British business, clearly explained
Independent daily reporting that turns UK policy, tax, finance, employment and technology developments into practical points for small-business owners.
Latest reporting
What UK SMEs need to know now
UK economy grows 0.4%: five checks for small businesses now
The UK economy grew by 0.4% in the second quarter of 2026. Here are five practical checks SMEs can make as growth slows and cost risks remain.
Rural 4G upgrade reaches 150 masts: what it means for small firms
More than 150 rural mast upgrades are now live across the UK. Rural firms should check whether stronger 4G can improve payments, bookings, customer contact and backup connectivity.
Overseas staff visiting the UK? HMRC’s new PAYE checklist for small employers
HMRC has published new guidance for employers with short-term overseas workers in the UK. Here are the PAYE, National Insurance and record-keeping checks small firms should make.
Missed your first MTD quarterly update? What sole traders should do before September
HMRC will begin signing up sole traders who should already be using Making Tax Digital from September. Here is what to check if your first quarterly update is outstanding.
Subscription rules arrive early: an SME checklist for January 2027
UK subscription rules are due three months earlier than planned. Here is what small providers should review before January 2027.
G-Cloud 15 opens a £14bn public-sector route for UK tech SMEs
G-Cloud 15 gives UK technology SMEs more flexible entry points to a public-sector cloud framework valued at about £14 billion.
Your working week
Explore the issues shaping small business
Follow a topic for current developments, useful dates and practical implications.
British SME directory
Find businesses that support smaller firms
Browse a growing directory of UK providers, or add a relevant business for review. Listings are a separate service from our independent editorial coverage.
Search British SME’s reporting, guides and business listings.
How we work
Context you can trace, written for decisions you actually make
Start with the source. We link to official announcements, regulators, data and other material evidence wherever practical.
Explain the consequence. Our focus is what a development could change for a smaller employer, supplier or owner-manager.
Correct the record. Our editorial standards explain automation, attribution and how to report an error.