New government growth service to save small business time and money

On Small Business Saturday I took the opportunity to visit independent retail and hospitality businesses in Blackpool and highlighted five of my favourite.

With Ryan, owner of Last Light independent coffee shop on Edward Street on Small Business Saturday.

On the same day Business Secretary Johnathan Reynolds announced a new Business Growth Service launching in early 2025 allowing the those in Blackpool and beyond to get quicker and easier help, support and advice.

Small businesses consistently say that they find the business support landscape fragmented and complex, with only 26% of UK SME employers reporting in 2023 to have sought external advice or information in the last year. 

The Business Growth Service has been designed to address this, offering a sleek, UK-wide business support system with a revamped web offer. It will be developed and will work in partnership with small businesses, local and devolved governments across the UK, with locally led delivery at its core, to ensure the service provides the information and resources smaller firms need from government.   

Inspired by successful business support agencies internationally, the Business Growth Service will be an integral part of the Small Business Strategy that will be published in 2025.  

The average small business owner spends over 33 hours every month on internal business admin – valuable time which the government aims to decrease through the new streamlined service which will signpost small firms to practical help. 

This, alongside a other measures announced in the run up to Small Business Saturday, confirms the government's commitment to the nation's small firms and self-employed individuals who are vital to wealth creation and economic growth.  

“Businesses have faced unprecedented challenges over the past few years including soaring inflation, interest rates and sky high energy bills. ”

Business and Trade Secretary, Jonathan Reynolds, said:   

“We said we'd deliver change for small businesses, and that's exactly what we are doing.   

“This government's Plan for Change will deliver economic growth, and for that to succeed we need SMEs right across the country to be exporting, hiring, and expanding.   

“That's why we're working tirelessly to ensure every small business has the tools and support at their disposal to thrive.”   

Businesses have faced unprecedented challenges over the past few years including soaring inflation, interest rates and sky high energy bills. That's why the government's first priority is to fix the foundations and restore economic stability.     

Last week, in the run up to Small Business Saturday, a new Fair Payment Code was unveiled to tackle late payments, and a new banks-backed initiative was launched to support disabled entrepreneurs get improved access to finance and support.

In the five months since this government took office, it has been committed to supporting small businesses right across the country. A series of pledges were made to support SMEs, which have all progressed in some way, proving the government's commitment to its promises.   

The government has already frozen the small business multiplier and extended business rates relief for retail, hospitality and leisure sectors and announced a discussion paper to work with industry to create a fairer business rates system fit for the 21st century.    

New powers are also being handed to councils so they can fill empty premises blighting our high streets, scrapped the immunity for low-value shoplifting and cracked down on organised gangs who target retailers .  

The Budget also confirmed £1 billion for the British Business Bank to enhance access to finance for smaller businesses.   

Minister for Employment, Alison McGovern MP said: 

“We are making sure small businesses have the skilled staff they need to grow and succeed through our Get Britain Working Plan. 

“If you are a small business owner, I encourage you to think about using our brilliant Jobcentres the next time you need to hire – we stand ready to help you recruit and find your next star employee.” 

Founder of Small Business Britain Michelle Ovens CBE said: 

"We are thrilled that the new Business Growth Service has launched to ensure that businesses get all the support they need to succeed. A thriving small business community leads to a thriving country, so we look forward to working with the Government to further develop this initiative in 2025." 

This Christmas I encourage my constituents to shop small and use Blackpool’s independent retailers as much as possible. Supporting them supports our local economy and community.

Aunty Social on Topping Street was selected as one of the top 100 indie businesses for Small Biz Saturday. I popped in on the day to do some Christmas shopping.