The International Franchise Show returns to Excel London on 11 and 12 April 2025 promising to be bigger, more dynamic, and even more engaging than ever as they continue to lead the way in the global franchising industry.

More than 11 million people filed their 2023/24 tax return by the 31 January deadline; while many left it to the last minute, HMRC reveals that an estimated 1.1 million people have yet to file their self assessment return.

One in three small businesses are keen to export, including many micro-businesses, but bespoke government support is aimed at bigger firms. The FSB is calling on the government to open up its overseas trade support to more SMEs.

Small businesses have a positive effect on local communities, according to the findings of a new study.

The Start Up Idea of the Year competition will give three budding entrepreneurs the chance to win grants of up to £10,000.

• Results from the BCC’s Trade Confidence Outlook survey for Q4 of 2024 found that:
• More than a quarter (26%) of SME exporters saw overseas sales decline 
• Just over half (52%) reported no change in their exports and less than a quarter (22%) experienced a rise. 
• The proportion of firms increasing exports has remained at least 10 percentage points lower than for domestic sales since the pandemic and Brexit. 

 

The British Chambers of Commerce has submitted ambitious plans for the Government’s trade strategy as this new data shows UK SME exporters continue to toil. 

 

SME exporters are also facing an inflation crunch, as 56% expect their prices to rise, while 43% expect no change, and only 3% expect a decrease. The raft of cost pressures, coming particularly from employment and tax cost rises, is putting further stress on many. 

 

The’s BCC’s Trade Strategy Manifesto sets out vital action the government should take to boost exports, and encourage inward investment, in a rapidly changing geo-political landscape. 

 

It identifies how the UK can protect and grow its trade profile in a world of increased tariffs and protectionism, where the US, China and EU all loom large. 

 

William Bain, Head of Trade Policy at the BCC, said:    

 

“If we get the trade strategy right then it could herald a new era of government and business co-operation, leading to stronger exports and higher economic growth. 

 

“The prize is huge, but the pitfalls are many and we will need smart and agile action by politicians, businesspeople and policymakers. 

 

“That means focusing on the fundamentals. We are already the second largest exporter of services in the world, these cannot be hit by tariffs, so we must lean into that natural advantage. 

 

“We also need to leverage our skills in economic diplomacy; to build secure supply chains, expand digital trade, influence the debate on tariffs and form new partnerships to build consensus. 

 

“Support for our SME exporters and encouragement to help them start selling overseas must also be put on rocket boosters. 

 

“Over 40 per cent of Chamber members export due to the framework of support we place around them. This level of advice, training and guidance needs to be replicated across the land. 

 

“We also have an edge on many countries in a range of sectors which must be promoted. These include advanced manufacturing, life sciences, climate technologies, pharmaceuticals, energy and construction. 

 

“The next few years will be pivotal for the UK’s export success for decades to come. It is crucial the Trade Strategy puts us in the best possible place to deal with the challenges and take full advantage of the opportunities.” 

 

The BCC’s Trade Strategy Manifesto sets out 29 recommendations across six areas – economic diplomacy, imports and supply chains, trade agreements, green trade, digital trade and export support. 

 

Among the main recommendations are: 

 

1. Provide leadership on spreading digital trade across the world 

 

2. Give SMEs better support to export and promote their products 

 

3. Scale up green exports 

 

4. Forge strategic relationships with global trading powers and institutions  

 

5. Promote fast growing markets and sectors to secure long-term growth 

 

 

Storm Eowyn looks set to cause disruption for UK SMEs this week, with strong and dangerous high winds as the Met Office issues a rare red warning.

Research shows that many Brits are planning to start a side hustle in 2025; a new study has investigated which side gigs are most lucrative for those looking to earn some extra money.

With the self-assessment deadline looming for the 5.4 million Brits who are yet to file their tax return, over 640,000 are set to file late according to the latest data published by FreeAgent.

The rising cost of running a business is the biggest worry for UK small firms - and many are questioning the government's support for SMEs, according to a new survey.