From tax and business rates to wages, investment and funding, Budget 2026 includes a range of measures that could affect businesses. Catch up on the key announcements, expert analysis and business reaction with this round-up of the latest coverage.

• Enterprise Nation breaks down what Budget 2026 means for small businesses, highlighting key changes to business rates, tax, wages and funding, alongside the potential opportunities and additional costs for business owners.

• HM Treasury sets out the key Budget 2026 measures designed to support businesses and economic growth, including changes to business rates, support for entrepreneurs, access to finance, investment and the trading allowance.

• Night Time Industries Association outlines what Budget 2026 means for businesses, including measures on business rates, energy costs, hiring, entrepreneurship, access to finance and AI, alongside plans to support investment and business growth.

• Simply Business a SME-friendly exploration of the key measures impacting small businesses.

• Institute of Chartered Accountants in England & Wales (ICAEW) looks at the key Budget tax measures affecting businesses, including changes to capital allowances, R&D tax relief, the trading allowance and Corporation Tax, with insight into what the changes could mean in practice.

• KPMG provides expert analysis of the key Budget announcements, highlighting the tax changes and measures affecting businesses, employers and individuals, and identifying some of the main winners and losers.

The above links are provided for information only and do not constitute advice. Any views expressed in these analyses are those of their respective authors and are not the views of the London Borough of Bexley

Talking Business Live: AI for SMEs

American Express Restaurant Grant Programme Returns to Greater London

Independent restaurants across Greater London can apply for the American Express grant programme, now in its fifth year. Ten eligible restaurants will each receive up to £10,500 to invest in equipment, digital capabilities, outdoor dining or other business improvements. 

Eligible businesses must be established restaurants, cafés, bars or pubs with a food offering, operating before 1 September 2025, with 2025 annual revenue below £1 million. Additional criteria apply. 

Deadline: 5:00am, Tuesday 17 November 2026. Apply online and check the FAQs and full Terms and Conditions for eligibility details.

Apply through the online application portal Applicants can also review the FAQs and full Terms and Conditions before applying.

Could your business become Breastfeeding Friendly?

Businesses and community venues across Bexley are being encouraged to join the Bexley Breastfeeding Friendly Scheme, a free initiative funded by the London Borough of Bexley.

The scheme gives local businesses an opportunity to demonstrate that they offer a welcoming and inclusive environment for families. Participating venues receive free promotional materials, including a window sticker, poster and certificate, alongside online staff training to help employees feel confident supporting breastfeeding families. Businesses can also choose to appear on the Breastfeeding Network’s online venue locator, making it easier for local families to find supportive places to visit. 

Joining is free and straightforward, with participating venues becoming part of a growing network of Breastfeeding Friendly spaces across the borough. Businesses and community venues can register using the online sign-up form.

Skills, Recruitment & Training:

• UK SMEs planning to recruit are invited to join Reach, a £2.3 million initiative from LSE and Be the Business. Participating businesses can access mentoring, HR expertise and practical recruitment support while helping test new approaches to hiring. Find out more and register interest here.

Business Support & Finance:

• The Association of British Insurers (ABI) has published guidance to help SMEs better understand their insurance needs and identify potential gaps in cover. Resources include practical information on business insurance and new guidance on protecting organisations against evolving cyber risks. Read the ABI guides and reports

• Sole traders and landlords earning more than £50,000 from self-employment and property must submit their second Making Tax Digital for Income Tax quarterly update to HMRC by Saturday 7 November 2026. Quarterly updates cover income and expenses and must be submitted using recognised software. Find out more about Making Tax Digital quarterly updates

• HMRC’s Tax Confident provides clear, jargon-free guidance to help small businesses understand their tax responsibilities, including Self Assessment, Making Tax Digital, VAT and Corporation Tax. The resources are suitable for both new and established businesses. Explore HMRC’s Tax Confident guidance

• NatWest Accelerator is expanding its She Scales initiative nationwide, offering female founders access to networking, practical learning, peer support and business growth opportunities. Monthly sessions cover areas including funding, marketing and AI, alongside access to a growing digital founder community. Find out more about She Scales and NatWest Accelerator

• Arts Council England has launched a free online handbook for freelancers, providing practical financial guidance and access to a jobs directory. The resource is designed to support freelancers working across the creative and cultural sectors with some of the practical challenges of self-employment. Explore Arts Council England’s freelancer resources

Digital & AI Tools:

• The Institute of Directors has highlighted new guidance on AI governance and board oversight. Developed by Accountancy Europe and ecoDa, the briefing sets out ten practical principles to help boards manage the opportunities, risks and complexities associated with AI and support informed decision-making. Read the AI governance guidance

• Meta has expanded its Muse AI agent to small businesses, designed to help owners manage day-to-day tasks and reach customers. Muse can connect with business tools including Shopify, Slack, Dropbox and QuickBooks, as well as Facebook, Instagram and Meta advertising accounts. Find out more about Muse for Small Business

Business Regulation & Compliance:

• From 1 January 2027, anyone born on or after 1 January 2009 will not be legally permitted to buy tobacco products. The Association of Convenience Stores (ACS) has produced Decline09 guidance, posters and other resources to help retailers prepare for the new requirements. Access the Decline09 retailer resources

• Throughout November: Join the Watford Enterprise Agency (Wenta) for free webinars on website development, tax, bookkeeping and more. Register for free business webinars here. 

• Throughout November: Improve your exporting skills and international sales with the Department for Business and Trade. Sign up for Business Academy sessions here.

• Throughout November: HMRC are running a range of free, one-hour live webinars designed to help self-employed individuals understand their tax obligations and support employers with payroll-related responsibilities. Click here to view the live webinars and register.

• Throughout November: Enterprise Nation is hosting a variety of free business webinars, practical workshops, and networking sessions designed to help small business owners grow their skills, connect with peers, and scale their enterprises. Click here to explore the full events calendar and book your place.

• Monday 2 November to Wednesday 2 December 2026: Small Business Saturday UK's free daily webinars are back Monday to Friday at 11am. Learn about marketing on a budget, finance, time management and more. Attend 10 or more sessions to get a free Sweet Grind coffee and biscuit treat box. Book your webinars here.

• Tuesday 3 November 2026: How would your business handle a cyber-attack? Join BT's free Cyber Prepared UK simulation to test your response under pressure and learn from security experts. In person event at BT HQ, London E1 8EE. Click here to register.

• Wednesday 4 November 2026: How will the 2026 Budget affect your business? Join South East London Chamber of Commerce and DJH Bexley for this free webinar a practical post-Budget breakdown for SMEs and owner-managed firms. Book your space here.

• Tuesday 10 November 2026: Struggling to stay on top of your finances? Join Grow London Local for a free online webinar on bookkeeping basics. Get practical tips to save time, improve cash flow and grow with confidence. Book your space here.

• Wednesday, 11 November 2026: Connect with local sole traders and entrepreneurs at the Bexley Linkup (Blink) networking meeting. Find details for the Blink meeting here.

• Tuesday 17 November 2026: Need expert advice on commercial property for your business? Join London Business Partnership's free webinar on business rates, rates relief and leases. Click here to register.

• Thursday 19 November 2026: Ready to start or grow your business? Join Successful Mums for a free, practical session on building a business alongside motherhood. Learn simple planning, marketing tips, how to manage your numbers and how to balance family life. Secure your space here.

• Wednesday 25 November 2026: Join South East London Chamber of Commerce at their Bexley Chamber After Hours, a networking event at The Star at Sidcup Place from 6pm to 8pm. Open to members and non-members. Book your space here.

• Friday 27 November 2026: Technical skills start your business, but relationships help it succeed. Join Owen Smith Coaching on for a free 30-minute online taster session on emotional intelligence. Find out how to keep clients, handle difficult conversations and improve engagement. Book your space here.

Bexley Business and Employment offers a free recruitment service to help local employers find and retain the right people. Our employer engagement team works closely with you to understand your specific needs and match them with motivated, work-ready candidates from Bexley’s talent pool. From pre-screened CVs to interview coordination and ongoing support, our tailored approach helps you build stronger, more capable teams. Contact a recruitment advisor to find out how we can support your business

• Read the latest Bexley Business and Employment news
• Find funding opportunities and subscribe to the Bexley Business and Employment grants bulletin
• Access tailored guidance and resources through Bexley Business and Employment business support
• Access help with job searching, CVs, and interview preparation through Bexley Business and Employment support
• Register your interest in business support, events, and updates from the Bexley Business and Employment (BBE) service.