Manufacturers question ability to expand production capacity
Reuters reports that a survey of British manufacturers suggests the UK’s ability to rapidly expand domestic production in a crisis
small business support
Staying in Business?
Running a small or medium-sized enterprise has never been simple, but in today’s landscape the challenge is steeper than ever. Markets shift quickly, technology evolves at pace, and customer expectations continue to rise. For many business owners, simply keeping the lights on can feel like a full‑time job, let alone finding the time, clarity, or resources to fuel real growth.
Starting a Business?
Starting a business is one of the most exciting steps you can take in your professional life. It represents freedom, creativity, and the opportunity to shape your own future. But with that excitement often comes uncertainty; “Is my idea good enough? Where do I begin? What should I be thinking about first?”.
iBOSS introduces Interim Management Support
Many business owners wonder whether Interim Management Support is just another name for Business Coaching. It’s a fair question—they both aim to improve performance and help a business move forward. But in reality, they serve very different purposes, especially when you’re dealing with rapid change, unexpected challenges, or a shortage of time and resources. Let’s break it down in a simple way.
Tax loophole favours Chinese importers
The chief executive of Associated British Foods, (owner of Primark), has warned that the Government’s delay in addressing a tax loophole benefits Chinese firms and is harming UK retailers. He has urged ministers to eliminate a rule allowing firms like Shein and Temu to ship parcels worth up to £135 without duty.
SMEs face £680m hit from Labour’s union plans
Labour’s plan to let trade unions into workplaces according to the Telegraph. It points out that this could hit small businesses with a £680m bill. Under the Employment Rights Act, union officials will be granted “statutory right of access” to workplaces on a weekly basis.
Forecast that four hospitality businesses to close daily in 2026
City AM reports that the hospitality sector in Britain is facing significant challenges, with four businesses closing daily. According to the NIQ Hospitality Market Monitor, the number of food and drink venues decreased by 0.4% between October and December 2025.
More help for struggling hospitality businesses.
Both the FT and the Telegraph report that The Chancellor has stated that only pubs will receive tax relief from the Government’s recent business rates U-turn. This leaves other hospitality businesses without the support they need. She was speaking at the World Economic Forum in Davos. She went on to say “The situation the pubs face is different from others in the hospitality sector.”
Be Prepared! – Cyber-attack could sink 10% of firms
Research by Vodafone Business claims that 10% of British firms could face closure as a result of cyber-attacks. According to the study a combination of poor crisis planning, weak password practices, and employee susceptibility to phishing scams are the likely sources of vulnerability.
SMEs will share the pain of threshold freeze!
SMEs are facing increased financial pressures following the Budget. Key changes include rising dividend taxes and the extension of a freeze on income tax thresholds until 2030/31, which will push more workers into higher tax bands, thereby reducing their spending power.