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Small and micro business: news and insights

Interviews, reflections and commentary on key issues affecting small and micro businesses.
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Latest news and insights

Chancellor John Healey prepares to deliver the Autumn Budget on 28 October 2026. Picture by Kirsty O'Connor / No 10 Downing Street
Budget analysis: Chancellor delivers ‘safe hands’ budget
  • Article
  • 28 Oct 2026
With little room for manoeuvre due to global supply challenges and low growth, the Chancellor focused on keeping all stakeholders – especially the markets – calm.
Chancellor John Healey delivers a growth speech at the Manufacturing Technology Centre in Coventry. Picture by Kirsty O'Connor / Treasury
Chancellor pledges to save UK SMEs £800m a year in admin costs
  • Article
  • 23 Oct 2026
The UK government has announced plans to further streamline small business reporting requirements and extend suspensions to import tariffs, following recommendations from the Small Business Regulatory Taskforce.
Tax news in brief 21 October 2026
  • Article
  • 21 Oct 2026
Highlights from the broader tax news for the week ending 21 October 2026, including the publication of a new webpage for checking for issues with HMRC services.
Padlock and credit card placed on top of keyboard
How much should your business worry about global cyber threats?
  • Article
  • 15 Oct 2026
State-backed cyber attackers are sophisticated, well-resourced and increasingly disruptive. Experts tell us why no organisation is immune – and what effective defences look like.
Read more

Corporate reporting and audit

Exclusive A closer look at the changes to UK GAAP affecting small entities
  • Article
  • 29 Sep 2026
Small entities reporting under Section 1A of FRS 102 face several new requirements following the Periodic Review 2024 amendments. Beyond the accounting changes for revenue and leases, we take a closer look at the revised disclosure requirements.
Sustainability reporting: why SMEs should care
  • Article
  • 17 Aug 2026
Accountancy Europe Senior Director Paul Gisby explains why sustainability reporting among small and micro businesses is as critical as ever, despite an apparent relaxation of EU rules over recent months. Find out about the changes and what they mean.
Companies House: accounts changes confirmed for April 2028
  • Article
  • 09 Jun 2026
Small companies and micro entities will have to file a profit and loss account with Companies House from April 2028 but won’t be forced to publish their data publicly. Meanwhile all companies will have to file their annual accounts using commercial software.
New targeted advance assurance service for R&D launched
  • Article
  • 26 May 2026
From 18 May 2026, small or medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) can apply to HMRC for advance assurance on specific, complex or high-risk areas before making a claim for research and development (R&D) tax relief.

Finance

Exclusive Could your business be missing opportunities overseas?
  • Article
  • 07 Oct 2026
Learn how UK Export Finance can support your business or that of your clients.
Government sets out next steps for Small Business Plan
  • Article
  • 23 Jul 2026
Late payments and regulatory reform are the headline changes as the government issues an update on its Small Business Plan.
UK government ploughs ahead with late payments Bill
  • Article
  • 21 May 2026
Following its inclusion in the King’s Speech, the Small Business Protections Bill is one of the first to be put before parliament, including a cap on payment terms and new powers for the Small Business Commissioner.
Four cost management essentials for retailers
  • Article
  • 27 Apr 2026
SMEs are currently under enormous pressure from multiple sources, but savvy businesses can ease the pain.

Management and strategy

Budget analysis: Chancellor delivers ‘safe hands’ budget
  • Article
  • 28 Oct 2026
With little room for manoeuvre due to global supply challenges and low growth, the Chancellor focused on keeping all stakeholders – especially the markets – calm.
Chancellor pledges to save UK SMEs £800m a year in admin costs
  • Article
  • 23 Oct 2026
The UK government has announced plans to further streamline small business reporting requirements and extend suspensions to import tariffs, following recommendations from the Small Business Regulatory Taskforce.
How much should your business worry about global cyber threats?
  • Article
  • 15 Oct 2026
State-backed cyber attackers are sophisticated, well-resourced and increasingly disruptive. Experts tell us why no organisation is immune – and what effective defences look like.
What good cyber hygiene looks like in 2026
  • Article
  • 15 Oct 2026
The work of protecting and defending your business from cyber attacks is never done. We share the ongoing actions you should take to shore up against the criminals’ next breach attempt.

Sustainability

Sustainability reporting: why SMEs should care
  • Article
  • 17 Aug 2026
Accountancy Europe Senior Director Paul Gisby explains why sustainability reporting among small and micro businesses is as critical as ever, despite an apparent relaxation of EU rules over recent months. Find out about the changes and what they mean.
What volunteering means for these award-winning accountants
  • Article
  • 01 Jun 2026
In celebration of Volunteers Week 2026, the four winners of ICAEW’s Volunteering Award share how volunteering became an integral part of their personal and professional growth.
Four ways this SME manufacturer protected itself from volatility
  • Article
  • 25 Mar 2026
Michael Smith Switchgear Limited insulated itself from energy and supply chain issues through an approach to sustainability that permeates every aspect of its business – meeting industry net zero targets and catching the attention of King Charles.
2026: Changes to accounting standards and more
  • Article
  • 01 Jan 2026
Whether you prepare accounts under UK GAAP or IFRS Accounting Standards, 2026 will bring new standards that accountants in business and practice need to prepare for. Plus, the UK government will be conducting a holistic review of the entire annual report.

Tax

Budget analysis: Chancellor delivers ‘safe hands’ budget
  • Article
  • 28 Oct 2026
With little room for manoeuvre due to global supply challenges and low growth, the Chancellor focused on keeping all stakeholders – especially the markets – calm.
Tax news in brief 21 October 2026
  • Article
  • 21 Oct 2026
Highlights from the broader tax news for the week ending 21 October 2026, including the publication of a new webpage for checking for issues with HMRC services.
ICAEW urges ‘breathing space’ for business ahead of Autumn budget
  • Article
  • 17 Sep 2026
In its budget submission to the UK Chancellor of the Exchequer, ICAEW has asked for greater clarity and certainty for businesses – and no more increases to employment tax.
Sustainability reporting: why SMEs should care
  • Article
  • 17 Aug 2026
Accountancy Europe Senior Director Paul Gisby explains why sustainability reporting among small and micro businesses is as critical as ever, despite an apparent relaxation of EU rules over recent months. Find out about the changes and what they mean.

Useful links

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Latest Business news from Insights
  • Hub page
Read the latest business articles published in ICAEW's Insights hub.
Doing business in the Middle East
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Support for finance practitioners doing business in the Middle East, including insights on the implications of the geo-political situation for local and UK businesses.
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Ukraine hub
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Visit our Ukraine hub for the latest on sanctions, ethical guidance and reputational risk.
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