June 2026

The Business Bulletin is produced by the Economic Development Team and brings together relevant information for business across the Harborough district. It is your essential monthly update with information from Harborough District Council and our partners across the county.

Quick wins this month

Workshop: Raising the Right Finance & Navigating the UK SME Funding Landscape

Secure the right capital for sustainable growth with our upcoming workshop.

• Presenter: Alex Austin, Paddock Capital
• When: Thursday 2nd July 2026, 1:30pm to 4:00pm
• Where: Harborough Innovation Centre

What You Will Learn:

• The Funding Landscape: How to align different funding types with your strategic goals. 
•  12-Step Checklist: How to ensure your business is fully optimized before approaching commercial lenders. 
•  Lender Insights: What modern underwriters actually look for, and why strong businesses get overlooked. 
•  Funding Readiness: Practical strategies to unlock better financial outcomes.

Harborough District Business Survey 2026

Harborough District Council is gathering insight from local businesses to better understand your current challenges, opportunities, and support needs across the district. Your feedback will directly inform future business support, funding allocation, and local policy decisions.

• Time to complete: 5 to 7 minutes.
• Impact: Ensure your business needs are heard.

Become the Leader Your Business Needs

The Help to Grow: Management Course is a 12-week, 90% government-funded programme delivered by Small Business Charter-accredited business schools. Designed for SME leaders, it requires just 5 hours a week. What you get: 10 hours of 1:1 mentoring, peer networking, and a tailored Growth Action Plan.

• 9 September: De Montfort University Leicester Castle Business School | http://www.dmu.ac.uk/helptogrow

• 18 September: University of Leicester School of Business | http://www.le.ac.uk/helptogrow

Free 1:1 Business Mentoring Programme

Through The Growth Hub, business owners can access free expert guidance to build a roadmap for sustainable growth, overcome operational hurdles, and improve profits.

• Eligibility: Registered on Companies House, trading for at least two years, and seeking to scale up.
• Apply for a Mentor Today: https://bizgateway.org.uk/11-business-mentoring-programme/

Key Tax Dates for the Self-Employed (2026/27)

Keep these essential upcoming HMRC deadlines on your radar. Always consult a qualified tax professional for definitive advice.

• 31 July 2026: Deadline for your second Payment on Account (for the 2025/26 tax year).
• 7 August 2026: First Making Tax Digital (MTD) quarterly update deadline for sole traders/landlords with income over £50,000.
• 5 October 2026: Deadline to register for Self-Assessment if you are in your second business tax year.
• 31 October 2026: Deadline for paper-based Self-Assessment tax returns.

Enter the 2026 Leicestershire Tourism & Hospitality Awards

It is time to celebrate the very best of our local tourism sector! Applications are officially open for the Leicestershire Tourism & Hospitality Awards 2026. Whether you run a cosy guest house, a bustling pub, a brilliant tea room or a large visitor attraction, there is a category to highlight your hard work. This year's spectacular gala ceremony will take place at the award-winning National Space Centre on Thursday 26th November.

Key Deadlines:

• 31st July: Closing date for Visitor Attractions
• 11th September: Closing date for all other categories

Resident Wellbeing Survey: Win a £20 Gift Card!

Active Together wants to hear local views on fitness and physical activity habits. Complete the 10-minute survey by midnight on Friday 10 July 2026 for a chance to win one of 25 x £20 Everywish Gift Cards.

Harborough District Food and Drink Fortnight

Independent hospitality venues with a minimum 4-star food hygiene rating are invited to showcase exclusive menus and promotions this summer. Supported by Visit Leicester and Visit Harborough District.

• Get Involved: Email visit@harborough.gov.uk

Coffee and conversation at Group Up café

Drop in to our free monthly Coffee and Conversation sessions at the Harborough Innovation Centre. It is a relaxed opportunity to chat, connect with fellow entrepreneurs, and get signposted to free business support.

• When: Second Tuesday of each month | 10:00am to 11:00am
• Format: Informal, friendly, and open to all businesses
• Attendance: No booking required, simply turn up on the day
• Perk: Free coffee included!

Networking Groups

1-2-1 Business Meetings

Whether you need help finding funding, locating property, or connecting with local suppliers, our Economic Development Team is here to support you.

Stay Connected

Notice something different? We have recently switched to a new newsletter distributor, so our layout might look a little new to you this month.

Share your news or advertise with us: Have a story you'd like to feature, or want to reach over 1,500 local businesses? Email us at: business@harborough.gov.uk 

Stay in the loop: Follow us on Social Media for updates, or sign up for the Harborough District News e-newsletter for wider council news.

Harborough District Business Bulletin from Harborough District Council 

 The Symington Building, Adam & Eve Street, Market Harborough, LE16 7AG

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