SME borrowing remains tough. Rates peaked at 4.75% and are only just starting to ease, with many loans still tied to high floating rates. Approval rates are low, debt costs are high, and fewer small businesses are willing to take on finance.

Around 40% of small business corporation tax went unpaid in 2023–24, that’s nearly £15 billion. HMRC says it’s investing £1.7 billion to boost compliance, including thousands of new staff. A big gap like that raises questions about how organised their systems really are.

The April rise in employer National Insurance is already hitting hard. Surveys from multiple industry bodies reveal that approximately 20–22% of businesses have already made job cuts, with a further 33% planning additional reductions in the months ahead.We understand how tough things are right now and how many businesses are having to make difficult decisions.

We previously posted about government efforts to get high street banks lending more to small businesses. Now it’s paying off. SME lending has hit £4.6 billion in Q1 2025, the highest since 2022. Positive signs for business owners looking to borrow

The Bank of England announced on 19 June that rates will stay at 4.25%, but signs point to a cut soon.Three members voted to lower them, and August is looking likely. Positive news for small businesses hoping for lower borrowing costs.

New research from the FSB shows UK small businesses spend nearly £25 billion a year on tax compliance, the equivalent of 27,000 years of admin.The report calls for a better HMRC service, simpler systems, and clearer tax reliefs to ease the pressure.

Some small businesses have waited over four months for tax refunds, up from the usual four to six weeks.With HMRC’s free filing service set to close in 2026, are small businesses being pushed to adapt faster than HMRC can keep up?

81% of UK Gen Z would go remote for better pay, even if it means working for a company overseas.With pay outweighing proximity, how can UK employers stay competitive?

HMRC plans a major overhaul of the £8bn Research and Development tax credit scheme. The government aims to combat £4.1bn in fraudulent claims while improving certainty for legitimate businesses. However Industry experts warn HMRC may lack specialist staff to process claims efficiently – potentially creating further delays.

Filter by business size, industry, and location to find relevant funding opportunities for your business. Explore the latest financial support at – gov.uk/business-finance-support