It's a double GOLD celebration for Tims – with a CHAMPION title to top it all off! We're absolutely thrilled to announce that our 950g Greek Family Natural Kefir has been crowned CHAMPION of the Yogurts category at The Grocer New Product Awards 2026. And the celebrations don't stop there… BOTH of our shortlisted Kefirs struck GOLD 🌟 950g Greek Family Natural Kefir – GOLD & CATEGORY CHAMPION 🌟 450g Greek Family Vanilla Kefir – GOLD We're particularly proud of what the judges had to say about our new 950g Natural Kefir: “A really innovative and exciting product. Thick, creamy and so many culinary uses. I would readily replace any other live yogurt with this.” A huge thank you to The Grocer and its expert judging panel for this fantastic recognition. And, most importantly, an enormous shout-out to our brilliant team at the Dairy. It's their passion, expertise and dedication that make moments like this possible. The 950g tub is available on Ocado and as a reminder you can now find FIVE of our delicious Greek Family Yogurts and Kefirs in selected Tesco stores too, including this award-winning Vanilla Kefir 450g and our delectable NEW Greek Family Ginger Yogurt. To find out more about Tims Dairy visit here. About Tims Tims Dairy was established in 1949 by the Timotheou family. With decades of yogurt-making experience, we put quality, care and sustainability at the heart of every pot. The Tims range of Greek family yogurt is pure, fresh and healthy while being irresistibly moreish and made with all natural ingredients. Created for moments of healthier indulgence, Tims Greek Family Kefir is lactose, gluten and GM free, suitable for vegetarians, made with 12 gut-friendly live cultures.

The Roncadin group is preparing for the next phase of its growth with a three-year plan targeting turnover of €500 million. Founded by Edoardo Roncadin in Meduno, in the province of Pordenone, the company is now led by his son Dario as CEO. It has retained its identity and structure as a family business while establishing an international presence over the years and intends to grow further. To this end, the group is launching a strategic investment programme in Italy and the US, strengthening its sales organisation and sharpening its focus on the product concepts that have supported its international development to date. “With this investment of more than €80 million, the Roncadin family is making a clear commitment to expanding the business in frozen and chilled pizzas and savoury bakery products for international food retailers and the out-of-home market." "We are building on continuity, innovation and reliability – qualities that make Roncadin a strategic partner for its customers,” says Dario Roncadin. For 2026, Roncadin expects consolidated group turnover of around €300 million – the highest in the company’s history. More than 85% of turnover is generated outside Italy. The UK and US markets now account for 22% and 30% respectively of the total turnover for the group, which currently employs more than 1,250 people worldwide. Thomas Schulz, former Chief Sales Officer (CSO) and Executive Board member of the Freiberger group, has been Senior Commercial Advisor to the Roncadin group since 1 October 2026. Drawing on his international experience, he will support the sales organisation and management in achieving the strategic growth target of €500 million in turnover. “Our growth in recent years has brought exceptional results and major challenges. At the same time, it has increased our responsibility to strengthen our processes, production capacity, sales organisation and governance”, explains Dario Roncadin. “Thomas Schulz brings in-depth knowledge of international markets, extensive experience in own-label pizza and a valuable perspective for the next phase.” Demand in Europe has grown very rapidly in recent months, leaving available capacity almost fully utilised. To ensure long-term security of supply for its European partners, Roncadin has therefore laid the groundwork for further expansion, with an investment of around €50 million. By the end of 2026, construction of a new production line will be completed in Meduno, in the province of Pordenone, the group’s main production site for frozen own-label pizzas for food retailers. The line will occupy a 4,500-square-metre area connected to the existing factory and will increase production capacity to 140 million pizzas a year. Production is scheduled to begin in the first quarter of 2027, with full capacity expected in April 2027. A second line is also planned for early 2028, bringing capacity to 160 million pizzas a year. Once the expansion is complete and fully operational, it is expected to create around 200 new jobs. In parallel, Roncadin is investing in its existing infrastructure to increase storage capacity and maintain high standards of efficiency, productivity and quality. In the US, Roncadin is progressing with a €22 million investment in a second production line, which will be fully integrated into its Chicago factory, opened in late 2024. The aim is to commission the line by September 2027 so that it is fully available from 2028 and total production capacity reaches 50 million pizzas a year. This will enable the group to expand its business further and meet growing demand in the North American market, which has become a strategic pillar of the group. Further investment is planned at the Sommacampagna (Verona), to broaden the range and, in particular, develop the frozen topped pinsa segment. The group intends to focus on this segment to support its growth. In Caorle, (Venice), where RoncaLab acquired a factory in 2026 that previously specialised in pizza bases, a €5 million investment has been launched to develop a standalone snack range. The project focuses on producing mini pizzas and dough balls in new sizes and formats tailored to the needs of the retail and foodservice sectors. Among other developments, a new production line has been installed for mini pizzas ranging from 7 to 12 centimetres. “With these investments, we want to broaden our range and open up new market opportunities. In doing so, we will remain focused on what sets our products apart: high-quality ingredients, careful production and the standards we set for the finished product,” adds Dario Roncadin. “Our aim is to offer versatile solutions that meet the needs of different distribution channels while delivering the quality our group stands for.” Strategic growth continues to go hand in hand with investment in sustainability. In 2026, Roncadin completed the installation of a new solar photovoltaic system connected to its Meduno factory, taking a further step towards greater energy independence. With the new system, installed photovoltaic capacity at Meduno exceeds 7 MWp: electricity generated on site covers more than 30% of the factory’s needs, while the remaining 70% comes from certified renewable sources. In 2024, Roncadin was among the first Italian companies in the agri-food sector to achieve B Corp certification. The group remains committed to combining business growth with a consistent focus on corporate responsibility. Dario Roncadin concludes: “We want to grow on solid foundations, build capacity before committing to volumes, and put quality, service, innovation and sustainability at the heart of our business. Turnover of €500 million is our next milestone. We want to reach it step by step and reliably, laying the foundations today for growth in the years ahead.”

Help for low-income pensioners Olly Cheng, Financial Planning Divisional Lead at Rathbones commented: “Pensioners relying solely on the State Pension have precious little financial wiggle room, so protecting them from being dragged into the income tax net is welcome. It would be perverse for increases intended to protect pensioners’ incomes to leave some facing a tax bill simply because tax thresholds have failed to keep pace." “But there is a bigger lesson here. The recent decision to adjust the triple lock from April 2030 is a timely reminder that the rules governing the State Pension are not set in stone. The Government says the new approach will continue to protect pensioners against inflation and maintain its value relative to earnings over time, but the mechanism itself is changing." "For younger generations in particular, the message is clear: don’t bank on the State Pension doing all the heavy lifting. Building a decent retirement nest egg of your own is becoming increasingly important. The State Pension can provide the foundations, but your own pension and savings will determine how much financial freedom you have in retirement.” Chancellor U-turn on cash ISA allowance Isabella Galliers-Pratt, Senior Investment Director at Rathbones, commented: “This U-turn is a victory for common sense. You don’t create investors by penalising savers. Cutting the cash ISA allowance risked leaving people with an uncomfortable choice: take more investment risk than they are comfortable with, or keep their savings outside an ISA and potentially pay more tax." “Our research shows why changing the ISA rules was never going to be a silver bullet. More than a quarter (27%) of people think stocks and shares are too risky, while 28% say they lack the know-how to manage investments themselves. At the same time, almost a third (32%) are willing to take a high level of risk in pursuit of stronger returns. There is an appetite to invest, but confidence and understanding remain real barriers for many." “Cash and investments also do different jobs. Cash can provide an emergency buffer or somewhere to keep money needed in the short term, while investing is generally about building wealth over the longer term. It shouldn’t be a case of cash versus investing. Both can have an important place in a well-rounded financial plan." “The ambition to get more people investing is absolutely right, but education and confidence-building are better tools than restriction. Helping people understand investment risk, diversification and the impact inflation can have on cash savings is more likely to encourage sustainable, long-term investing than trying to push them towards it through changes to the tax rules." “We hadn’t materially changed how we manage client portfolios in anticipation of the proposed cash ISA changes, particularly while the detail remained unclear. Where appropriate, we already use short-dated gilts as an alternative to holding excess cash because they can offer attractive returns relative to cash rates. That wasn’t a response to potential ISA reform; it is simply part of how we seek the best outcomes for clients." “The proposals also raised significant practical questions. Trying to distinguish between invested and uninvested money within an ISA for tax purposes could have been extremely difficult to police, while taxing uninvested ISA cash risked creating an administrative headache for savers, providers and HMRC alike. Abandoning the proposals avoids adding another layer of complexity to a system that should be simple for people to understand, use and trust.” New Starter ISA and help for first time buyers Isabella Galliers-Pratt, Senior Investment Director, Rathbones commented: “A Starter ISA could be a much more effective way of creating a new generation of investors than trying to push people out of cash. The real barriers to investing are often confidence, understanding and fear of losing money, rather than a lack of tax-efficient products." “The detail will matter, but a meaningful incentive to make that first investment, alongside the right education and support, could help turn more savers into long-term investors. That could take the form of a government top-up on an initial investment, for example, giving people a tangible reason to take that first step.” Olly Cheng, Financial Planning Divisional Lead, at Rathbones, commented: “The Bank of Mum and Dad has been working overtime to help first-time buyers get a foot on the housing ladder, and increasingly the Bank of Grandma and Grandad is being raided too. So measures that genuinely make buying that first home easier are welcome." "What we hear from clients is that family support can make the difference between a property purchase remaining a pipe dream and becoming a reality. Parents are dipping into their own resources to help, which can put pressure on their longer-term financial plans, while grandparents are increasingly thinking about how they can pass wealth down while they are still around to see the benefit. For grandparents in particular, helping with a deposit can dovetail with wider estate planning and, where appropriate, potentially reduce a future inheritance tax liability." “But buying your first home shouldn’t depend on winning the lottery of birth. The real prize would be a housing market where more young people can afford to take that first step without needing increasingly deep pockets elsewhere in the family.” Maintaining CGT Isabella Galliers-Pratt, Senior Investment Director, at Rathbones, commented: “A potential increase in Capital Gains Tax has been one of the primary concerns we’ve heard from clients ahead of this year’s Budget, so keeping rates unchanged provides some welcome certainty. That matters because uncertainty around CGT can influence behaviour even when the rules ultimately stay the same. Investors may bring forward disposals, delay selling assets or rethink how they realise gains because they fear a future increase." “For now, the tax goalposts haven’t moved, which should allow investors to focus on the fundamentals rather than second-guessing the Chancellor. Tax is an important part of financial planning, but it shouldn’t be the tail that wags the investment dog. Decisions about when to sell should ultimately be driven by long-term objectives, diversification and risk, rather than Budget speculation.” Commenting, Ed Wood, Financial Planning Director, at Rathbones, says: “Families will breathe a sigh of relief. Scrapping the CGT uplift on death risked delivering a one-two punch of additional tax complexity and potentially significant record-keeping headaches for inherited assets." "What we hear from clients is that estate planning already feels increasingly complicated, particularly against a backdrop of wider changes to the taxation of inherited wealth. Repeated speculation about further reform can make families understandably nervous about whether plans made today will still stack up tomorrow." “Keeping the existing CGT treatment provides some welcome certainty and also avoids what could have become a significant administrative headache for executors trying to reconstruct the historic cost of assets held for many years. For now, the goalposts haven’t moved. But estate planning is inherently long term, and families ultimately need a stable and predictable tax framework that allows them to plan how wealth will pass between generations with confidence.” Rathbones Asset Management: Bond market reaction to the Budget Bryn Jones, Head of Fixed Income, Rathbones Asset Management: “The Budget looks broadly consistent with market expectations, with fiscal discipline and adherence to the fiscal rules at its core. The government is maintaining around £15 billion of headroom, while targeting net debt below 83% of GDP. Elsewhere, the package combines energy measures, business-rate reductions and changes aimed at closing internet VAT loopholes, while the £20,000 cash ISA allowance is unchanged and banks see an increase in the 3% corporation tax surcharge to 6%." "For markets, however, the important point is less the individual measures and more whether the overall fiscal arithmetic remains credible without a material increase in borrowing. At present market seems to have accepted the budget as an overall non fiscal challenging event." The gilt reaction has so far been relatively muted. Gilts rallied ahead of the Budget but were broadly unchanged on the day going into the Chancellor’s speech, suggesting expectations of a fiscally restrained package were already reflected in valuations. The absence of a significant fiscal surprise is important given how sensitive the market remains to changes in the UK’s borrowing requirement and the quantity of duration investors will ultimately have to absorb. Attention now shifts from the political announcements to the numbers underpinning them. The gilt remit is therefore likely to be the more important market event. A funding mix involving greater Treasury bill issuance and less long-dated gilt supply would reduce the amount of duration being pushed into the market and, at the margin, should be supportive for the long end. Conversely, any larger-than-expected borrowing requirement or heavier conventional long-duration issuance could quickly reverse the initial reaction. For gilt investors, the key question from here is not whether the Budget sounds fiscally disciplined, but how that discipline translates into the size and maturity profile of UK government issuance.” Rathbones Asset Management: Budget commentary on gilts Bryn Jones, Head of Fixed Income, Rathbones Asset Management: “The gilt remit represents a meaningful shift in issuance away from the long end. Sales of short conventional gilts will increase by £2.7bn and medium conventional gilts by £7.5bn, while the unallocated portion rises by £2.7bn." "This is partly offset by a sizeable £7.7bn reduction in long conventional gilt sales. Long conventional gilts will now account for just 6.2% of total issuance, down from 9.1%, and dramatically below the 20% plus share seen at times over the past two decades." “That matters for the shape of the gilt curve. The market is being asked to materially absorb less duration, with additional issuance concentrated at the short and medium parts of the curve. All else equal, that should be supportive for longer-dated gilts and creates a strong technical argument for long-end outperformance and curve flattening after a reduction of QT at the long end too. The reduction to just 6.2% also underlines how far the UK's funding mix has shifted away from long-duration issuance compared with its historical norms.” Business rates Please see below commentary from Rathbones on the Chancellor’s announcement to increase the threshold at which small companies start paying business rates from £12,000 to £18,000. Ade Babatunde, Senior Financial Planning Director at Rathbones, commented: "For small businesses watching every pound, this is a welcome shot in the arm, but it won’t transform the mood overnight. Raising the business rates threshold is a welcome move that should give qualifying firms a little more financial breathing room. But what we’re hearing from business owners is that rates are just one item on an increasingly long bill. Tax, employment costs, regulation and wider operating pressures are all weighing on businesses’ ability to plan and invest with confidence." “This is positive, but it is a drop in the ocean compared with what is needed to really shift the dial on business confidence. What owners ultimately crave is certainty, stability and the confidence to invest in their business without constantly wondering what the next tax or cost increase might be.” Banks to pay extra 3% on banks surcharge starting January 2027 Adam Hoyes, Senior Asset Allocation Analyst, at Rathbones, commented: "Increasing the bank surcharge may look like a relatively straightforward way to raise revenue, but there is no such thing as a consequence-free tax rise. The bigger challenge facing the UK is how to generate stronger economic growth and investment. Banks play an important role in providing the finance businesses need to invest and expand, so increasing the tax burden on the sector needs to be weighed carefully against the Government’s wider growth ambitions." “The Treasury needs revenue today, but it also needs a stronger tax base tomorrow. The sustainable route out of Britain’s fiscal bind is ultimately a faster-growing economy, and tax policy should be judged as much by whether it supports that goal as by the money it raises in the short term.”

RPG Crouch Chapman LLP (RPGCC) has published its Budget 2026 summary, providing businesses, business owners and individuals with a clear overview of the Chancellor’s announcements and the potential implications for their finances, tax planning and future decisions. Following the Chancellor’s Budget, the RPGCC team has reviewed the announcements to help clients understand the key changes, identify areas that may affect them and consider any action they may need to take. The Budget can bring important changes to the financial landscape, with implications for businesses, entrepreneurs, investors and individuals managing their personal finances. Understanding what the announcements mean in practice is an important first step in making informed decisions and planning ahead with confidence. RPGCC’s Budget 2026 summary brings together the main announcements in one accessible resource, helping readers navigate the changes and understand the issues they may need to consider in the months ahead. As a firm providing accountancy, audit, tax and business advisory services, RPGCC combines technical expertise with a personal, partner-led approach, supporting clients as they navigate an evolving financial and regulatory environment. The publication is designed to provide a useful starting point for understanding the Budget and its potential impact. As individual circumstances differ, readers are encouraged to speak to their RPGCC adviser to discuss the implications for their own business or personal finances. Read the RPGCC Budget 2026 summary by downloading the report here:

Anas Siddique, Head Chef at Buzzworks’ newest venue, The Bass & Barrel in North Berwick, has been named a finalist for the prestigious Andrew Fairlie Scholarship, marking another significant achievement in his growing culinary career. Originally from India, Anas was born in Bangalore and grew up in Hyderabad before moving to Muscat, Oman, at the age of 20 to begin his culinary career in an Italian restaurant. He later moved to Edinburgh, where he has spent the past three years developing his skills and progressing his career with Buzzworks. Anas joined the business at Herringbone in Abbeyhill, where he spent two and a half years, before going on to work with the teams at Herringbone Goldenacre and Scotts at Port Edgar Marina in South Queensferry. His recent appointment as Head Chef at The Bass & Barrel marks another significant milestone in his career. Having previously completed a pastry scholarship through HIT Scotland, Anas is hoping to build on that experience by securing a place on the Andrew Fairlie Scholarship programme. Anas Siddique, Head Chef at The Bass & Barrel, said: “I’m proud to have reached the final of the Andrew Fairlie Scholarship. Having previously completed a scholarship, I know first-hand how rewarding these experiences can be. I’m passionate about what I do and am always looking for opportunities to challenge myself, explore new ideas and continue growing as a chef.” His latest achievement follows his appearance in the national final of the Master Chefs of Great Britain (MCGB) Game Chef of the Year 2026 competition, where he was one of just six finalists selected from across the UK, four of whom represented Buzzworks. David Bell, Director of Food at Buzzworks, said: “It’s fantastic to see Anas reach the final of the Andrew Fairlie Scholarship. He’s worked incredibly hard to develop himself as a chef, and his progression to Head Chef at The Bass & Barrel is a great example of what’s possible when someone has the ambition and determination to keep pushing themselves." “We’re passionate about giving our chefs opportunities to develop, challenge themselves and achieve things they might not have thought possible. Anas should be incredibly proud of what he’s achieved, and we’ll all be right behind him in the final." Buzzworks is a corporate sponsor of MCGB, reinforcing its investment in future hospitality leaders through masterclasses, mentorship from leading UK chefs and enhanced training opportunities across its portfolio of venues. The hospitality operator has also been recognised in the ‘Best Companies to Work For’ list for a tenth year, achieving 29th place in the ‘Best Large Company to Work For in the UK’ and its highest ranking to date. To find out more, visit here.

Chancellor John Healey’s first Budget will hand high-growth founders the most generous tax relief since 2020 but halves the lifetime limit on the relief many other business owners rely on, according to accountancy and business advisory firm Johnston Carmichael. From 6 April 2027, qualifying founders of high-growth, innovative companies will benefit from a new 10%, compared with the standard 24% rate, on up to £10m of lifetime gains. Eligibility will be set following a technical consultation, but the conditions are likely to be stringent. On the same date, the lifetime limit for Business Asset Disposal Relief (BADR), which reduces the CGT rate to 18%, is halved from £1m to £500,000. A founder who qualifies for the new relief on the full £10m could save up to £1.4m while those who rely on BADR will see their maximum saving fall from £60,000 to £30,000. The Treasury says three in four BADR claimants will be unaffected. Alex Docherty, Partner and Head of Private Client Tax at Johnston Carmichael, said: “Ahead of the Budget, we said founders needed a relief that properly rewards the risk of building a business. For high-growth, innovative companies, the Chancellor has delivered exactly that. A 10% rate on up to £10m tells anyone building the next big British business that the UK wants them to do it here." “But this Budget has created two classes of founder. The engineering firm, the hotel, the family business that sustain jobs in local communities – these are the backbone of the economy, and most are unlikely to count as high-growth and innovative. The cut to Business Asset Disposal Relief affects exactly the owners who spent a lifetime building something substantial. The consultation on who qualifies for Founders’ Relief must address that divide.” On business tax, the government reaffirmed its Corporate Tax Roadmap. The main rate of corporation tax remains capped at 25%, and full expensing continues for qualifying expenditure. But the balance of capital allowances has shifted. The main First Year Allowance rises from 40% to 50% for qualifying expenditure from 1 January 2027, while the main Writing Down Allowance falls from 14% to 12% from April 2027. John McAuslin, Partner and Head of Corporate Tax at Johnston Carmichael, said: “Keeping the 25% cap and full expensing gives businesses planning significant capital investment some continuity. But spending that doesn’t qualify for full expensing will now be relieved more slowly. Any business contemplating material capital expenditure should look carefully at the timing and nature of that investment, and at whether it can qualify for full expensing or the enhanced First Year Allowance.” David Ward, Partner and Head of Tax at Johnston Carmichael, urged owner-managed and family businesses to watch a potentially significant reform of how company distributions are taxed. The proposals aim to stop profit extraction being structured to obtain more favourable tax treatment, with draft legislation due for consultation in 2027 and the new rules expected from April 2028. He said: “The government has committed to protecting capital treatment for genuine changes in ownership, including family business succession, and intends to expand demerger relief in some circumstances. These commitments are welcome, but the detailed rules will be critical in determining how effectively legitimate succession, shareholder exits and commercial reorganisations are protected.” David also pointed to the sector-specific taxes funding targeted support. The Bank Corporation Tax Surcharge doubles from 3% to 6% for 15 months to help pay for lower energy bills, while Machine Games Duty on higher-stake machines rises from 20% to 25% from April 2027 to help fund a real-terms freeze in business rates for retail, hospitality and leisure properties in England. It remains to be seen whether Scotland will follow. The Scottish Government will receive an additional £600m through the Barnett formula over the Spending Review period and sets its own Budget on 3 December. David added: “The Chancellor has promised breathing space now and fresh hope for the years ahead. But what businesses need most from a Budget is long-term certainty, and once again the rules have changed for people trying to plan ahead. Business Asset Disposal Relief is a case in point. Since 2020, the lifetime limit has gone from £10m to £1m and now to £500,000, and the rate has nearly doubled from 10% to 18%." “Businesses are built over a lifetime, not a single Parliament. Owners need to plan succession years in advance, and repeated changes to the tax treatment of business disposals make that planning more difficult." “Moves such as asking Ofgem to scrap gas standing charges are welcome, but they’re tinkering at the edges. A tax system set for the long term and then left alone would do far more for investment and growth than another round of adjustments.” For more information on Johnston Carmichael, please visit  here.

Ed Wood, Financial Planning Director at Rathbones, outlines what the Budget announcements could mean for business owners Founders Relief offers a major incentive for high-growth businesses “The announcement of a new Founders Relief, reducing capital gains tax to 10% on gains of up to £10 million when an entrepreneur sells their business, could provide a significant incentive for individuals to build and grow businesses in the UK." “From the 2027/28 tax year, the relief could deliver a potential tax saving of up to £1.4 million. However, the small print will matter. The relief appears designed specifically to reward high-growth businesses, meaning some founders could be disappointed to discover their company does not qualify." “The Government’s consultation suggests businesses would need to meet two out of three potential criteria: 25% annual turnover growth across three consecutive years, 25% average annual headcount growth over the same period, or £1.5 million of qualifying R&D expenditure.” Business Asset Disposal Relief reduction takes some of the shine off “While the Chancellor gave with one hand, he took away with the other by reducing the maximum gains eligible for Business Asset Disposal Relief (BADR) from £1 million to £500,000." “BADR reduces the capital gains tax rate from 24% to 18%, so halving the lifetime limit reduces its maximum potential benefit from £60,000 to £30,000 per person." “For many business owners, that means the Budget is something of a mixed bag. The biggest rewards are being targeted at those able to meet the Government’s definition of a high-growth business, while the existing relief available to the broader population of entrepreneurs is being scaled back.” A broadly revenue-neutral reshuffle “Ultimately, this looks less like a broad tax giveaway and more like a reshaping of incentives towards high-growth businesses." “The Government’s own figures forecast the two measures to be broadly revenue neutral by 2030/31, with the £285 million cost of Founders Relief almost entirely offset by the £280 million raised from reducing BADR." “The direction of travel is clear: the Government wants to put greater tax incentives behind entrepreneurs who can demonstrate sustained growth, job creation or significant investment in research and development.”

Responding to today’s Budget announcements, Tina McKenzie, National Chair of the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB), said: “This Budget should have been the moment to help small businesses with the soaring costs holding them back, and the taxes restricting job creation. Instead, they got nothing to ease sky-high energy bills and nothing to make hiring someone more affordable, while the increase in business rates relief excludes too many." “The Government has an ambition for growth in every postcode. Today’s Budget missed the mark on matching that ambition." “Our latest research shows nearly half of small businesses (47%) expect their revenues to shrink in the coming months, while only around a fifth (22%) expect revenue growth. They are three times more likely to be planning to reduce headcount than increase it (18% versus 6%). There was nothing today anywhere near big enough to change that gloomy outlook. “The increase in Small Business Rate Relief for small firms in retail, hospitality and leisure is welcome for those who will be lifted out of rates. FSB has campaigned hard for the threshold to be lifted for the first time since 2016, but it should have been applied much more widely. Small businesses blighted by the rates system aren’t just on the high street. Where was the help for the likes of manufacturers, small exporters, nurseries, office-based businesses and – in turn – the people they employ?" “Of the smaller measures announced, we’re pleased the Chancellor has acted upon our call to increase the Trading Allowance from £1,000 to £3,000. This will incentivise potential small business owners of the future to take the first steps to exploring a business idea, alongside the new Young Entrepreneurs Allowance. Parental pay rights for self-employed dads and partners is also a good step." “We’ve been very pleased to see the Government adopt 14 out of the 15 recommendations from the Small Business Regulation Taskforce, which was co-chaired by FSB, including a reversal of the Companies House plan to make even the smallest businesses submit profit and loss declarations." “The Chancellor acknowledged the risks and hard work involved in setting up and running a business, and building it across many years. It is incredibly unclear what difference his plans for founders’ relief compared to entrepreneurs’ relief, officially called Business Asset Disposal Relief, will make." "The Chancellor must urgently clarify whether he intends to tax or back those who spend a lifetime running and growing successful businesses.”

While expectations were high for what the 2026 Autumn Budget might mean for businesses, the lack of major upheavals might be concealing some core concerns affecting businesses, cautions leading Cumbria accountancy firm, Lamont Pridmore. With a continual emphasis on delivering breathing room for individuals and businesses, Chancellor John Healey outlined a range of small changes without announcing any significant overhauls that would dramatically change the economic conditions facing the country. The optimistic note may have been appreciated by those watching along, as would the commitments to mitigating the ongoing impacts of the Iran war, but the gap between those who may benefit from the Budget and those who have been overlooked was palpable. Graham Lamont, Chief Executive at Lamont Pridmore, said: “The Chancellor had a clear vision about driving innovation in the UK and empowering entrepreneurs to take their chances in getting a business going despite the ongoing difficulties they would likely face." “While this is important for keeping the economy moving, there is deep concern that an entire section of the business community has once again been forgotten.” The Government’s plans to adjust Business Rates will be welcomed by many, as the increased threshold of £18,000 will see approximately 70,000 more businesses no longer liable for payments. Retail, hospitality, and leisure businesses above the threshold will have the rates frozen for two years, though there is a question of whether this will offset rising costs elsewhere. “Businesses in Cumbria will once again be tasked with managing higher employment costs in the wake of an increase to the National Minimum Wage (NMW) and National Living Wage (NLW)." “While the small businesses that rely on low-paid staff may be given provisions to handle the increase, slightly larger businesses that employ graduates face little to no support despite the need to increase salaries across the board.” The new NLW of £13.20 an hour will see workers over 21 earn £25,740 annually for working 37.5 hours or £27,456 for working 40 hours. As the median graduate salary for those 15 months out of university is only £28,500, employers can expect those who conduct more skilled work to have firm expectations around pay increases. With little Government support on offer for many key businesses, Graham expressed concern that many would struggle to maintain equity in pay bands. “It will be disappointing for employers who work with graduates to once again face rising employment costs with little support,” Graham said. “A thorough engagement with finances is going to be necessary and further details around the reduction in red tape could clarify whether savings could provide the necessary assistance." “Young people on the whole are the clear winners of this Autumn Budget. The upcoming limit to Cash ISAs has been scrapped and additional ISAs are being established and tweaked to better support first-time buyers and first-time investors." “The measures taken to support entrepreneurs through a new Capital Gains Tax Founders’ Relief and tripling the generosity of the Trading Allowance could see some exciting new businesses take root in the UK.” Other key measures introduced to assist businesses and individuals manage their bills included an abolition of gas standing charges by the end of 2027 and an extension of the 5p fuel duty cut and freeze, now remaining in place until 1 July 2027. Much talk was made of devolution, both in terms of investment and in the ways that financial obligations could be imposed in the future, with an aim of empowering regional bodies and Mayors to make adjustments that better suit the region. “With the Cumbria Mayoral elections scheduled for May next year, the opportunities for greater local spending powers and the ability to attract investment to help our economy should be welcomed. However, further details are needed before we can help businesses understand what rules will apply to them and what opportunities are present." “There could be challenges for businesses operating in multiple regions if rules and reliefs vary too much, so we will continue to look out for further details on devolution as they are announced.” Ultimately, while the Autumn Budget had been expected to be a major reset for the UK economy, the Chancellor elected to make small changes designed to push things back towards the rosier predictions made in the 2026 Spring Statement. Graham said: “There were some key points about the next Spending Review that were suggested in this Budget that will need to be handled by businesses and individuals when they come to pass." “In the meantime, getting professional accounting support will be vital for those looking to understand which of the many tweaks and changes impact them and whether this Budget is a net positive for them or if it will increase hardship.” Lamont Pridmore notes that the lack of truly headline-grabbing announcements may leave some uncertain of what the future may hold and that getting clarity on the specific impact is essential for moving forward with confidence.

Responding to today’s Budget, Ross McNally, Hampshire Chamber Chief Executive and Executive Chairman, said: “From a business perspective, the Chancellor was treading water and playing it safe. We recognise that the long-term national debt challenge cannot be resolved overnight, and this was, as predicted, a ‘no harm’ Budget. But the reality is that businesses have already been harmed by previous Budgets, and today’s announcements do little to fundamentally change the outlook or move the dial on business confidence, investment and growth." “The Chancellor has presented this as breathing space and a downpayment on renewed hope for the future. Businesses will welcome such reassurance but still need a stable, competitive environment in which to invest, recruit and grow. “Measures to bring down energy costs, including action on standing charges and the extension of fuel duty relief, are helpful. Reforming the energy system and ensuring new projects reduce bills when connected to the grid are also sensible steps. However, we wanted to see more targeted fiscal measures, including enhanced capital allowances and tax incentives for businesses investing in renewable energy, grid innovation and carbon-reduction technologies. These would help unlock private investment, strengthen resilience and accelerate the transition to a sustainable economy." “The increase in small business rate relief from £12,000 to £18,000, alongside support that will remove thousands of businesses from the rates system altogether, is welcome. High streets, hospitality and leisure businesses have faced sustained cost pressures, and this support should make a tangible difference. The ambition for local authorities to retain 100% of business rate income by 2030 is also worth pursuing, provided it gives local leaders the resources and flexibility to support economic growth. “For Hampshire particularly, the commitment to increase defence spending sustainably towards NATO commitments will be important to our defence and advanced engineering supply chains." “Ultimately, this Budget offers some breathing space, but not yet the step change businesses need. The test will be whether these measures translate into lower costs, greater confidence and sustained investment. Hampshire businesses need a clear, long-term growth strategy that turns cautious stability into genuine opportunity.” Photo: Ross McNally, Chief Executive and Executive Chair of Hampshire Chamber of Commerce

Luke Shannon-Little will deliver group-wide approach across all eight businesses as Munnelly strengthens an area of ‘strategic importance’. The Munnelly Group has announced the appointment of Luke Shannon-Little to the position of Director of Compliance, in a move which will see him lead the company’s dedicated focus on compliance and governance. Strong compliance and governance have always been central to how the Munnelly Group operates, and this appointment will now take that process one step further by embedding such a key discipline at board level. A graduate of the University of Reading, where he achieved a bachelor's degree in history, Luke joined Bishopsgate in 2019 with a wealth of compliance industry experience already behind him, having worked across several umbrella-focused organisations as managing director, founder and supplier. He is now focused on utilising that expertise in reducing operational risk and supporting continued growth within the Munnelly Group. His appointment as Director of Compliance will allow for greater collaboration across the whole organisation, working closely with the managing directors across the Group to help achieve their goals while ensuring the Munnelly Group is well-positioned for a compliant and successful future. The process is already underway to appoint a new managing director at Bishopsgate, with Luke personally involved in that appointment. Commenting on his new role, Luke said: “The move to the Munnelly Group Board is an exciting opportunity and comes at a time when compliance is no longer just a ‘buzzword’ or a ‘nice to have’, but a fundamental requirement for success. I am looking forward to supporting the other Munnelly Group brands and helping drive forward the “One Group, One Mission, One Standard” vision." “I am also excited to gain a deeper understanding of each Munnelly Group business while sharing my experience to help reduce operational risk and support continued growth. My appointment to this role will allow for greater collaboration across the Group, working closely with the managing directors to help achieve their goals while ensuring the Munnelly Group is well-positioned for a compliant and successful future.” Paul David Munnelly, CEO of the Munnelly Group, said: “I am delighted to welcome Luke to the Group Board as he focuses on leading our compliance function across all eight of our businesses, recognising the growing strategic importance of compliance across the industry." “Compliance and governance have always been central to how the Group operates and to the trust our clients place in our businesses. Luke’s appointment as Director of Compliance reflects our decision to embed that discipline at Board level, building on Bishopsgate’s track record and extending the same standards of supply chain governance across all eight of our businesses. It is a deliberate step to build on what is already a competitive strength as expectations on compliance and governance continue to grow.” Photo: Munnelly Group has appointed Luke Shannon-Little to the new role of Director of Compliance.

Johnsons Nurseries Ltd, one of the UK's leading commercial horticultural suppliers, has continued its support for Martin House Children's Hospice with a further donation of 1,300 bulbs, following its previous contribution of £1,500 worth of plants to the hospice's transformational 'THE BUILD' redevelopment project. Located just 12 miles from Johnsons' North Yorkshire headquarters, Martin House Children's Hospice provides vital care and support for babies, children and young people with life-limiting conditions across Yorkshire. The hospice offers planned stays, symptom management, end-of-life care and bereavement support, helping families navigate some of the most challenging moments in their lives with expert, compassionate care. As a long-established business in Yorkshire, Johnsons Nurseries is passionate about supporting local causes. The donated plants have been used to create calming, therapeutic outdoor spaces at Martin House, giving families a peaceful environment to relax and reflect. Building on this support, Johnsons has recently donated a further 1,300 bulbs to bring additional seasonal colour and interest to the hospice grounds. Bulb varieties such as Daffodils and Crocuses will help brighten the gardens in spring 2027, providing an uplifting environment for families, visitors and staff. Graham Richardson, Group Managing Director at Johnsons Nurseries Ltd, said: “As a Yorkshire family business, supporting organisations within our local community is incredibly important to us. Martin House provides an invaluable service to children and families across the region, so we were delighted to contribute plants to the redevelopment." "It is particularly rewarding to see the planting becoming established and know that these outdoor spaces will continue to be enjoyed by families for many years to come." Martin House's £21.9 million redevelopment transformed its facilities to ensure the hospice can continue meeting the changing needs of children, young people and their families. The redevelopment included a new children's wing with adaptable spaces for specialist care, a dedicated teenagers' wing and a wellbeing centre providing therapy, counselling and wider family support. Robyn Mountain-Wade, Director of Income Generation at Martin House, expressed her appreciation: “The gardens at Martin House have long been a haven for families, as a place to play, a place to relax and the setting for times of both celebration and remembrance." "During the build project, we had to close a lot of our grounds, so we’re extremely grateful to Johnsons Nurseries for helping us restore them with such a generous donation of plants." “We’ve already seen how much families are benefiting from spending time in our gardens since we reopened them, and the difference it makes to stays at the hospice.” Alongside Martin House, the family-run business has supported organisations including Henshaws and York Cares through plant donations and other initiatives. The latest donation reflects Johnsons Nurseries' ongoing commitment to supporting local organisations and using its horticultural expertise to make a positive difference within the community.