Business

Companies of all sizes are leveraging the power of technology to streamline operations, build strong customer relationships, and gain actionable insights.

In the fast-paced business environment, stagnant companies get left behind. No business wants to crash and burn simply because of an unwillingness or inability to use technology that helps them keep up with competitors that understand the importance of using the right tools.

Two of the most powerful solutions out there are customer relationship management (CRM) and enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems. Each serves a different core function, but they’re a winning combination. CRM and ERP tools can provide an effective way to manage internal and external client interactions — which is one way to get ahead.

Keep reading to learn about three essential benefits of CRM and ERP software applications, and why businesses should view these solutions as must-haves rather than nice-to-haves.

Centralized Data and Improved Accuracy

A key benefit of CRM and ERP solutions is the centralization of business information. Companies have lots of information distributed among various spreadsheets, file folders, other software applications, and more. If information is spread out rather than kept in a single location, it can be an onerous and time-wasting effort when trying to access specific information.

On the one hand, CRM solutions store client contact data, sales interactions, communication history, and marketing strategies. On the other hand, ERP solutions manage essential business processes like inventory management, procurement, accounting, and human resources.

According to one source, the global CRM application segment is on pace to grow from $71 billion in 2023 to $84.5 billion by 2028. Meanwhile, another source notes that the global ERP segment was estimated to be valued at $64.83 billion last year. It’s on pace to expand at a compound annual growth rate of 11.7% from this year to 2025.

Having valuable information in a single location can be a game-changer, since it can improve data accuracy, increase efficiency and productivity, lessen duplication, and facilitate better strategic decision-making.

Enhanced Customer Relationships

Consumers have tons of options these days. The internet has opened up many options because it’s easy to patronize companies at home or abroad. Since customers can get what they want when they want it and can buy from vendors worldwide, they won’t settle. There’s no need for them to. Unless your business pulls out all the stops and provides a stellar buying experience, consumers will go elsewhere.

CRM software helps businesses manage and enhance customer interactions. Employees can use the software to track each point of contact — whether that’s through phone calls, email, or IM. Staying on top of things on this front can help your business build stronger customer relationships.

Essential CRM must-haves include better customer targeting, timely follow-ups, improved sales forecasting, and higher customer satisfaction and retention rates.

ERP systems are also about improving the customer experience. Your business can use such tools to improve business reporting, offer a higher level of customer service, and take inventory management to the next level. All of these things can benefit the customer. Since ERP systems provide customer data and order history, workers can offer more targeted customer service and build stronger relationships.

Operational Efficiency and Automation

ERP solutions show their true worth when the time comes to automate and optimize internal workflows. Your employees can use an ERP platform to standardize processes across departments, which can reduce manual effort and increase productivity.

Automating everything that can be automated cuts down on human error, fast-tracks processing time, and facilitates improved business functions. You can use ERP tools to, among other things, manage worker payroll and benefits, automate invoice generation, and track inventory in real-time to ensure optimal levels.

CRM and ERP solutions are no longer luxury tools reserved for large enterprises — they are vital for any company that wants to remain competitive, efficient, and customer-focused. But it’s essential to do your homework before settling on the right CRM and ERP tools for you.

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3 Key Benefits of CRM and ERP Solutions

The gaming industry, a $297 billion titan in 2025, is fueling a new wave of digital commerce through online marketplaces where players trade accounts and in-game items.

SkyQuest Technology projects, “The gaming market is expected to reach USD 261.72 billion in 2024,” with a 13.5% growth rate driving it to ~$297 billion this year. From Fortnite skins to Elden Ring accounts, these platforms—such as PlayerAuctions, EpicNPC, and PlaySwap—empower gamers to turn virtual assets into real income. As marketplaces reshape gaming’s economic landscape, what trends are driving growth in 2025, and how can you trade profitably while staying safe?

Key Trends in 2025 Gaming Marketplaces

Gaming marketplaces are evolving rapidly, blending technology and social dynamics. Three trends define the year:

Virtual Economy Monetization: Players are cashing in on in-game assets, with rare items like CS:GO skins or high-rank accounts selling for hundreds, mirroring cryptocurrency markets.
Social Trading Communities: Discord and Reddit groups are becoming trading hubs, where gamers share tips, negotiate deals, and build trust, amplifying marketplace activity.
Regulatory Shifts: Governments are eyeing digital asset markets, with potential rules to curb fraud and ensure fair trading, impacting platform operations.

The secondary market for gaming assets is growing 15–25% annually through 2030, according to DMarket’s analysis of in-game asset trends. Web3 gaming’s 30% CAGR highlights the broader digital asset surge.

Profitable Trading Strategies

Marketplaces offer diverse opportunities for gamers and entrepreneurs:

Spot High-Value Accounts: Focus on games with active esports scenes, like Dota 2 or Rocket League, where top-tier accounts can fetch $200–$1,000. Check recent sales on platforms like EpicNPC for pricing trends.
Target Niche Markets: Lesser-known games, such as Lost Ark, often have untapped demand for rare accounts, offering higher margins for savvy traders.
Time Your Sales: Sell during game updates or esports events when demand spikes, maximizing returns.

Entrepreneurs can build businesses by aggregating accounts from social communities and reselling on established platforms, leveraging global demand.

Staying Safe in the Virtual Marketplace

Safety is a top concern, as scams and bans loom large. Drawing on industry insights about building trust, here are key strategies:

Use Trusted Platforms: Opt for marketplaces with escrow systems, like PlayerAuctions, to secure funds until trades are verified.
Validate Sellers: Check user reviews and transaction histories on platforms or Trustpilot before committing. Social communities like Discord can also reveal seller reputations.
Avoid Overexposure: Never share full account details until the trade is finalized. Use temporary email addresses for initial contacts.
Navigate Game Policies: Games like Diablo IV may ban traded accounts. Research developer terms on official forums to avoid losses.

The Future of Gaming Marketplaces

Looking ahead, marketplaces will likely integrate with virtual economies, where in-game purchases directly feed trading platforms. Social communities could formalize into marketplace features, while regulations may standardize safety protocols. As e27.co notes, “Building trust is critical for marketplace success,” and platforms that prioritize transparency will thrive.

For gamers and entrepreneurs, 2025 is a golden opportunity to tap into gaming marketplaces. Start by exploring platforms, joining Discord trading groups, or researching trending games. The virtual economy is booming, offering profits for those who trade smartly.

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2025 Gaming Marketplace Trends: Unlocking Profits in the Virtual Economy

An increasing number of American taxpayers are eyeing the UK as their new home, according to Blick Rothenberg, a leading UK-based audit, tax, and business advisory firm.

The trend is being fuelled by a mix of political uncertainty in the United States and the relative attractiveness of the UK as a destination for high-net-worth individuals and professionals.

Robert Salter, a director at Blick Rothenberg, said the firm had seen a “clear uptick” in inquiries from US citizens and green card holders looking to relocate to Britain. “For some, the decision is personal,” he said, “with a number of clients citing unease over President Donald Trump’s policy trajectory. Others are moving for business reasons or to be closer to European markets.”

Traditionally, the UK has been a favoured location for Americans seeking international relocation. Estimates suggest that more than 300,000 US citizens live in the UK at any one time, with many choosing London as their base thanks to its strong international business ties, cultural familiarity, and established communities of expatriates.

Salter noted that while the closure of the UK’s long-standing non-domiciled tax regime in April 2025 might have been expected to dent the country’s appeal, the newly introduced Foreign Income and Gains (FIG) regime has offset that risk. “Despite initial fears, we’re seeing that the UK is actually becoming more attractive to certain US taxpayers,” he said.

Under the FIG rules, individuals who have not been UK tax residents for at least 10 years can benefit from a four-year grace period in which they are not taxed on non-UK investment income and capital gains. “This includes not only Americans,” Salter explained, “but also UK nationals returning after long periods abroad, such as those with US green cards.”

The renewed interest in the UK is being seen as an opportunity for the broader British economy. “If the UK can position itself as a stable, business-friendly environment for globally mobile individuals and wealth,” Salter said, “it reinforces its status as a leading hub for international finance and entrepreneurship. This aligns with the government’s ambition of keeping the UK ‘open for business’.”

He added that this influx of globally connected individuals could contribute positively to the UK’s economy—not just through direct investment, but also by strengthening the country’s international business networks, tax revenues, and demand for high-skilled professional services.

With relocations already underway, and more expected throughout 2025, the UK’s evolving tax regime and international positioning could mark a turning point in its efforts to attract affluent global talent—especially as the political and regulatory environment in the US becomes more unpredictable.

As Salter puts it: “The message we’re hearing from our clients is simple—right now, the UK feels like a good place to be.”

Read more:
More American taxpayers are planning to relocate to the UK as Trump exodus grows

TikTok has formed a new SME Council to give Britain’s small businesses a bigger say in the evolving digital economy, bringing together entrepreneurs, founders, and content creators who have used the platform to fuel growth.

The inaugural gathering of the council, held at Stoke-on-Trent town hall, saw 20 small and medium-sized business owners from across the UK convene to share experiences and shape a manifesto for government, due to be published this autumn.

TikTok says the initiative is designed to help shape the future of small business by giving entrepreneurs a forum to exchange insights, influence policy, and better understand how to harness digital tools to reach new audiences. With more than 1.5 million UK SMEs now active on TikTok, the platform has emerged as an unlikely but powerful force in Britain’s business ecosystem.

The council includes a diverse mix of industries — “a butcher, a baker, and a candlestick maker,” according to Ali Law, director of public policy and government affairs for TikTok UK and Ireland. That includes Rachel Spence, founder of Bear Burners in South Shields, who joined the council to campaign for clearer, more practical government guidance for first-time founders. “Small businesses make up an incredible amount of the UK’s economy,” she said. “But a lot of the time you have to figure it all out on your own.”

For others, the TikTok-hosted event stood in contrast to more traditional business organisations. Louise Rogerson, chief clinical officer of Manchester-based sleep-tech firm Levitex, said: “It felt modern and welcoming. Sometimes Chambers of Commerce can feel a bit intimidating for early-stage founders who don’t fit the usual mould.”

Dominique Bogle Khan, who runs Hair Anatomy, a Birmingham-based synthetic wigs brand, echoed the value of solidarity the group offered. “Being an entrepreneur is a very lonely place sometimes. It was comforting to realise others had gone through the same things.”

The formation of the SME Council comes amid rising interest in “social commerce” — shopping directly via social media. According to Retail Economics, more than 25 per cent of UK shoppers made a purchase through a social platform in 2024, with TikTok Shop and Instagram Shopping leading the charge.

TikTok hopes the SME Council will act both as a policy sounding board and a support network, amplifying the digital voices of small business owners often overlooked in formal trade groups. The company plans to use the group’s feedback to help shape its own platform development and provide government with a clearer picture of the challenges and opportunities facing UK entrepreneurs in the social-first economy.

While TikTok may not be the most conventional voice in British business policymaking, its impact on the modern retail and small business landscape is increasingly hard to ignore. As more firms turn to video-first platforms for growth, its SME Council could offer a new kind of influence — less boardroom, more back bedroom — but no less effective.

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TikTok launches SME council to elevate small business voices and boost digital growth

Chancellor Rachel Reeves has confirmed that more pensioners will be eligible for the Winter Fuel Payment this year, signalling a U-turn on one of Labour’s earliest and most contentious policies.

The payment – worth up to £300 – had previously been limited to those receiving pension credit, cutting support to around 10 million pensioners in 2024. The restriction was widely blamed for Labour’s poor local election results.

While Reeves assured voters that “the means test will increase and more people will get winter fuel payment this winter,” she stopped short of confirming exactly who will now qualify. The lack of detail has led to growing pressure from charities, MPs and opposition parties to clarify eligibility and delivery timelines, especially with payments usually landing in November or December.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer acknowledged that the government was “looking again” at the rules, but offered no firm answers during Prime Minister’s Questions on Wednesday. “We will set out how we pay for it,” he said, when challenged by Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch on whether all 10 million pensioners previously excluded would regain access to the payment.

Downing Street has since promised to provide clarity “as soon as we can”, amid warnings from Age UK that a delay could leave vulnerable pensioners unprotected during the coldest months.

The initial decision to restrict the previously universal payment to pension credit claimants only was one of the first made by Reeves after Labour’s landslide victory. Critics, including Liberal Democrat treasury spokesperson Daisy Cooper, described the handling of the issue as a “debacle” that had “caused needless misery for millions of pensioners”.

Torsten Bell, the pensions minister, confirmed that a full return to the universal model was not on the table. “It’s not a good idea that we have a system paying hundreds of pounds to millionaires,” he said, indicating that targeted support would remain the preferred approach.

The Chancellor has suggested the government is now in a stronger financial position, making the expansion possible. “We have stabilised the economy,” Reeves said in a speech in Manchester on Wednesday, as she also unveiled £15bn of transport investment for the Midlands and North.

However, speculation continues over how the new eligibility criteria will be implemented. Potential models include allowing pensioners within a certain income band to apply or clawing back the payment via the tax system for higher earners. No firm decision has yet been disclosed.

In contrast, Scotland has already proposed a different model. Under a new devolved scheme set to launch in 2025, those on qualifying benefits such as pension credit will continue receiving the full amount, while others will receive a reduced £100 payment per household.

The announcement comes in the run-up to what insiders describe as an “ugly” spending review, due on 11 June. With Reeves ruling out further tax rises or borrowing for day-to-day spending, departmental budgets are expected to be tight. “Not every department will get everything that they want,” she admitted, raising the prospect of cuts elsewhere.

As pressure mounts to reverse other unpopular welfare decisions – including the two-child benefit cap – Sir Keir avoided addressing the issue directly during PMQs. Introduced in 2015 by former chancellor George Osborne, the cap remains a source of controversy among Labour MPs and campaigners.

With just months until winter begins, the government’s challenge now is to set out clear criteria and mechanisms for the expanded fuel payment – and to ensure the funds reach those who need them most, without further delay.

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Winter fuel payment U-turn in place this year, but key details remain unclear

More than 120 firms from Britain’s £60 billion facilities management (FM) sector have signed an open letter to the government warning that the proposed Employment Rights Bill could have damaging consequences for both employers and workers.

The letter, co-authored by Dominic Ponniah, CEO of London-based Cleanology, and Malcolm Hills, CEO of Think FM, expresses “deep concern” over elements of the bill — in particular, provisions that would grant full employment rights from day one and expand union powers across the economy.

The signatories include some of the UK’s most prominent FM providers, such as Mitie, OCS Group, and Churchill Group, whose work underpins the daily operation of essential national infrastructure, from hospitals and offices to airports and factories.

Together, the FM sector employs more than 1.4 million people and contributes £60 billion annually to the UK economy.

In the letter addressed to Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner and Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds, the group warns that changes in the Bill risk stifling opportunity and job creation.

“We are deeply concerned that some of the Bill’s provisions will have serious unintended consequences that could harm both good employers and the very employees that the bill seeks to protect,” the letter states.

Specifically, the introduction of unfair dismissal rights from day one of employment is being flagged as a potential disincentive for businesses to hire.

Dominic Ponniah said: “Introducing day-one unfair dismissal rights will increase the legal and financial risk of taking on new hires and discourage employers from offering opportunities to individuals who need a first step, a second chance, or time to prove themselves.”

“Probationary periods are a vital part of responsible recruitment, allowing both parties to assess suitability before long-term commitments are made.”

While many employers in the sector say they support the overall aim of protecting workers’ rights and raising employment standards, they believe the current form of the Bill may jeopardise the very goals it seeks to achieve.

The letter calls for more nuanced consultation with businesses — particularly those in labour-intensive industries like FM — to ensure that proposed reforms strengthen rather than undermine fair recruitment, workforce development, and job access.

Facilities management has long been recognised for its role in offering employment to a broad cross-section of society, often creating accessible entry points for people with limited work experience or those re-entering the labour market.

The industry’s leaders warn that by introducing immediate employment protections without room for early assessment, the Bill could reduce opportunities for those on the margins — including young people, ex-offenders, and career changers — whom many FM firms actively seek to support.

The Employment Rights Bill, expected to be a flagship piece of legislation for the new Labour government, includes several reforms aimed at increasing job security, improving collective bargaining rights, and boosting pay transparency.

However, today’s letter adds to a growing chorus of concern from employers that the sweeping changes may have unintended consequences for SMEs, temporary workforces, and high-turnover sectors like hospitality, care, logistics, and facilities management.

With more than 128 FM companies now openly calling for changes to the Bill, pressure is mounting on the government to engage more directly with industry leaders before finalising the legislation.

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Facilities management firms warn new employee rights bill could harm hiring and economic growth

A legal tech startup helping workers represent themselves in employment disputes has secured £2 million in fresh funding, as investors prepare for a likely surge in workplace grievances under the Labour government’s incoming reforms.

Valla, the Edinburgh-based platform founded in 2022, has been backed by venture capital firms Ada Ventures, Active Partners and Portfolio Ventures, alongside social justice think tank the Resolution Foundation. The startup’s services are designed to support employees earning the UK’s median wage (£37,000) or less who face challenges such as unfair dismissal, withheld pay or workplace discrimination.

Co-founder and CEO Danae Shell (pictured) said the funding would be used to expand Valla’s suite of low-cost legal tools in anticipation of a significant uptick in employee claims from autumn 2026, when Labour’s new employment rights are expected to come into force.

A key driver behind the expected rise in cases is Labour’s pledge to make unfair dismissal rights available from the first day of employment — a significant shift from the current two-year qualifying period.

“Right now, there’s a widespread belief that if you’ve worked for a company for less than two years, you can be sacked for any reason,” said Shell. “That’s not legally true, but the change to day-one rights will help correct that misconception — and crucially, give more people the confidence to act when they feel something isn’t right.”

Valla’s services include everything from drafting grievance letters to preparing tribunal applications, with pricing designed to be accessible. A letter costs £10, a full tribunal form review is £100, and support through to settlement typically comes in at around £200. Taking a case all the way to a tribunal ruling costs roughly £500 — a fraction of the legal fees charged by most solicitors.

Shell added that most cases do not end up in court: “The majority of our users settle directly with their employer — but they feel empowered knowing their rights and being prepared.”

Shell is also a member of the national user group for employment tribunals in England and Wales, where government agencies including Acas and tribunal staff themselves have expressed concern about rising case volumes. According to minutes from the group’s most recent meeting in January, civil servants expect the changes to “significantly impact” caseloads by next year.

Cases already face severe delays: new tribunal claims lodged today are not expected to be heard until 2027, with initial hearings taking six to eight months to schedule. Shell believes this reinforces the need for alternative forms of access to justice.

“Employees often struggle to get legal help that is affordable or timely,” she said. “Law firms are priced out of reach — if you’re owed £3,000 in unpaid wages, and legal fees are likely to exceed that, it’s simply not worth it for most people.”

Valla has already helped over 12,000 users access guidance or services since its launch. As well as legal support, the company has built online communities to allow claimants to connect with others going through similar processes, helping to ease the emotional toll of often drawn-out disputes.

With union membership and legal aid in decline, Shell sees an urgent need to rebalance the playing field between employers — who often have access to HR teams or legal advice via trade bodies — and employees, who may be isolated or under-informed.

Investors appear to agree. Valla’s model of scalable legal support, using both technology and community-based support systems, offers a potential template for how employment disputes might be handled more affordably in future.

With the Labour government poised to implement its promised New Deal for Working People, Shell says demand is only going to rise. “We’re building infrastructure for a world in which more people will feel able to ask: ‘Was that legal? Can I do something about it?’ And the answer, increasingly, will be yes.”

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Valla raises £2m as venture capital backs boom in employment rights claims

Chancellor Rachel Reeves has unveiled a £15.6 billion package to fund trams, trains and bus networks outside London, as Labour seeks to reset the political narrative ahead of a difficult spending review.

The move is designed to reassure restless MPs—many representing marginal seats—that the government’s capital investment plans will deliver tangible improvements in infrastructure, jobs and growth in the regions.

Speaking in Greater Manchester, Reeves pitched the investment as a “step change” in how government assesses and delivers public spending, promising that the Treasury would rewrite its rules to give greater weight to projects that boost productivity outside the South East. “A Britain that is better off cannot rely on a handful of places forging ahead,” she said. “Growth must be shared—and built—in every part of our country.”

The funding announcement is part of a broader £113 billion capital investment programme set to be rolled out over the parliament, covering transport, housing and energy. Ministers hope it will act as a political counterweight to cuts in departmental day-to-day spending, which the Institute for Fiscal Studies has warned could be “unavoidably tough” given pressures on the NHS, defence and policing.

While capital allocations have already been agreed for sectors such as flood defences and nuclear energy, tensions remain within cabinet over departmental budgets. Home secretary Yvette Cooper and energy secretary Ed Miliband have reportedly resisted settlements they argue are unworkable—particularly in light of high-profile manifesto commitments on policing and green energy.

Yet the government is pressing ahead with its capital agenda, with the transport element of the plan including funding to build a new mass transit system between Derby and Nottingham, upgrade and extend tram networks in Greater Manchester and the West Midlands, and start work on the long-promised West Yorkshire mass transit scheme by 2028. South Yorkshire will also receive funds to renew its trams, while a new railway line between Manchester and Liverpool is under consideration.

Reeves is seeking to frame this investment as something only a Labour government would have delivered. Treasury insiders say the capital funding was unlocked by decisions taken in the autumn budget, including a loosening of fiscal rules on capital expenditure. According to officials, Labour’s approach provides departments with £300 billion more over the parliament than the previous Conservative plans, including £190 billion in extra day-to-day funding.

The Chancellor’s allies acknowledge that next week’s spending review will be politically fraught. With inflation still weighing on household budgets and services under pressure, there is concern that headlines will focus on cuts rather than investment. Ministers have been advised to stress the contrast between what is being delivered and what might have been lost without the additional capital boost.

One senior cabinet minister admitted: “The big risk is that people get the review, turn to the back of the book and see the minus numbers—and the story becomes one of cuts. But the difference is the scale of investment that’s being delivered on top of that.”

Among those still negotiating with the Treasury are Cooper, who is said to have fought hardest over police budgets amid pressure to boost officer numbers and tackle knife crime, and Miliband, who has clashed with the Treasury over funding for the government’s proposed home insulation scheme. Housing secretary Angela Rayner has also been pushing for a larger settlement, with Labour’s previously announced £2 billion for affordable housing now unlikely to be significantly expanded.

Meanwhile, the government has come under pressure from police chiefs and public sector leaders concerned about what they say are unrealistic funding expectations. Last week, Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley and other senior law enforcement officials wrote to the Prime Minister warning of “stark choices” about which crimes to investigate if further budget cuts are imposed.

Nevertheless, Reeves and Treasury chief secretary Darren Jones believe Labour’s capital spending can serve as a political lifeline for the party and a proof point of its economic credibility. “We’re investing to rebuild,” said one official. “This is not about austerity—it’s about renewal.”

By focusing on visible improvements to public infrastructure in towns and cities often left behind, Labour is hoping to craft a new story for voters: one of long-term transformation rather than short-term retrenchment. Whether that narrative holds through the release of the full spending review next week remains to be seen.

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Rachel Reeves unveils £15bn regional transport investment to reshape economic narrative

The government has unveiled a wide-reaching package of housebuilding reforms designed to unlock small-scale development and reinvigorate the role of SME housebuilders — and the ripple effects could benefit small businesses across the board.

At the heart of the reforms is a £100 million loan fund targeted at SME construction firms, alongside changes to planning rules, land access and project approvals. It’s part of a broader £700 million expansion of the Home Building Fund and a flagship attempt to tackle the UK’s housing shortage by delivering 1.5 million new homes while stimulating regional growth and job creation.

According to Joe Phelan, business loans expert at money.co.uk, this is a significant moment for small developers and those working in and around the construction sector. “The government’s new reforms aim to reverse the decades-long decline in SME housebuilding,” he said. “But their impact could be even broader — helping to revive local economies and create new opportunities for small businesses of all kinds.”

For years, small developers have faced the same bureaucracy and red tape as large-scale builders. Whether building 10 homes or 100, the same processes and delays often apply. These hurdles have led to a dramatic fall in market share for SMEs — from building 40% of new homes in the 1980s to a fraction of that today.

Smaller developments — up to nine homes — will now benefit from simplified planning processes, quicker decisions by trained planning officers (rather than elected committees), and lighter biodiversity requirements. Medium-sized projects of up to 49 homes will also see regulation eased, including exemptions from the Building Safety Levy.

Homes England will release more land specifically for SME developers, and new finance options will become available via a proposed National Housing Delivery Fund. These include revolving credit facilities and partnerships with alternative lenders to improve access to funding. In parallel, a Small Sites Aggregator pilot will help identify and bundle up brownfield plots into viable community housing schemes. Trials will begin in Bristol, Sheffield, and Lewisham.

To help small firms get building, the government is investing £100 million into a new SME Accelerator Loans scheme — part of a broader £700 million extension to the Home Building Fund. The funding aims to support smaller builders who often struggle to access finance through high street banks.

Councils will also receive £10 million to recruit planning specialists and speed up environmental assessments. Meanwhile, £1.2 million will go into the PropTech Innovation Fund, which will support data and digital tools that make small site delivery faster and more efficient.

While the reforms target SME housebuilders directly, the benefits could be felt far beyond the construction sector. New housing development brings with it jobs, investment and demand for local goods and services. For small businesses — from tradespeople and suppliers to local cafés and service providers — this could mark a new wave of opportunity.

Importantly, SME builders play a key role in workforce development. They account for around 80% of construction apprentices, and with the government pledging up to 120,000 new apprenticeships, many other sectors could benefit from a growing skilled labour force.

“More homes mean more people living and working locally, with more spending power in the community,” says Phelan. “Whether you’re a builder, a baker, or a bookkeeper, this could be a moment to plan for long-term growth.”

For small housebuilders, the new rules promise quicker approvals, better access to land, and dedicated finance to help break ground. For other SMEs, the housebuilding drive may bring new customers, new job applicants and a broader sense of stability as housing shortages ease.

The government’s message is clear: it wants to “get Britain building” — and it’s looking to SMEs to lead the charge. Whether you’re in construction or simply based in an area set for housing growth, now could be the time to lay the foundations for your next stage of expansion.

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What the government’s new housebuilding reforms mean for small business owners

UK steelmakers have narrowly avoided being hit with a damaging 50% import tariff by the United States – for now – after President Trump signed an Executive Order confirming that the UK will remain under the existing 25% tariff while a new bilateral steel agreement is finalised.

The temporary reprieve comes despite earlier warnings that British steel exports would face the sharp hike from Tuesday, following the White House’s move to double tariffs on imports from countries not covered by trade exemptions. The UK, which currently falls under the original 25% tariff imposed in March, has been granted a stay of execution – but only until 9 July, by which time the Economic Prosperity Deal (EPD) between the UK and US must be concluded.

In a statement, UK Steel said the decision provides a “time-bound vote of confidence” in British steelmakers – but warned the lack of clarity surrounding final tariff rates and deal timing risks destabilising transatlantic trade, with nervous US buyers potentially looking elsewhere for supply.

Gareth Stace, Director-General of UK Steel, welcomed the breathing room: “The President’s decision not to impose a 50% tariff on UK steelmakers, but to keep the rate at 25% while the UK-US deal is completed, is a welcome pause. The Business Secretary, Jonathan Reynolds, recognises that steel trade stability and security between our two nations is of utmost importance and has acted swiftly.”

He added that the maintained 25% rate would spare British producers from immediate disruption on shipments already in transit, but stressed that hesitation from US customers now looms large. “Uncertainty remains over timings and final tariff rates, and now US customers will be dubious over whether they should even risk making UK orders.”

The US is the UK’s second-largest export market for steel, valued at around £400 million annually and accounting for 9% of total UK steel exports by value. Trade relations were expected to improve after the May announcement of the UK-US Economic Prosperity Deal, which promised to scrap existing tariffs and replace them with a quota-based system allowing tariff-free trade within set limits. But that deal is yet to be finalised and enshrined in law, leaving exporters in limbo.

The situation underscores the delicate balancing act facing the UK Government, which must both preserve its trading relationship with Washington and protect a struggling domestic steel industry facing stiff global competition, low demand, and mounting import pressure.

Stace called for renewed urgency on both fronts: “The US and UK must urgently turn the May deal into reality to remove the tariffs completely. At an already crushing time for our steel industry, with global oversupply and weak demand, we must continue to work together to support sales levels in our second most important export market.”

He also renewed calls for stronger domestic trade defence measures, pointing to a surge in steel imports from outside the EU. “There is plain evidence of trade diversion switching gears into the UK after the EU stepped up its trade defences, and now we must do the same. Imports are flooding into the UK market, depressing steel prices and taking away market share. We must not lose sight of our domestic market while battling to stabilise exports to the US.”

The UK Government has not yet confirmed a timeline for the final signing of the steel trade agreement, but with just weeks until the 9 July deadline, the pressure is mounting to provide the sector with long-term certainty. Without it, industry leaders warn that job losses and production cuts could follow – and that the fragile recovery of UK manufacturing could be at risk.

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UK steelmakers avoid immediate 50% US tariff, but face growing uncertainty as deal hangs in the balance