Last month we announced an exciting new partnership between the Federation of Small Businesses, Reigate & Banstead Borough Council and Tandridge District Council. Networked Women is a brand-new series of four events enabling local women in business to come together to connect, collaborate and grow.

Led by inspiring speakers, each Networked Women session will provide practical insights, honest conversations and the opportunity to share experiences, learn from one another and build valuable business relationships in a warm, welcoming and supportive environment.

The event includes a keynote speaker, lunch and networking opportunities.

Tickets cost £8 for FSB members and £10 for non-members.

When: 30 September

Time: 12pm-2pm.

Where: Robert Denholm House, Bletchingley Road, Redhill RH1 4HW.

Car Parking and Accessibility: Robert Denholm House is fully accessible with a large carpark and the event space on the ground floor.

Future dates include: 4 November 2026 and 21 January 2027

Starting on 18 September, the Small & Mighty Enterprise Programme is designed to help sole traders and micro businesses strengthen their foundations and prepare for sustainable growth. Delivered entirely online, the flexible programme enables business owners from across the UK to participate regardless of location, making it accessible alongside day-to-day business commitments.

Over six weeks, participants will take part in live expert-led sessions covering key business topics including business strategy, customer and marketing strategy, legal essentials, sustainable business practices, resilience, exporting, digital innovation and financial planning. All sessions are recorded and made available through a dedicated online learning platform, allowing participants to revisit content at their convenience.

The programme also includes weekly worksheets to reinforce learning, one-to-one and group mentoring from experienced business mentors, and access to an exclusive peer community where participants can share experiences, ask questions and build valuable business connections.

The course concludes with the development of a practical growth plan, providing participants with a clear roadmap to support business opportunities and growth over the following 12 months.

The Small & Mighty programme is delivered by Small Business Britain in partnership with Xero and ARU Peterborough, helping micro businesses gain the knowledge, confidence and support needed to thrive in an increasingly competitive marketplace.

What does the course include?

• 12-week programme.
• Online and face-to-face sessions.
• One-to-one mentoring.
• Peer networking opportunities.
• Support to improve productivity, explore new markets and develop growth plans.

The Female Founders List is part of Small Business Britain's mission to increase the number of female entrepreneurs in the UK to 30% by 2030. Run through the f:Entrepreneur campaign, the programme recognises women who are building successful businesses while making an impact in other areas of life.

Organisers are seeking entrepreneurs from a wide range of sectors and backgrounds. Whether you are running a business while supporting a charitable cause, caring for a family member, pursuing a side hustle, or championing inclusion and diversity in your community, this could be an opportunity to showcase your achievements.

Successful applicants will be featured on the f:Entrepreneur website and social media channels, gaining year-round promotional opportunities. They will also have access to exclusive events, networking opportunities and a supportive community of fellow entrepreneurs.

Applications close at midnight on 30 September 2026.

Making Tax Digital for Income Tax is a new way for sole traders and landlords to report their income and expenses to HMRC.

From 6 April 2026, sole traders and landlords with qualifying income over £50,000 in the 2024 to 2025 tax year and who are not exempt need to use Making Tax Digital for Income Tax for the 2026 to 2027 tax year.

You need to use compatible software that works with Making Tax Digital for Income Tax to:

• create and store digital records of your self-employment and property income and expenses
• send quarterly updates every 3 months based on the digital records you create in your software - these are totals of your self-employment and property income and expenses (they are summaries, not tax returns)
• submit your tax return and add any other income sources you have, unless we have already added them for you

You’ll still need to pay your full tax bill by 31 January following the end of the tax year.