Growth is a key theme of the government's newly published plan for small and medium sized businesses.

It comes with five key sections which, in summary are:

1. Fixing the fundamentals through new legislation on late payment and making it easier for small firms to deal with HMRC and manage regulation.
   
   
2. Unlocking access to finance with an extra £4bn to the British Business Bank including to fund a further 69,000 Start-Up Loans.
   
   
3. Backing the 'everyday economy' by energising high streets through measures such as High Street Rental Auctions that enable the community to take over empty shops and a commitment to permanently lower business rates multipliers for high street retail and hospitality properties with rateable values below £500,000, starting in April 2026.
   
   
4. Future-proofing business skills with a focus on AI and digital adoption, continuation of the Help to Grow: Management programme, and small businesses being able to benefit from shorter apprenticeships.
   
   
5. An SME Education programme for small firms bidding for public sector contracts, increased export finance, and a Business Growth Service directing businesses to local and relevant support.

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