The UK government is set to majorly overhaul its immigration policy this November, with several measures expected to directly affect international students and graduates.

Among the measures, this group will be permitted to become self-employed via the Innovator Founder visa for the first time. This will allow foreign students who attain a degree to establish and run businesses here.

For young entrepreneurs, this is a major opportunity to establish themselves in the UK while nourishing their ideas into viable ventures.

What’s changing with the Innovator Founder visa?

As laid out in the Statement of Changes, from 25 November 2025, international students will be able to transfer directly from their Student visa to the Innovator Founder route upon graduating. This replaces the now-closed Start-up route.

Previously, graduates from overseas would have had to leave the UK, raise at least £50k in investment, and obtain a separate endorsement to apply for the visa, which often discouraged would-be founders.

The updated Innovator Founder visa route will still require applicants to receive an endorsement, but they no longer need to leave the UK or raise £50k to apply, as they can instead do so directly while still at university (provided they have an endorsement from an approved body for an innovative, viable, and scalable business idea).

For universities, startup incubators, and employers, the change is likely to strengthen ties with international graduates who want to translate their existing research and innovation into tangible, profitable initiatives.

In addition, the updated visa will support the UK in attracting world-class talent at a time when competition for skilled workers is intensifying across the world.

What’s changing with the HPI visa?

If the Innovator Founder route isn’t quite the right fit, graduates might also consider the High Potential Individual (HPI) visa, which targets top graduates from leading global universities.

The government has also updated this visa route by doubling the list of eligible institutions, with the change due to come into effect on November 4th. This will widen access for high-performing international grads looking to work or start businesses in the UK.

Both Innovator Founder and HPI changes sit within a broader effort to modernise the UK’s visa framework. And combined, they should make it easier for ambitious graduates to transition smoothly from study to entrepreneurship. But other changes may hinder this.

To caveat, a new 8,000 annual cap will be introduced, which can be both an opportunity and a limitation. While a tighter cap might introduce an air of prestige to the visa route, it also makes things more competitive for those looking to build their careers in the UK.

Applicants will also have less time to debate the decision. In January 2027, the maximum post-study stay will be reduced to 18 months from the current two years.

Will visa changes fuel a new startup boom?

The reforms could give the UK’s startup ecosystem a much-needed lift by helping international graduates stay on to build businesses, while also attracting new entrepreneurial talent from abroad.

It also comes at a time when many small businesses are struggling to recruit internationally. Recent changes to the UK’s Skilled Worker visa have made it harder for firms to hire international talent due to higher salary thresholds and stricter eligibility criteria.

Indeed, changes to English language requirements for economic migration routes are due to come into effect on 8 January 2026. Visa applicants will need to pass an “A Level standard” of English to stay in the country.

While the Innovator Founder and HPI visa routes could introduce flexibility, the picture remains mixed. These changes may support the UK’s goal to remain a global hub for innovation and skilled migration, but tightened rules may deter other applicants.

Names like Peter Jones, Deborah Meaden, and Theo Paphitis are the ones you’d usually associate with Dragons’ Den – having judged thousands of businesses since the TV program first aired in 2005. 

But in order to spice things up, the show started inviting guest judges into the Den last year to share their insights and bring new energy to the panel.

And just like the richest Dragons on the show, these guest judges started as hopeful entrepreneurs. 

Every one of them has their own business journeys and unique experiences that influence the decisions they make in the Den – helping them see which businesses have true potential, and those that are more likely to flop.

So, who holds the crown as the richest guest Dragon? Here’s who’s ruling the den when it comes to fortune and fame.

Emma Grede (£282 million)

Emma Grede’s entrepreneurial journey started when she was 26, after she co-founded and became CEO of Independent Talent Brand (ITB) – a global talent and influencer marketing agency. Grede exited the company ten years later, when it was acquired by marketing and PR agency Rogers & Cowan for an undisclosed amount.

Since 2016, Grede has co-founded several businesses, including clothing brands Good American and Skims. She has also worked with a handful of household names in co-founding and building these businesses – most notably Kim Kardashian, Khloe Kardashian, Kris Jenner, and Chrissy Teigen.  

According to The Sun, Grede’s net worth is $360m (approximately £282m). 

Now a renowned angel investor, Grede first appeared on Dragons’ Den during its 21st season in early 2024. During her time on the show, Grede invested £90,000 in seasoning and sauce brand Lumberjaxe in exchange for a 20% equity stake.

Gary Neville (£100 million)

While primarily known for his football career, Gary Neville is also an accomplished businessman, with an empire of companies in hospitality, property development, media, and education. 

But even before retiring from football in 2011, Neville had a non-stop portfolio of businesses. His most successful ventures include GG Hospitality, Hotel Football, Relentless Developments, Buzz 16, and Salford City FC.

Despite a financial setback in 2022 – in which his Hotel Football business faced a pre-tax loss of £630,158 – Neville’s net worth was reported to be between £70 and £100m. 

The first guest judge to appear on Dragons’ Den, Neville joined the show during its 21st season. Neville invested in two companies during this time – £100,000 in a joint deal with Sara Davies (£50,00 each) for 5% equity in sports recovery brand Myomaster, and £10,000 for a 5% share in food company Full Power Cacao.

Joe Wicks (£55 million)

Known as “The Body Coach”, Joe Wicks first came into the spotlight by sharing 15-second recipe videos on social media. He later grew his health and fitness brand on Instagram and YouTube where he has since garnered five million followers and 2.89 million subscribers, respectively.

In 2012, Wicks launched his Body Coach business – a subscription-based fitness app that offers personalised home workouts and healthy meal plans. According to The Body Coach website, the company has had over 600,000 clients in the last ten years.

The success of his business, plus social media fame, has led Wicks to gain a net worth of £55m. 

Wicks appeared alongside the regular Dragons on the show’s 22nd season in January 2025. Having been moved to tears by BodyXcore founder Joseph Keegan’s emotional business pitch, Wicks invested £35,000 in the company for a 12.5% stake, alongside Peter Jones and Touker Suleyman. 

Trinny Woodall (£54 million)

Trinny Woodall quickly became a renowned name in the fashion industry when she launched her first TV show – What Not To Wear – in 2001, alongside co-host Susannah Constantine. 

Woodall later took her fashion and beauty expertise to the business world when she founded her Trinny London cosmetics brand in 2017, which currently has a business valuation of £180m, according to Metro.

Understanding the loneliness and isolation that come with starting a business, Woodall launched her “Thriving in Business” course last year, offering bite-sized lessons on the essential parts of running a business, including securing investment, finding the right business idea, and effective marketing strategies.

Woodall’s successes over the years have seen her gain a £54m net worth, and she appeared on the 22nd series of Dragons’ Den. Alongside Deborah Meaden, Woodall jointly invested £50,000 in eco-cleaning brand Seep – which also ranked at 35 for the Startups 100 for 2025 Index – for a 4% stake in the company.

Final thoughts

The continuous popularity of Dragons’ Den – including the many successful businesses that have come from the show – has kept audiences hooked for years, especially with the addition of guest judges to shake things up.

But for businesses, it’s important to remember that money isn’t everything. While a rich investor might seem attractive at first, the right one will bring much more than just funding – they’ll also bring the experience, knowledge, and connections that can take your business further.

In the end, it’s not just about who can invest the most, but who truly believes in your mission and vision, and who can help you make it happen.

Need to find the right investor for your business? Check out our directory of the best UK venture capital funds to find the best fit for you.

A new month brings another wave of social media trends for businesses to keep up with.

They may not always make sense, but utilising the latest sounds and structures in your social media marketing can win you a larger following, improved brand awareness, and — most importantly — new customers.

Still, finding exactly what’s trending each week can be a lengthy process, and it can be difficult to keep up with how quickly social media moves.

That’s why we’ve done the digging for you and rounded up eight of the most popular social media trends to level up your marketing game this month.

Now that the clocks have gone back and we’re giving way to shorter days and longer nights, many people are preparing for colder weather, more time indoors, and, of course, the lead-up to Christmas.

And while November is considered to be a gloomy month, it also marks the start of the early festive buzz for shoppers all across the country. 

It’s no time for dropshipping businesses to slow down either. If anything, this is when things start heating up. Shoppers are already starting to browse for gift ideas, eyeing up deals and getting into Christmas mode, so it’s the perfect time to update your products and get ready for the festive rush.

With search data in hand and market trends on our radar, we’ve pulled together seven hot products from leading dropshipping suppliers to watch this November.

As daylight saving time comes to an end, it’s easy for the seasonal blues to creep up. 

And while the shorter days and colder weather mean more people opt to stay inside, this season is actually the perfect opportunity to start networking and strengthen your connections before the year wraps up.

Whether you’re new to the business world or already a professional entrepreneur, engaging with others in your field (or even outside of it) lets you learn from their experiences, gain valuable insights and even boost your communication skills.

Whatever you’re looking for, these are 89 business networking events you won’t want to miss this November.

Flexible working has become increasingly the norm; however, a new report has revealed that remote workers outside London may struggle to find a local coworking spot.

While the UK’s 4,048 shared workspaces make up one of the most extensive networks in the world, nearly a third are coworking spaces in London, finds CoworkingCafe’s Q3 2025 State of the Coworking Industry Report.

And while more spaces are popping up across other major cities like Manchester, Glasgow, there are significant regional gaps when it comes to access to flexible working spaces.

London’s coworking dominance

With 1,191 coworking spaces in total, London accounts for nearly a third of the UK’s shared workspaces. In comparison, Manchester has 120 spaces, followed by Glasgow with 68.

Other major cities, such as Birmingham, Bristol, Leeds, and Edinburgh, have just over 50 coworking hubs each. While these cities are smaller, even accounting for population, the gap remains out of proportion.

Londoners enjoy access to professional, well-equipped workspaces in abundance. This is partly due to coworking chains such as Regus, Fora Regus, Fora, Bruntwood, Workspace Group, and Spaces having multiple sites across the city.

While this gives London-based freelancers and small businesses the luxury of choice, from professional serviced offices to community-driven, creative spaces, those in regional areas may struggle to find similar spaces.

Why regional coworking is lagging

Outside of England, the growth of coworking spaces has been even slower. Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland together account for less than 10% of the UK’s total coworking spaces.

The report states that Cardiff, for instance, has only 40 spaces, while Belfast has around 35, both emerging markets with growing potential but still underserved compared to England, especially London.

London-centrism in the professional world is nothing new, and now it extends to coworking. Lower population density, fewer freelancers and digital professionals, and limited local investment in flexible infrastructure all contribute to slower growth outside the capital.

What this means for sole traders and freelancers

Sole traders and freelancers outside London may stick to working from cafés, restaurants, or home. But while it’s great to support your local, these spaces often lack essentials like reliable WiFi, privacy, networking opportunities, and professional meeting rooms.

Some hospitality operators have criticised workers who use valuable seating space and electricity to do a day’s work while spending very little, ultimately costing the business money. In January, Starbucks announced its facilities are for paying customers only, after its open-door policy invited in a string of remote workers who wouldn’t actually order anything.

Coworking spaces help to avoid these awkward interactions and can also be surprisingly cost-effective. According to CoworkingCafe’s report, the average membership for coworking costs £180 per month. This works out at roughly £9 per day for a full working week, making it a reasonable alternative to daily food and drink expenses.

However, until the regional coworking gap closes, entrepreneurs must continue to balance their laptops between the salt and pepper shakers. New spaces outside of London will be a welcome addition by both supporting sole traders and strengthening local networks.

With the upcoming “dreadline” for Self-Assessment Tax Returns just two days away, new data has revealed that over 28,000 are at risk of being hit with £100 fines for late filings.

While the cut-off date for online filings isn’t until January 2026, the October 31st deadline often involves a frenzy of late paper filers — though this is something Making Tax Digital (MTD) aims to eliminate once it becomes mandatory from April 2026.

Still, despite the UK government’s shift toward digital systems, many freelancers and small business owners are still expected to miss the deadline this year, according to research by NerdWallet UK. 

How many people are expected to miss the deadline?

Sorting out taxes is stressful enough without the burden of being fined by HMRC.

Yet, data by NerdWallet UK predicts that 28,784 business owners and freelancers will miss the paper submission deadline this week, based on 9.46% people missing it last year.

The consequences of missing the filing deadline are an automatic penalty of £100 from HMRC, even if you don’t owe any tax. If the return hasn’t been filed within three months of the deadline, an additional £10 penalty is added daily, with a maximum £900 charge.

Why are so many people missing the deadline?

Despite the rise of digital tools and accounting software, a surprising number of founders continue to juggle spreadsheets, receipts, and deadlines on their own.

NerdWallet UK’s research reveals that 33% of business owners still manage their finances manually, with 27% doing so without help from an accountant. 

Yet further data suggests that founders are struggling with financial illiteracy. A survey by accounting software company Xero revealed that 55% of SMEs admit to avoiding financial management. 

It also found that one in ten of the UK’s smallest businesses (those with nine employees or fewer) believe they don’t need to declare all of their taxable income to HMRC. 

The lack of awareness around tax bands among freelancers is another likely reason many people miss tax deadlines altogether. Nearly half of sole traders also aren’t prepared for MTD, despite the initiative becoming mandatory for self-employed income from April 2026.

How can freelancers avoid getting fined?

The lack of financial literacy among founders has inevitably led to stunted growth and financial losses.

NerdWallet UK reported that UK business owners are spending an average of seven hours on financial management tasks per week — totalling an average of £17,917 in lost earnings annually.

An extra £100 will only add to this financial burden, but there are a few ways founders can avoid the penalty.

First, it’s crucial to remember important deadlines for submitting your tax returns. Even just something as simple as setting reminders or making a note in your calendar can make it easier to stay on track and avoid last-minute panic. If you do miss the paper deadline, gather all the relevant documents and file online as soon as possible. 

Next, a good accounting software can make managing your finances much easier and more accurate as it automates repetitive tasks (e.g. invoicing), gives you real-time insights into cash flow and spending, and lets you track your finances throughout the year.

Alternatively, hiring an accountant can also take weight off your shoulders, as they know the ins and outs of tax rules, can help you avoid mistakes, and can help you save money as well. After all, 83% of SMEs say that their accountant has helped reduce the impact of inflation on their business, so it’s definitely worth the investment if you have the budget for it.

And remember, you can always contact HMRC if you have questions about the process or issues with payments. That way, they’ll be aware of your situation and shouldn’t impose added fines.

It isn’t news to anyone that the internet isn’t what it used to be. Nowadays, many of the online spaces we once enjoyed are now filled with advertisements or sponsored content made only to gain advertising revenue.

This is due to a process known as “enshittification”. The label refers to digital platforms and online services gradually getting worse for users over time — usually due to companies prioritising profit over user experience. 

No company is safe from enshittification. Social media platforms like Facebook and LinkedIn have both been criticised for pushing shallow content and endless ads. 

Meanwhile, some complain that search engine results have become filled with sponsored content, and large ecommerce businesses bury independent sellers under paid placements.

And while artificial intelligence (AI) could be the solution for businesses to win back customer trust, experts are saying the rush to adopt the technology could add more fuel to the fire.

What is enshittification?

Enshittification (also called “crapification” and “platform decay”) is a term coined by journalist Cory Doctorow, describing how online platforms gradually get worse for users over time. 

According to Doctorow, it can occur when a company changes its focus from offering a good service to making more money for its owners and investors.

The enshittification process works in three stages. First, it focuses on attracting users by offering high-quality products and services. 

From there, the platform starts to degrade the customer experience (for example, by showing more ads or promoting sponsored products), before milking as much value from both users and business customers. 

As a result, the quality of the service drastically declines, customers are left frustrated, and the platform continues to prioritise profit over user experience.

How might AI lead to enshittification?

AI has the potential to improve user experience, such as by giving product recommendations based on preferences via personalised digital marketing campaigns. 

But, as one expert has warned, it’s impossible to ignore how it might also contribute to enshittification if used incorrectly by platforms

Chris Jones is Managing Director at PSE Consulting, a payment specialist that advises businesses on building checkouts. He advises that businesses should build AI agents that “act in the best interest of consumers — not just sellers or shareholders”.

Experts have already noted how generative AI can lead to mass-product listings, fake customer reviews, and low-quality product descriptions or images (also known as “AI slop”), making it harder for users to find authentic or high-quality products.

Moreover, replacing human support through AI-powered chatbots may save a business money, but it quickly leads to more irate customers if it fails to solve more complex problems, such as processing refunds and order modifications.

Platforms are already taking action to penalise AI-generated content that’s considered to be low-quality, spammy, or deceptive. LinkedIn updated its algorithm in July to minimise the reach of AI content, resulting in many users struggling to get engagement on their posts.

Daniel Ionescu, media entrepreneur and founder of Millennial Masters, offered his opinion. “AI isn’t making search, discovery, or commerce better for us. It’s mostly another tool for platforms to lock you in, auto-generate filler, and keep eyeballs glued to their ecosystem”.

How AI can amplify online frustration

Enshittification isn’t just a buzzword or something made up by disgruntled people who miss the golden age of the internet — it’s something that’s genuinely affecting the consumer experience and how they feel when shopping online. 

According to a study by WARC, 79% of customers now describe online shopping as a “joyless scroll”, while 78% say they feel overwhelmed by the amount of choices.

But while AI could help to ease these problems through a more personalised shopping experience, the pressure startups face to adopt the technology could easily lead to rushed and poorly implemented solutions that offer little value.

“If platforms move too quickly to monetise, prioritising advertising revenue over genuine customer value, trust will deteriorate,” Jones concludes. 

“Consumers may withhold the very data which would make their experiences better, reducing the opportunities presented by AI before they even arrive”.

In recent years, big names including Spotify, Netflix, Oracle and Comcast have all opted to adopt a co-CEO leadership structure.

The model has huge benefits, especially when it comes to winning funding, as responsibility is shared therefore potentially mitigating the burnout that founders report.

However, while many startups have co-founders from the beginning, is this a model that SMEs should be looking at?

What is the co-CEO trend?

The trend, which has been picked up by Reuters and Quartz, among others, has seen companies either replace a solo CEO with two co-CEOs like Spotify, or bring in a new CEO to join an existing leader.

Spotify’s CEO, Daniel Ek, has held his role for nearly two decades but is now handing over to co-presidents Alex Norström and Gustav Söderström, who will work together from January 1 2026.

The duo had already been serving as co-presidents, but each had a different focus. Söderström was Chief Product and Technology Officer, while Norström was Chief Business Officer.

In the announcement, Spotify singled out the pair’s differing focusses as a strength; but also the fact that they have worked together for more than 15 years.

The two said in a joint statement: “We’ve worked together a very long time and have seen Spotify through many different chapters…While we bring different experiences and perspectives to the CEO role, we both have a strong bias to action and can’t wait to get started knowing that we will have Daniel’s full partnership and ongoing support.”

Comcast has taken a different approach. Brian L. Roberts has held the role of CEO since 2002, but announced last month that the company’s president, Mike Cavanagh, will be joining him as co-CEO. While news reports suggest that this is succession planning, Roberts stated that the two CEOs are looking forward to working together “for years to come”.

Why are companies appointing co-CEOs?

A study quoted by the Harvard Business Review showed that the co-CEO structure often translates into better results.

The team studied 87 public companies between 1996 and 2020, which were being led by co-CEOs, and found that “they generated average annual shareholder returns of 9.5% while the duo was in charge, better than the 6.9% average for each firm’s relevant index”. This equated to nearly 60% outperforming ventures with a single CEO.

The study also recorded that the average tenure was around five years, which was “on par with solo CEOs”. Success seems to pivot on bringing two people together who have complementary abilities and clearly defined roles; and if this works, the model can last.

Another clear advantage is that co-CEOs can support each other, especially when it comes to seeking funding. Investors recognise this. As one blogger wrote on Medium: “Solo founders make investors nervous. Startups are lonely and exhausting, and a single founder is more likely to burn out or slow down without a strong support network.”

However, the success of a co-CEO relationship is dependent on both individuals working well together; and being able to deal with any friction, especially in high stress situations.

Can co-leading work for SMEs?

It is important to point out that while there is an upwards trend – the majority of companies still operate with one leader who is supported by a C-Suite. Executive search firm Heidrick & Struggles reports that of the Fortune 1000 companies, 14 have co-CEOs in place in 2025.

Also, for some SMEs, the model is irrelevant. According to government statistics, just over four million small to medium businesses have no employees on their books. Bringing in a partner in this situation would be a huge financial decision.

For larger ventures, bringing on board a co-CEO would mean the founder (who usually holds the role of CEO) delineating what responsibilities they would like to hand over. This delineation of roles is essential.

There would also need to be decisions made on the equity share in the company – namely whether this should be a 50/50 split; as well as if equity should dictate voting rights.

However, the key deciding factor for whether this model can work will be financial. Bringing a CEO into a venture – whether as a co-CEO or sole leader – is expensive. Their salary and equity must be weighed up with the growth that their appointment is hoped will bring.

A study of SMEs across the UK has revealed that many founders are struggling with financial literacy – and it may even be impacting their cash flow.

The data – published by the global small business platform, Xero – revealed that 38% of SME owners were unaware if their business was profitable last month, while more than half (55%) admitted that they avoid dealing with finances.

The survey results suggest an alarming lack of confidence among founders when it comes to their finances, and have given strength to calls for financial literacy to be taught in schools.

“Not a numbers person”

The survey, which took place this past summer, saw both business owners and accountants quizzed. It revealed a “widespread lack of financial confidence among entrepreneurs” that is directly resulting in “mistakes and missed opportunities, with significant implications for individual businesses and the broader economy”.

Among the findings was that more than half of respondents struggle with cash flow management. One in four (28%) business owners don’t think of themselves as “a numbers person”. That figure rises to 32% among women and 38% for those aged 18-34.

Blissful ignorance

The survey also uncovered that many business owners are either blithely unaware of their financial literacy shortcomings or choose to ignore them.

Only 24% of small business owners believed that they lack necessary financial skills, but the survey results from accountants and bookkeepers suggest otherwise.

Nearly half of these financial professionals talked about how misinformation heard in social places like pubs or on social media by ‘finfluencers’ had often been taken as the truth by their clients, leading to financial mistakes.

Half of the professionals surveyed said that they had clients who believed the government would reimburse their expenses. Meanwhile, one third had clients who didn’t realise that dividends are taxable.

The most shocking statistic, though, was that one in ten of the smallest businesses (up to nine employees) incorrectly believe that they don’t need to declare all their income to tax authorities. 51% also wrongly believe HMRC will contact them if a tax return is due.

Financial implications

The Xero team reports that the holes in the participants’ knowledge had already led to serious financial consequences. This is because they were getting even the basics wrong.

39% of small businesses are failing to claim all eligible expenses, while 59% of the sole traders were operating without a separate business bank account.

The results also revealed that more than half have been caught off guard by unexpected costs, while just over a quarter were not setting aside enough money for tax or submitting a late tax or VAT return.

For some financial tasks, such as calculating payroll, entrepreneurs can use DIY accounting or payroll software. But more intricate processes can often require specialist knowledge or education.

Social stigma

The researchers are pointing to the social stigma of admitting a gap in knowledge as one reason why business owners are pushing on without addressing the issue.

Kate Hayward, the UK Managing Director of Xero explains: “Culturally, there’s a stigma around not knowing our numbers. There’s no shame in it when nobody is teaching us about it, but businesses deserve more.”

The data uncovered that 22% admitted that they are too afraid to ask financial questions, because “they feel that they should already know the answers”.

Xero has launched a free programme for business owners but Hayward adds that the Government needs to rethink education to “train our children to think and behave like entrepreneurs”.

Wider problem

The findings reflect a wider lack of financial knowledge across our society, says experts. In a piece published by Professional Adviser, Dan Russell, founder of the education platform, Funkled, says that poor financial literacy and understanding was “the single biggest challenge facing financial services”.

The London Foundation for Banking & Finance CEO Shelley Doorey-Williams added in the article: “Rather embarrassingly, we [the UK] are very low when it comes to levels of financial literacy. One of our biggest exports is financial services but individuals who live here are struggling. When compared to other nations we do score rather low.”

The data suggests that founders need to take proactive steps immediately to take stock of their knowledge, not least because financial literacy ensures they are compliant, financially prepared and making the right decisions for their businesses.

Another week and another warning that SMEs and startups could be cripped by a business rate hike next April. That’s despite governmental promises of relief. 

The Office for National Statistics (ONS) has released its Consumer Prices Index (CPI) inflation figure for September; and it has resulted in concern. 

Analysts at global tax firm Ryan say that this figure suggests that overall business rates yield on companies across England will rise by 3.8% in April next year. This is alongside the revaluation of rates, which means that tax business rate taxes will be linked to property valuations from April 2024. 

The analysis comes at a time when high street names like Co-op are warning that there could be huge job losses should the UK Government not deliver the drastic rate reforms that businesses are calling for. 

Earlier this month, Co-op released new research that suggested that the UK could see 60,000 small shops and 150,000 jobs disappear if radical change doesn’t happen.

Why is the CPI inflation figure important?

The latest report from The Office for National Statistics states that the CPI rose by 3.8% in the 12 months to September 2025, which was unchanged from August.

As The Independent writes, this figure is “highly influential” as it is used as a key factor in setting many of the following year’s tax policies and welfare spending commitments. 

The analysts state that it suggests that there will be a £1.06bn increase in business rates in April 2026 as the new tax year kicks in. 

Record property taxes

A long held complaint is that business rates in the UK are cripplingly high, and this has had a profound impact on businesses. 

Andreas Adamides, CEO of Helm, a network for founders and CEOs of scaling UK companies with an average turnover of £21m, said: “The UK has the highest property taxes in the developed world, yet we keep piling on more. High streets are being choked to death whilst competing with online rivals who face a fraction of the burden.”

This is especially true for those in the hospitality industry because premises have to be large to accommodate customers. In July, Nick Mackenzie, boss of the leading pub chain, Greene King, called for urgent reform and stated that business rates should be charged on profits, rather than on property, to help relieve financial pressure on the struggling pub industry.

This call is especially urgent now as payments look set to increase for large Retail, Hospitality, and Leisure (RHL) properties – namely those with a rateable value (RV) of more than £500,000. They are set to be hit with an extra payment worth up to 10p on each £1.

Could SMEs get relief?

While this is bad news for the likes of supermarkets and office space businesses, the Government might still deliver on relief for smaller ventures. 

Despite hold ups in the House of Lords, business rate reform was mooted by the Labour Party even before the election and remains high on the agenda. 

However, as the Autumn Budget on 26 November approaches, SMEs are nervous as to what will actually materialise. Seven in 10 Brits “…doubt the Government will deliver on relief”. Promises have already been watered down, after all; and tax rises are looking certain. 

In the meanwhile, the Government is urging founders to create an online account to track their business rates closely ahead of the April 2026 revaluation. 

The Business Rates Valuation Account informs businesses about changes to their rateable value (RV), which is the figure that determines how much they pay in business rates. This happens every three years but this year will potentially coincide with more sweeping reforms. 

While firms will have to wait another month for the budget, forward planning, including setting up one of these accounts, is advised. This means SMEs are a little more prepared when the Chancellor makes her announcement whether the reforms go far enough or not. 

The organisation behind the Real Living Wage (RLW) is reporting that the voluntary payment has increased, impacting almost half a million workers.

The Living Wage Foundation says that the hourly rate will increase by 95p to £14.80 in London and by 85p to £13.45 for the rest of the country, with the change effective immediately.

This translates to more than £2,418 more per year in the UK than the legal minimum, and over £5,050 more in London.

The Foundation adds that there are currently 16,000 UK companies signed up to the scheme, including IKEA, Everton FC, Aviva and recent signee, high-street retailer Uniqlo.

What is the Real Living Wage?

The real Living Wage is described as the “only UK wage rate independently calculated based on what is needed to cover living costs”.

It is different from the government’s National Living Wage, which is the legal minimum employers must pay for over-21s (and, as such, is compulsory).

Instead, this is a voluntary payment. Higher than the NLW, it takes into account everyday household costs such as rent and energy bills, childcare and transport, as well as items like a warm winter coat for children, or savings for a financial emergency like a broken boiler.

It also applies to a larger number of workers as it includes anyone over the age of 18 who is working for a Living Wage Employer. Currently, workers aged between 16 and 18 are paid the lower National Minimum Wage rate.

Wider reforms

The news will only have implications for those businesses who have signed up to the scheme; but their number is growing.

The Foundation announced that there have been nearly 2,500 new accreditations over the past year, and that one in seven employees now work for an accredited RLW Employer.

Katherine Chapman, Executive Director of the Living Wage Foundation, said:  “It remains a tough time for low-paid workers, with 4.5 million people still earning less than the real Living Wage and struggling to escape the grip of in-work poverty.”

The Government is pushing ahead with employment reforms that are also hoped to address this, with zero-hours contracts and day-one dismissals set to undergo reforms.

The Work Foundation has estimated that 1.2 million workers would have been protected from “severe insecurity” in the workplace if the unfair dismissal measures had already been in place in 2023 with a six-month statutory probation period.

Why are SMEs concerned?

However, while the added protections for workers are largely being praised, businesses are voicing their concerns about who will foot the bill.

Zero-hours contracts reforms have come under particular fire from recruitment companies who want agency workers exempt from the changes.

Paul Seath of legal firm Bates Wells, told People Management that the proposals are aimed at ending exploitation but might have the “unintended consequence” of “…creat[ing] greater uncertainty for workers by in effect encouraging employers not to engage them.”

For many SMEs, they are simply concerned about where to find the extra money to meet these salary expectations; as well as the new sick leave and parental rights rules. Especially at a time when costs are rising and we are waiting on the outcome of the Autumn Budget.

While the RLW isn’t compulsory, accredited employers must look at their budgeting to see what they are able to do. This is at the same time as reviewing their contracts, payroll and HR processes, and shift workers, before the first employment reforms become law.

It is undoubtedly a tough time but businesses need to find a balance between the wellbeing of their employees and the health of their business as the two are inextricably tied.

In good news for online retailers, the UK’s “serial returning” habit and the refund abuse it can lead to appears to be slowing down.

New research shows that serial returners (shoppers who regularly buy multiple items only to send most of them back) have dropped from 12% to 8% of consumers. That shift is saving retailers an estimated £1.7bn across the industry.

For small ecommerce brands, this is sure to be a relief. High-frequency returns have become a drain on profits, cash flow, and logistics.

But as shoppers start curbing over-consumptive habits, small sellers will have more breathing space to tighten up their returns policies.

What’s driving the drop in serial returners?

Serial returners are the customers who treat online shopping like a fitting room, ordering several sizes or colours, then sending most of them back.

It’s been a growing epidemic, costing UK retailers around £6.6bn last year in shipping, restocking, and lost stock value.

But new research from ZigZag shows that it seems to be on the decline, due to a combined change in retailers’ returns policies and consumer attitudes. Many brands now charge return fees, between £2.50–£2.95, or withhold delivery refunds to cover costs.

Other clothing stores are encouraging customers to return items in-store, making the process of returning slightly less convenient and perhaps introducing a sense of accountability

In the meantime, consumers might be becoming more mindful. Cost-of-living pressures and sustainability concerns could be making shoppers think twice before ordering five jumpers to keep only one.

When retailers fight back

Serial returns hit smaller ecommerce brands much harder than they do larger brands. Every unwanted delivery means lost time processing refunds, shipping and storage costs, and often unsellable stock. And many are already working with tight profit margins.

Big brands have tried to fight back. Major fashion retailers like ASOS have introduced paid returns, while PrettyLittleThing even went so far as to deactivate some of its chronic returners’ accounts. And now, it seems expectations are shifting.

The decline in serial returners is a positive sign as it gives sellers the chance to revisit their return policies, to set clearer, firmer rules without worrying about a customer backlash.

While previously, 71% of shoppers expected free returns as standard, many now understand that free returns aren’t always sustainable. And, according to one poll, customers increasingly value transparency and fairness in returns policies, over total flexibility.

How online brands can limit returns

If you’re running an online shop, this is a great moment to fine-tune your returns process. For instance, you might explore introducing modest return fees, like ASOS. This helps discourage wasteful shopping without alienating your entire community.

You could also encourage in-person returns if you have a physical store, or partner with parcel-drop networks to save on shipping costs.

Even better is to reduce the need for customers to make returns in the first place. Clear, accurate product pages with high-quality, representative images, size guides, genuine customer reviews, and honest descriptions can help shoppers buy the right item, first-time.

Returns will always be part of selling online, but they can be less hassle for shops that adopt smart policies and use transparent communication. And with fewer people taking advantage of online returns, perhaps the era of sneakily returning worn items can become so last-season.

From November 18, limited companies in the UK will face changes to how they manage their business registration with Companies House.

The update is in addition to the new ID verification rules, which take effect on the same date.

Company owners and directors will be most directly affected by the updates to the internal registers, so it’s important to understand the changes to stay compliant.

What’s changing on November 18?

From November 18 2025, Companies House will change how its statutory registers are maintained.

Companies will no longer need to keep internal registers of directors, secretaries, or people with significant control (PSCs) with Companies House.

Instead, Companies House will become the official record itself, so all filings you make with it must be accurate and up to date.

Also from November 18, directors will no longer need to provide a business occupation when registering their appointments.

The last change will affect the register of members (shareholders). By law, companies still need to hold a register. But after the deadline, it will need to be kept internally, either at the company’s registered office or at a Single Alternative Inspection Location (SAIL).

If your company previously kept its register at Companies House, you’ll need to move it and make it available to the public.

Don’t forget that another major, but separate, change is coming into effect on the same date, and that’s ID verification, which requires new company directors to confirm their identities to stay compliant. ID verification will apply to existing company directors from next November.

What you need to do before November 18

Both the changes, the register and ID verification, are part of reforms to the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023 (ECCTA). The reforms aim to improve transparency and prevent shady corporate wrongdoing.

Non-compliance with the new rules could result in fines or legal issues for directors, so keeping your records in order is essential.

We’d recommend not waiting until the last minute, in order to reduce the likelihood of future headaches. Business owners should review and update their company registers for directors, secretaries, and PSCs to ensure all details are accurate and complete.

As a next step, transfer your register of members from Companies House to your registered office or SAIL. And remember that this register must be made accessible to the public.

Remember, it’s also wise to keep records for at least 10 years, including former names and addresses. This helps you stay compliant and makes audits or checks much easier, if needed. If there’s any uncertainty, speak to a legal or accounting professional.