ever dedicated strategy for the digital and technology sector. Lord David Willetts, a former Science Minister, has been appointed as the first chair of the Regulatory Innovation Office. He says that the unit will work to “shape regulatory approaches that empower new technologies.”

iBOSS Comment:

Further encouraging news that the Government appears to recognise the future importance of technology to our economy in the future. If you have, or are thinking of setting up, a technology-based SME business and need help then call us. We can be contacted  on 07876 503830 or e-mail phil@theiboss.co.uk for a free consultation on how we can help you

A recent analysis by law firm Birketts warns of increasing employment claims. It revealed that English and Welsh businesses have spent increased time (& money) handling Employment Tribunal claims. This amounted to an average of 4.8 weeks in the last 24 months. The most common claims were found to be those related to unfair dismissal (23.9%). Disability discrimination (22%) came a close second. A partner in Birketts’ employment team, says employment claims “have become a costly burden for businesses.”

iBOSS Comment:

This has to be a cause for concern, especially with  “new and strengthened” workplace rights being a central element of the new Government’s policy agenda. As Birketts point out “staying ahead of the rapidly changing employment law landscape has never been so important for businesses”. Be prepared and get the best of legal/HR advice. If you are unsure who to talk to, we can introduce you to someone.

According to analysts at Capital Economics, consumer spending will rise by 1.4% in 2025. This will be followed by 2% in 2026 as the household savings rate falls. Ashley Webb, the firm’s UK economist, said consumer spending will be “a key driver” of economic growth. The report suggests that GDP will increase by 1.3% this year and 1.6% next year.

iBOSS Comment:

If true then this is good news for the UK economy in general and industries such as retail, travel and leisure in particular. As with all well-run businesses, the key is to be prepared for a potential upturn in opportunities. If you need help in planning for this, then contact us at iBOSS on 07876 503830, e-mail phil@theiboss.co.uk or click on our enquiry form and ask for a free initial consultation on how we can help you to grow your business.

The Mail reports on new research indicating that the UK’s smallest businesses are prioritising local growth over international expansion. According to Zempler Bank, 27% of these businesses prefer regional development. Only 12% said their main goal was to expand internationally. Interestingly, while 54% of businesses expect modest growth, 24% have no ambition to grow.

It is noted that while some small businesses could be hit by increases to statutory sick pay and parental pay, most will be shielded from changes to National Insurance contributions.

iBOSS Comment:

The question is whether those that aren’t shielded have the ability to handle these additional costs? Can they absorb them or pass them on to customers in the way that larger firms can? If this applies to your business and you need independent advice then contact us at phil@theiboss.co.uk for a free consultation and to explore options.

The Mail reports that research by Admiral reveals a significant shift in employment attitudes among workers under 27. Many are showing a strong preference for long-term employment. The study indicates that 75% of 18 to 27-year-olds (Gen Z) are seeking stable, long-term roles, with many prioritising career development over higher salaries. Unlike Millennials, who often switch jobs for pay increases, 70% of Gen Z workers prefer to grow within a single firm. Matt Wintle, head of talent and acquisition at Admiral, noted that younger employees are keen to invest in their workplace and seek personal development and work-life balance.

iBOSS Comment:

An interesting change in attitude, brought about maybe by the recent lack in business confidence expressed by many SME’s. For those employers, however, this could be an encouraging trend, particularly in view of the recent Government impositions of new employment laws.

Following the Budget, Industry leaders have raised concerns that a reduction in property tax relief will lead to store closures. This, when added to the other measures announced that are detrimental to small businesses, at least in the short term, will undoubtedly cause job losses. This is particularly so in the small retail, hospitality, and leisure sectors.

Rachel Reeves announced plans to cut the current 75% discount on business rates to 40%. This will affect over 250,000 high street premises in England.

The Chair of the Shopkeepers’ Campaign, stated: “This will leave many facing unmanageable bills and difficult decisions about their future.” The changes are expected to result in an average 140% increase in business rates bills, amounting to £688m. Kate Nicholls of UK Hospitality warned that the reduced relief, combined with rising costs, will make 2025 a challenging year for the sector. Helen Dickinson, chief executive of the British Retail Consortium, commented on the fact that retailers are already paying more than 21% of all business rates in the economy. With that in mind the solution is not to simply shift the burden around. Better to look outside retail to address the disproportionate impact of business rates on the industry”.

iBOSS Comment:

Yet another burden imposed on small businesses by a Government that does not comprehend the need to encourage them to grow rather than tax them to death. And that in order to pump funds into the non-revenue-earning sectors of the economy (even though those sectors do need support)! The net result will be that many SME owners/managers are going to be faced with the possibility of having to sell or even close down the business.

If you find yourself in that position, before making any decisions call us at iBOSS on 01327 349779 or complete the enquiry form on our web site www.theiboss.co.uk and request a freeconsultations on what options may be available to you.

#propertytaxrelief #businessratesincrease #smallbusinessratesincrease