Import charges: Warning from small businesses
New import charges on plant and animal-based products from the EU kicked in this week, with FSB saying they will lead to increased costs to businesses and consumers and a greater administrative burden for small businesses that rely on imports. The new rules mean that shipments of products like fish, cereals, seeds, plants, and deli meats will be subject to a flat fee of up to £145 before they can enter the UK from the EU. FSB’s warning was reported widely in the media, including in The Independent, The Times, BBC News, and Times Radio, while FSB’s Craig Beaumont told Radio 4’s You and Yours and LBC’s Andrew Marr that the charges will lead to “higher prices and less choices for consumers.”
National Living Wage: Small business views wanted
FSB is calling on all small business employers to take part in its latest survey on the National Living Wage (NLW). The survey asks about important areas for employers, including the impact of the recent increase in the NLW which came into effect in April 2024. The results from the survey will help to evidence FSB’s recommendation that Employment Allowance should be uprated in line with the NLW, and inform wider policy recommendations to the Government, political parties, and the Low Pay Commission. The survey closes on 13 May.
Vaping duty consultation launched
Small businesses that sell or manufacture vaping products are urged to take part in a Government consultation on the introduction of a vaping products duty, announced at the Spring Budget, which will come into effect in October 2026. Under the proposed new rules, all liquid vaping products will be subject to duty, chargeable at either the point of manufacture or importation. The consultation covers a range of topics and gives businesses and manufacturers a chance to have their say on the design and implementation of the duty. The consultation is open until 29 May.
Digital Adoption Taskforce gets off the ground
The inaugural meeting of the SME Digital Adoption Taskforce took place this week, hosted by Small Business Minister Kevin Hollinrake. FSB, represented by Ian O’Donnell, was invited to join the taskforce to help improve the adoption of digital technology by small businesses and it will advocate for policies that address the specific needs of small firms. FSB has campaigned extensively to ensure small businesses have access to the digital technologies they need, and through the taskforce, it will continue to advocate for key decision-makers to deliver digital support for small firms, to ensure sustainable, long-term growth.
Net Zero Council marks one-year anniversary
This week, the Net Zero Council, which works to identify and overcome the challenges facing small businesses on their path to net zero, marked its one-year anniversary. As a founding member of the council, FSB said the forum was a good way to make sure that the diversity of small business experiences and business models are reflected upon by decision-makers, while looking at effective ways to reduce energy use and cut carbon emissions. FSB’s national chair told Energy Live News: “Small firms are keen to do their part to lower emissions, decarbonise and make progress towards net zero. Together, they represent the greatest potential to make material difference.”
Fairer civil justice for SMEs: New Law Society report
A new interim report from the Law Society’s 21st Century Justice Project, on narrowing the gap in the UK’s civil justice system, included several FSB policy recommendations, such as introducing investigatory powers for the Small Business Commissioner and improving dispute resolution services. The report identified how the needs of small businesses could be better considered to ensure their fair treatment within the civil justice system.
Zero-emission heating proposals must suit the needs of Scotland’s SMEs
FSB’s head of policy and external affairs in Scotland, Stacey Dingwall, attended the first meeting of the Heat in Buildings Strategic Advisory Group (SAG) this week, advising the Scottish Government on its proposals for the transition to zero-emission heating systems. This is a key issue for many small businesses, particularly in light of the Scottish Government’s alteration to its climate change targets last month. FSB Policy Chair for Scotland Andrew McRae said: “What is currently missing is a clear idea of what support government will provide to them in order to make this transition actually happen.” During the consultation phase, FSB highlighted the importance of the Government’s proposals being redesigned to better suit the needs of small businesses.
Keeping seasonal and temporary workers safe
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is reminding small employers to check that all seasonal and temporary members of staff are properly equipped and trained to stay safe in the workplace. HSE has published updated guidance on protecting new workers, which includes a checklist for protecting new starters. Guidance for users and suppliers of agency and temporary workers is also available on the HSE website, and outlines employers’ legal obligations to temporary staff.
New free tool to create Innovation Personalised Action Plan for small businesses
The NCSC and National Protective Security Authority (NPSA) have recently launched the Secure Innovation Personalised Action Plan tool. By completing 25 simple questions about your small business and existing security arrangements, this free tool will generate a bespoke security action plan for your business, helping you decide the actions to take today to protect your business from security threats. The tool is aimed at organisations of up to 50 employees working in the technology sector, however businesses of all sizes and sectors are welcome to use it.
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