What makes Small Business Saturday special this year?

Have you ever wondered how small businesses can gain the edge they need to grow and succeed?  

As Small Business Saturday approaches, the Government has introduced a suite of measures that could reshape how small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) operate.  

So, what exactly are these changes, and how could they help your business? 

Can late payments be solved? 

Why is it that late payments remain one of the biggest headaches for SMEs?  

Research shows that overdue invoices often lead to cash flow struggles, forcing many businesses to tread water financially.  

Enter the Fair Payment Code, a new initiative designed to reward prompt payment practices with gold, silver, or bronze ratings. 

Could this system help SMEs build trust with reliable partners? And if your business has been chasing overdue invoices, how might this ease your burden and let you refocus on growth instead of cash flow crises? 

What about entrepreneurs with disabilities? 

Does the path to entrepreneurship look the same for everyone?  

Many disabled business owners face unique barriers when accessing funding, which has limited their potential for too long. The Disability Finance Code, backed by major banks like Barclays and NatWest, seeks to level the playing field. 

With mentoring opportunities, improved access to finance, and a focus on highlighting success stories, could this initiative finally unlock the £230 billion in untapped economic contributions from disabled entrepreneurs?  

For business owners with disabilities, how could these changes open up new avenues for growth? 

Are there more tools for SME growth? 

What other challenges do SMEs face, and how is the Government addressing them? Consider these additional measures: 

• Lower costs – With extended business rates relief and a record-high Employment Allowance of £10,500, small businesses in the retail, hospitality, and leisure sectors can breathe a little easier.  

• Support for female entrepreneurs – Why do women still face barriers in securing finance? A new partnership between Female Founder Finance and UK Export Finance offers no-cost support to female-led businesses. Could this help expand networks and unlock growth opportunities for women in business? 

How should you respond to these opportunities? 

Are these measures merely good news, or do they present real opportunities? Their success depends on how you use them. What actions should you take? 

• Tackle cash flow issues – Is your payment system up to date? Signing up for the Fair Payment Code could help you enforce best practices and ensure faster payments. 

• Explore new funding options – Are you fully aware of the opportunities for disabled entrepreneurs? Mentoring schemes and tailored finance products under the Disability Finance Code could transform your business. 

• Claim your entitlements – Have you maximised your use of available reliefs, like the Employment Allowance? Double-check to ensure you are not leaving money on the table. 

What is your next move? 

If these measures could benefit your business, how can you ensure you do not miss out? 

Whether you need guidance on funding, managing cash flow, or claiming allowances, we are here to help. 

Contact us about how these changes could shape your business’s future.