10 December 2024

Final call: Snap poll to influence government - Empowering Members Through Change

The NHBF’s Survive and Thrive campaign is a bold initiative to empower Members as the industry navigates unprecedented challenges. From rising wage costs to shifting policies, the campaign is designed to support sustainable growth, champion professional excellence, and protect Members’ interests.

Key changes include:

  • 6.7% increase in the National Living Wage
  • Higher National Insurance contributions
  • Reduced business rate relief

Following several Government meetings post-Budget, the NHBF has commissioned an important analysis.

To feed into this and have your say, take a few moments to answer this short poll about the impact on your business and what you’ll do next.

 

New Business Growth Service Aims to Boost UK SMEs

Small businesses play a vital role in the UK’s economy and communities, contributing significantly to regional development and economic growth. With 5.5 million small businesses making up 99.8% of all businesses, they collectively account for 16.6 million jobs and an annual turnover of £2.8 trillion. In 2023 alone, small businesses exported goods worth £107.9 billion, highlighting their importance to the nation’s trade and prosperity.

To support and enhance the growth of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), the UK Government has announced plans to launch the Business Growth Service in 2025. This initiative aims to streamline the support available to SMEs, consolidating various programmes under a single, easily accessible framework.

Read the full statement here.

 

New support for Small Business from HMRC

HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has launched a new interactive online tool and clearer guidance for people working for themselves and individuals considering self-employment.

Aimed at supporting new and existing ‘sole traders’ to better understand their responsibilities, the new interactive tool explains the records they may need to keep, taxes that may apply to their business, and includes other useful information, for example how to pay a tax bill.

Whether preparing a first business plan, finding their feet as a fledgling firm, or already an established enterprise - small businesses across the UK can access the support and information easily and free of charge. And just like UK businesses, our support comes in all shapes and sizes.

 

Campaigning for You: Scotland Covid Inquiry

NHBF was one of a small number of organisations invited to give oral evidence to the Scottish Covid inquiry in Edinburgh this week. During the session, NHBF reflected on the impact of Covid on the sector, financial support received, discussions with the Scottish Government and the guidelines to business and tailored advice and support offered to the sector. Recommendations for the future included further targeted support for the sector, more tailored guidance and more effective collaboration between governments across the nations.