Closed 80 of 85 events
Threads / SME Action Plans Across Government / Timeline

SME Action Plans Across Government

Multiple government departments (DCMS, DWP, DHSC) are implementing coordinated SME Action Plans to support small and medium-sized enterprises across government procurement, policy development, and economic growth initiatives. The plans aim to improve SME engagement, create statutory advisory panels, and establish metrics for monitoring impact, with implementation running through 2028.

Log in for AI briefing
Showing 80 of 85 signals
Sort Latest first Oldest first
Family 1
Signal
Year
Body
Role
Clear all
Family: Scrutiny and evidence

2026

24 events
28 Apr 2026 | Committee report linked

The Government should seek to identify those organisations which could benefit from membership of the Authorised User Community—especially SMEs—and proactively promote it to them, offering guidance and support where required. The new Defence Office for Small Business Growth should play a key role in this effort. The MOD must also work closely with the Department for Business and Trade to monitor applications and ensure that early delays to the granting of approvals are not repeated. (Recommen...

The Government should seek to identify those organisations which could benefit from membership of the Authorised User Community—especially SMEs—and proactively promote it to them, offering guidance and support where required. The new Defence Office for Small Business Growth should play …

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK
28 Apr 2026 | Committee report linked

The MOD must work closely with the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, and the Department for Education, to drive a truly joined-up, whole-of-government approach to Pillar 2. The Government must also do more to involve SMEs directly in Pillar 2 activities, harnessing their agility and innovation to enhance capability development. (Recommendation, Paragraph 141) Expanding Pillar 2

The MOD must work closely with the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, and the Department for Education, to drive a truly joined-up, whole-of-government approach to Pillar 2. The Government must also do more to involve SMEs directly in Pillar …

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK
24 Apr 2026 | Committee report linked

There is no single, commonly agreed definition of a small, low-risk central government body. The NAO report classified central government or parliamentary bodies that spent up to £30 million in 2022–23 or had up to 50 full-time equivalent (FTE) employees on 31 March 2023 as small.11 HM Treasury has not endorsed this definition of small bodies and uses different definitions for different purposes. For example, it excluded government bodies with expenditure, income, assets and liabilities of le...

There is no single, commonly agreed definition of a small, low-risk central government body. The NAO report classified central government or parliamentary bodies that spent up to £30 million in 2022–23 or had up to 50 full-time equivalent (FTE) employees …

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK
23 Mar 2026 | Committee report linked

SMEs are the dominant business structure in Northern Ireland. If they are to innovate, take risks and build economic growth in NI, they need specific support, particularly in navigating dual market access to the EU and UK internal markets. Currently, the multiple bodies providing support in different areas may be confusing matters rather than helping. We welcome the Government’s commitment to establish the one stop shop 29 recommended in the Murphy Review, but there should be a mechanism that...

SMEs are the dominant business structure in Northern Ireland. If they are to innovate, take risks and build economic growth in NI, they need specific support, particularly in navigating dual market access to the EU and UK internal markets. Currently, …

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK
11 Feb 2026 | Committee report linked

Cashflow is king. One of the most important things the Government can do to transform the economic health of SMEs is to direct a greater share of government procurement towards SMEs. (Conclusion, Paragraph 27)

Cashflow is king. One of the most important things the Government can do to transform the economic health of SMEs is to direct a greater share of government procurement towards SMEs. (Conclusion, Paragraph 27) Type: conclusion | Number: 2 | …

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK
11 Feb 2026 | Committee report linked

Procurement accounts for £1 in every £3 of Government spending. Today, just 20% of this—£45.4 billion—goes to SMEs. If the Government directed 30% to SMEs, there would be a £22.7 billion increased cashflow to SMEs every year. Government spending with SMEs is in a rut. The Government knows it must do more, but its solution of individual departmental targets is unlikely to step up SME cashflows. Given the potential prize of such a shift, Government action needs to step up. (Conclusion, Paragrap...

Procurement accounts for £1 in every £3 of Government spending. Today, just 20% of this—£45.4 billion—goes to SMEs. If the Government directed 30% to SMEs, there would be a £22.7 billion increased cashflow to SMEs every year. Government spending with …

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK
11 Feb 2026 | Committee report linked

The Government should introduce SME impact assessments when considering future policy changes. These should model the specific cumulative impact of proposals on smaller firms. SME impact assessments should be published alongside any policy proposals. (Recommendation, Paragraph 101)

The Government should introduce SME impact assessments when considering future policy changes. These should model the specific cumulative impact of proposals on smaller firms. SME impact assessments should be published alongside any policy proposals. (Recommendation, Paragraph 101) Type: recommenda

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK
11 Feb 2026 | Committee report linked

Bogus self-employment means today’s high street is not a level playing field for small firms. While practices like renting a chair are legitimate, the current framework’s lack of clarity makes it too easy for firms to use bogus self-employment to cut costs and avoid legal responsibilities. In line with its previous commitment, the Government should now act to ensure that the law rewards, rather than punishes, SME employers. (Conclusion, Paragraph 106)

Bogus self-employment means today’s high street is not a level playing field for small firms. While practices like renting a chair are legitimate, the current framework’s lack of clarity makes it too easy for firms to use bogus self-employment to …

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK
11 Feb 2026 | Committee report linked

The Government’s future skills system is a more complicated combination of local and national initiatives. Small businesses broadly welcomed individual reforms but highlighted that they lack a clear route into the system. Skills England’s focus on data and dashboards, combined with limited SME engagement in its governance and development, risks entrenching these challenges rather than resolving them. Without clearer signposting and more meaningful involvement of small businesses, SMEs will no...

The Government’s future skills system is a more complicated combination of local and national initiatives. Small businesses broadly welcomed individual reforms but highlighted that they lack a clear route into the system. Skills England’s focus on data and dashboards, combined …

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK
11 Feb 2026 | Committee report linked

Skills England’s business plan should contain specific metrics for engaging SMEs. Skills England should create a clear analysis and forecast for every region of the skills shortages blighting SMEs, broken down by industry and local area. There should be a clear commissioning plan to fill these gaps. (Recommendation, Paragraph 115)

Skills England’s business plan should contain specific metrics for engaging SMEs. Skills England should create a clear analysis and forecast for every region of the skills shortages blighting SMEs, broken down by industry and local area. There should be a …

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK
11 Feb 2026 | Committee report linked

The Government should ensure that the Business Growth Service operates as the front door for SMEs seeking skills. The Service should supply clear guidance on finding apprentices and funding sources. (Recommendation, Paragraph 116)

The Government should ensure that the Business Growth Service operates as the front door for SMEs seeking skills. The Service should supply clear guidance on finding apprentices and funding sources. (Recommendation, Paragraph 116) Type: recommendation | Number: 30 | Response …

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK
11 Feb 2026 | Committee report linked

Boosting SME productivity depends on improving management capability. At present, support for management training has been fragmented and inconsistent. The Government should now set out a clear strategy to significantly expand access to high-quality management programmes and drive nationwide uptake among small businesses. (Conclusion, Paragraph 124)

Boosting SME productivity depends on improving management capability. At present, support for management training has been fragmented and inconsistent. The Government should now set out a clear strategy to significantly expand access to high-quality management programmes and drive nationwide uptake

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK
11 Feb 2026 | Committee report linked

The Government should expand nationwide programmes like Be the Business and Help to Grow: Management to transform the quality of SME management. It should work with industry bodies to encourage 74 participation, and widen the eligibility of these schemes by removing the five-employee requirement from the Help to Grow: Management programme. (Recommendation, Paragraph 125) Energy costs

The Government should expand nationwide programmes like Be the Business and Help to Grow: Management to transform the quality of SME management. It should work with industry bodies to encourage 74 participation, and widen the eligibility of these schemes by …

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK
11 Feb 2026 | Committee report linked

High energy prices are acting as a further strain on the bottom lines of smaller firms, significantly impacting their margins and hurting their ability to compete. The Government has recognised the impact this has on larger energy intensive industries. Specific consistent support is now needed for SMEs. (Conclusion, Paragraph 132)

High energy prices are acting as a further strain on the bottom lines of smaller firms, significantly impacting their margins and hurting their ability to compete. The Government has recognised the impact this has on larger energy intensive industries. Specific …

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK
11 Feb 2026 | Committee report linked

The Government should introduce relief schemes for SME energy costs. Priority should be given to firms that are ineligible for the Government’s current industrial energy relief schemes, such as the British Industry Supercharger or the British Industrial Competitiveness Scheme. (Recommendation, Paragraph 133)

The Government should introduce relief schemes for SME energy costs. Priority should be given to firms that are ineligible for the Government’s current industrial energy relief schemes, such as the British Industry Supercharger or the British Industrial Competitiveness Scheme. (Recommendation, …

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK
11 Feb 2026 | Committee report linked

To best support SMEs buying energy, the Government should introduce standardised billing formats for non-domestic customers. Reiterating Ofgem’s previous recommendation, the Government should conduct a review of the range of factors causing issues in the energy market for high- risk sectors. (Recommendation, Paragraph 139)

To best support SMEs buying energy, the Government should introduce standardised billing formats for non-domestic customers. Reiterating Ofgem’s previous recommendation, the Government should conduct a review of the range of factors causing issues in the energy market for high- risk …

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK
11 Feb 2026 | Committee report linked

We welcome the Government’s commitment to regulating energy brokers. Poor practices in this sector have already caused and will continue to cause significant harm to smaller businesses. It is vital that legislation is not delayed. The Government needs to set out a clear timeline for action and provide SMEs with certainty about when these protections will come into force. (Conclusion, Paragraph 143)

We welcome the Government’s commitment to regulating energy brokers. Poor practices in this sector have already caused and will continue to cause significant harm to smaller businesses. It is vital that legislation is not delayed. The Government needs to set …

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK
11 Feb 2026 | Committee report linked

The Government should build a business support service that is fit for the long term, like the US Small Business Service. It should combine these services with arrangements for transforming access to finance, export finance, public procurement, skills, export support services, and general business advice. It should study best practice internationally and present a White Paper to Parliament with the design of a service that matches the challenge. (Recommendation, Paragraph 204) 78 Improving data

The Government should build a business support service that is fit for the long term, like the US Small Business Service. It should combine these services with arrangements for transforming access to finance, export finance, public procurement, skills, export support …

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK
11 Feb 2026 | Committee report linked

SMEs represent 99.9% of UK businesses, ranging from firms with 2 employees to those with 150. The Government’s decision to use this term interchangeably with ‘smaller firms’ means that it is never clear which category of enterprises’ a particular policy intervention is targeting. (Conclusion, Paragraph 215)

SMEs represent 99.9% of UK businesses, ranging from firms with 2 employees to those with 150. The Government’s decision to use this term interchangeably with ‘smaller firms’ means that it is never clear which category of enterprises’ a particular policy …

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK
11 Feb 2026 | Committee report linked

The Government should reconsider its use of the term SME. Moving forward it should directly link policy programmes to different categories of these business (micro, small, and medium) in order to make it clear as to which group is being targeted by a particular policy measure. (Recommendation, Paragraph 216) Cross-Whitehall working

The Government should reconsider its use of the term SME. Moving forward it should directly link policy programmes to different categories of these business (micro, small, and medium) in order to make it clear as to which group is being …

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK
11 Feb 2026 | Committee report linked

Throughout this inquiry, SMEs have highlighted how contradictory and counterproductive advice from different departments creates confusion and undermines policy effectiveness. This lack of a joined-up approach bedevils regulation, where conflicting requirements are expensive to manage and hurt growth. The Government previously rejected the Committee’s recommendation for the Regulatory Innovation Office to act as a clearing house for conflicting regulation. However, it remains clear that busin...

Throughout this inquiry, SMEs have highlighted how contradictory and counterproductive advice from different departments creates confusion and undermines policy effectiveness. This lack of a joined-up approach bedevils regulation, where conflicting requirements are expensive to manage and hurt growt

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK
11 Feb 2026 | Committee report linked

In line with our previous recommendation, the Government should create a place in Government that acts as a clearing house for regulatory conflicts and give businesses a place to report conflicting regulations. The Minister 79 for Small Business should be empowered to champion SMEs, and their experience of duplicating and conflicting regulation, cross-Whitehall. (Recommendation, Paragraph 223)

In line with our previous recommendation, the Government should create a place in Government that acts as a clearing house for regulatory conflicts and give businesses a place to report conflicting regulations. The Minister 79 for Small Business should be …

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK
11 Feb 2026 | Committee report linked

The SME Plan is one part of the Government’s interlocking plan for growth, but the plan does not empower an independent body to monitor its effective implementation. Engagement with SMEs themselves is currently limited to regional events, rather than a sustained focus on understanding the realities and needs of these businesses. (Conclusion, Paragraph 228)

The SME Plan is one part of the Government’s interlocking plan for growth, but the plan does not empower an independent body to monitor its effective implementation. Engagement with SMEs themselves is currently limited to regional events, rather than a …

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK
11 Feb 2026 | Committee report linked

The Government should, as part of its forthcoming Industrial Strategy Bill, create statutory micro, small and medium sized enterprise panels. These panels would advise departments on small business policy. A first task for these panels should be to develop metrics for assessing the impact of the SME Plan over the course of this Parliament. The Government should then present its performance against these metrics to Parliament on an annual basis. (Recommendation, Paragraph 229) 80

The Government should, as part of its forthcoming Industrial Strategy Bill, create statutory micro, small and medium sized enterprise panels. These panels would advise departments on small business policy. A first task for these panels should be to develop metrics …

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK

2025

3 events
22 Oct 2025 | Committee report linked

The Industrial Strategy and SME Strategy were ideal opportunities for the Government to launch the systemic change required to unlock the enormous potential that female-led businesses can offer. It is deeply disappointing that neither strategy contained any specific measures to support female-led businesses. (Conclusion, Paragraph 54)

The Industrial Strategy and SME Strategy were ideal opportunities for the Government to launch the systemic change required to unlock the enormous potential that female-led businesses can offer. It is deeply disappointing that neither strategy contained any specific measures to …

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK
22 Oct 2025 | Committee report linked

The strategy should be overseen by a dedicated Minister and Office within the Department for Business and Trade akin to the US Office of Women’s Business Ownership, with an assigned budget and responsibility for driving implementation of the strategy, and ensuring accountability and transparency through data collection. (Recommendation, Paragraph 56)

The strategy should be overseen by a dedicated Minister and Office within the Department for Business and Trade akin to the US Office of Women’s Business Ownership, with an assigned budget and responsibility for driving implementation of the strategy, and …

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK
6 Jun 2025 | Committee report linked

In January 2025, the government published its ‘Blueprint for modern digital government’. This announced the creation of a new Digital Commercial Centre of Excellence with an objective to “identify opportunities for further reform and improvements needed to enable tech startups, scaleups and [small–and medium–sized enterprises] to access government contracts.” 16 The new Digital Centre of Excellence will be staffed by experts in digital procurement. We asked the Cabinet Office how it would ens...

In January 2025, the government published its ‘Blueprint for modern digital government’. This announced the creation of a new Digital Commercial Centre of Excellence with an objective to “identify opportunities for further reform and improvements needed to enable tech startups, …

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK

2024

3 events
8 May 2024 | Committee report linked

Small and medium-sized enterprises make a large contribution to the UK economy, accounting for over half of total business employment and turnover. SMEs are struggling with narrow access to finance in the face of rising cost pressures and higher interest rates and are generally pessimistic about their ability to raise funds. Furthermore, apathy about seeking finance is a concerning trend amongst SMEs, and this further reduces access to and awareness of potential sources of business investment...

Small and medium-sized enterprises make a large contribution to the UK economy, accounting for over half of total business employment and turnover. SMEs are struggling with narrow access to finance in the face of rising cost pressures and higher interest …

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK
8 May 2024 | Committee report linked

We commend the British Business Bank for its role in providing support to SMEs. We would like to see more smaller businesses visiting the Finance Hub and making use of its resources, as well as wider BBB programmes.

We commend the British Business Bank for its role in providing support to SMEs. We would like to see more smaller businesses visiting the Finance Hub and making use of its resources, as well as wider BBB programmes. Type: conclusion …

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK
8 May 2024 | Committee report linked

Government, including HM Treasury and the Department for Business and Trade, should consult with the BBB on an ongoing basis to ensure that everything possible is being done to raise awareness and increase engagement from the SME community. This should include assessing whether the BBB has sufficient resources to publicise its services effectively. Government should subsequently implement criteria by which they can assess the effectiveness of the BBB in reaching SMEs, which they should publis...

Government, including HM Treasury and the Department for Business and Trade, should consult with the BBB on an ongoing basis to ensure that everything possible is being done to raise awareness and increase engagement from the SME community. This should …

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK

2023

17 events
13 Dec 2023 | Committee report linked

We asked how government would ensure that it was not creating barriers preventing SMEs from getting on frameworks. The GCF commented that SME spend has increased from £11 billion in 2016–17 to £21 billion last year. CCS and the GCF explained to us how they try to make certain that SMEs are a market for the government, because they recognise the innovation that an SME could bring. They told us that, of the 11,000 CCS suppliers, 4,500 are new suppliers to government over the last five years and...

We asked how government would ensure that it was not creating barriers preventing SMEs from getting on frameworks. The GCF commented that SME spend has increased from £11 billion in 2016–17 to £21 billion last year. CCS and the GCF …

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK
13 Dec 2023 | Committee report linked

However, for contracts that are too small to be able to fund a certain number of apprentices, it is difficult to sensibly embed social value. We wanted to hear how government is planning to review this or engage with small businesses to address this. The GCF commented that one of the purposes of the SME Crown representative is to try to tease that out. The GCF told us that if something is so small as not to be easily measurable, that will also apply to the large company that is bidding. The G...

However, for contracts that are too small to be able to fund a certain number of apprentices, it is difficult to sensibly embed social value. We wanted to hear how government is planning to review this or engage with small …

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK
6 Sep 2023 | Committee report linked

Central government’s distance from the practical realities on the ground meant confusion, delays and uncertainty for small businesses and local authorities. Business, local authorities and MPs all experienced at times a lack of clarity about precisely which businesses were covered by which schemes, and experienced delays when seeking clarification from BEIS. BEIS published multiple iterations of guidance and related documents as it worked through issues it had not anticipated when the schemes...

Central government’s distance from the practical realities on the ground meant confusion, delays and uncertainty for small businesses and local authorities. Business, local authorities and MPs all experienced at times a lack of clarity about precisely which businesses were covered …

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK
6 Sep 2023 | Committee report linked

The government did not have in place a plan for how it would provide support to businesses during a national emergency like the pandemic. At the time the pandemic started there were no contingency plans in place between central and local government on how to provide support to businesses. HM Treasury, BEIS and local authorities therefore had to react in the absence of pre-agreed processes. Local authorities were often not aware of new schemes until they were publicly announced, leaving them t...

The government did not have in place a plan for how it would provide support to businesses during a national emergency like the pandemic. At the time the pandemic started there were no contingency plans in place between central and …

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK
6 Sep 2023 | Committee report linked

The LGA informed us that local government had little or no input into the government’s work on the design of the grant schemes up to the point of the initial announcements.26 DBT told us many of the early grants were paid automatically using business rates data held by local authorities.27 However, local authority data such as bank details or even who was occupying a property were sometimes out of date, leading to payments made in error.28 The LGA pointed out that such data issues were partic...

The LGA informed us that local government had little or no input into the government’s work on the design of the grant schemes up to the point of the initial announcements.26 DBT told us many of the early grants were …

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK
6 Sep 2023 | Committee report linked

There were also consequences arising from insufficiently granular knowledge about small businesses within the departments. We asked officials about the way that scheme designs and initial versions of guidance were unable to provide clarity about whether or how a range of business types were covered.31 This lack of clarity prompted questions from businesses, local authorities and MPs that the government struggled to answer in a timely fashion. Guidance had to be revised or Frequently Asked Que...

There were also consequences arising from insufficiently granular knowledge about small businesses within the departments. We asked officials about the way that scheme designs and initial versions of guidance were unable to provide clarity about whether or how a range …

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK
24 Jul 2023 | Committee report linked

The funding limits on tax-beneficial venture capital funding through the EIS and VCTs schemes limit their utility in helping companies grow and scale-up in today’s economy. Altering these limits presents an opportunity to support domestic business growth through established policy routes.

The funding limits on tax-beneficial venture capital funding through the EIS and VCTs schemes limit their utility in helping companies grow and scale-up in today’s economy. Altering these limits presents an opportunity to support domestic business growth through established policy …

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK
20 Mar 2023 | Committee report linked

A significant further challenge is a “scaling-up gap”, whereby new innovations are developed with the help of research and development or seed funding, but making the leap to widespread use and commercialisation of those innovations is much more difficult.

A significant further challenge is a “scaling-up gap”, whereby new innovations are developed with the help of research and development or seed funding, but making the leap to widespread use and commercialisation of those innovations is much more difficult. Type: …

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK
20 Mar 2023 | Committee report linked

To help bridge the “scaling-up gap”, the Department for Transport should work with the Department for Business and Trade and the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology to develop business skills support for SMEs in the maritime sector. Future iterations of the Technology Route Map should set out a clear strategy for supporting commercialisation as well as development of marine and maritime innovation. (Paragraph 108) Infrastructure and ports

To help bridge the “scaling-up gap”, the Department for Transport should work with the Department for Business and Trade and the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology to develop business skills support for SMEs in the maritime sector. Future iterations …

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK
27 Jan 2023 | Committee report linked

We note that the MOD did not agree with the concerns expressed by Scottish SMEs during our Defence in Scotland: military landscape inquiry about the difficulties they experienced engaging with the Ministry. The steps the UK Government outlined in its response to our report are encouraging; however, we believe the Government is missing an opportunity by not doing more to encourage innovation and collaboration by supporting SME clusters around Scotland’s shipyards. (Paragraph 69) 6 Defence in S...

We note that the MOD did not agree with the concerns expressed by Scottish SMEs during our Defence in Scotland: military landscape inquiry about the difficulties they experienced engaging with the Ministry. The steps the UK Government outlined in its …

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK
27 Jan 2023 | Committee report linked

The Ministry of Defence should, in line with its commitments in the National Shipbuilding Strategy and the UK Government’s commitments in Maritime 2050, work specifically to develop shipbuilding clusters in Scotland. In responding to this report, the UK Government should update us on what it has already done to support the growth of the Scottish Maritime Cluster as was promised in the Maritime 2050 strategy in 2019. To support the growth of these clusters the MOD needs to address barriers to ...

The Ministry of Defence should, in line with its commitments in the National Shipbuilding Strategy and the UK Government’s commitments in Maritime 2050, work specifically to develop shipbuilding clusters in Scotland. In responding to this report, the UK Government should …

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK
27 Jan 2023 | Committee report linked

The Ministry of Defence should report back to us at the end of the financial year to confirm whether it met its target of spending 25 per cent of its procurement spend with SMEs. In addition, it should provide an update on what proportion of its spend with SMEs is spent with Scottish SMEs.

The Ministry of Defence should report back to us at the end of the financial year to confirm whether it met its target of spending 25 per cent of its procurement spend with SMEs. In addition, it should provide an …

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK
27 Jan 2023 | Committee report linked

In addition to its large shipyards, Scotland is home to a large number of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) which contribute to Scottish shipbuilding and to the wider defence sector. An SME is defined as a company with annual turnover of less than €50 million and fewer than 250 employees.101

In addition to its large shipyards, Scotland is home to a large number of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) which contribute to Scottish shipbuilding and to the wider defence sector. An SME is defined as a company with annual turnover …

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK
27 Jan 2023 | Committee report linked

The MOD’s SME Action Plan acknowledges some of the challenges SMEs face. The Plan notes that “improving access to opportunities for SMEs also requires support from MOD as the end customer”109 and proposes a number of actions aimed at improving 101 Ministry of Defence, MOD trade, industry and contracts 2022, 29 September 2022 102 Ministry of Defence, MOD trade, industry and contracts 2022, 29 September 2022 103 Ministry of Defence, Policy paper: Opportunity and Innovation: The Defence Small an...

The MOD’s SME Action Plan acknowledges some of the challenges SMEs face. The Plan notes that “improving access to opportunities for SMEs also requires support from MOD as the end customer”109 and proposes a number of actions aimed at improving …

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK
27 Jan 2023 | Committee report linked

We heard that geographically targeted measures could be an effective way of involving SMEs in defence supply chains, such as fostering the growth of industry clusters. Hans Pung of RAND Europe, when asked what the UK Government could do to promote SME involvement, suggested that “the MOD working-with-industry group should really take a hard look at the benefit of industry clusters,” noting that strong maritime clusters in Scotland already exist. The MOD itself recognises the strengths of ship...

We heard that geographically targeted measures could be an effective way of involving SMEs in defence supply chains, such as fostering the growth of industry clusters. Hans Pung of RAND Europe, when asked what the UK Government could do to …

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK
27 Jan 2023 | Committee report linked

We note that the MOD did not agree with the concerns expressed by Scottish SMEs during our Defence in Scotland: military landscape inquiry about the difficulties they experienced engaging with the Ministry. The steps the UK Government outlined in its response to our report are encouraging; however, we believe the Government is missing an opportunity by not doing more to encourage innovation and collaboration by supporting SME clusters around Scotland’s shipyards.

We note that the MOD did not agree with the concerns expressed by Scottish SMEs during our Defence in Scotland: military landscape inquiry about the difficulties they experienced engaging with the Ministry. The steps the UK Government outlined in its …

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK

2022

7 events
14 Dec 2022 | Committee report linked

The NAO found that government had not made clear to what extent it was seeking to influence employers to invest more in developing the skills of their own workforces.28 We asked whether there was scope for government to do more to reach out to employers who were unwilling to invest or uninvolved in the skills system. BEIS told us that it was most concerned about small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which frequently told government that they lacked the resources to invest in workforce tr...

The NAO found that government had not made clear to what extent it was seeking to influence employers to invest more in developing the skills of their own workforces.28 We asked whether there was scope for government to do more …

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK
13 Jul 2022 | Committee report linked

A consistent theme in this inquiry was that a significant part of the UK’s productivity shortfall compared to other countries is due to a ‘long tail’ of low-productivity firms, usually small ones. Relatively poor digital technology adoption and management skills were seen as key interlocking causes.

A consistent theme in this inquiry was that a significant part of the UK’s productivity shortfall compared to other countries is due to a ‘long tail’ of low-productivity firms, usually small ones. Relatively poor digital technology adoption and management skills …

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK
24 Jun 2022 | Committee report linked

The MOD should, with the assistance of the Scotland Office, initiate a culture change process within its own ranks, and in its prime contractors, that addresses perceptions of engrained hesitancy towards working with SMEs in Scotland, with a view to increasing the proportion of SME spending north of the border to at least 8% by the end of the MOD SME Action Plan implementation period.

The MOD should, with the assistance of the Scotland Office, initiate a culture change process within its own ranks, and in its prime contractors, that addresses perceptions of engrained hesitancy towards working with SMEs in Scotland, with a view to …

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK
18 Mar 2022 | Committee report linked

The Department acknowledged that “agreements are only as good as the businesses that utilise them”.39 It told us that its new export strategy, published in November 2021, had been informed by our previous report on support for exporters, and that a particular focus of the new strategy was on supporting small businesses to export.40 For example, it said as a result of our report it was working more closely with UK Export Finance which is focusing more on small and medium-sized enterprises (SME...

The Department acknowledged that “agreements are only as good as the businesses that utilise them”.39 It told us that its new export strategy, published in November 2021, had been informed by our previous report on support for exporters, and that …

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK
9 Feb 2022 | Committee report linked

More could be done by Government to ensure small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) are prepared to face the additional costs and administration required by new border requirements. In preparing for the end of the transition period government provided a range of support to help UK businesses prepare for new 6 EU Exit: UK Border post transition EU controls. This included targeted support to the 10,000 higher-value businesses which had previously only traded with the EU. Some support was provi...

More could be done by Government to ensure small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) are prepared to face the additional costs and administration required by new border requirements. In preparing for the end of the transition period government provided a …

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK
9 Feb 2022 | Committee report linked

In the run up to the end of the transition period, the government provided a range of support to help traders prepare. This included: running a communications campaign across multiple channels; writing directly to businesses to encourage them to get ready; and offering one-to-one support to the 10,000 GB businesses whose trade exceeded £250,000 per annum but had previously only traded with the EU.29 However, we have previously highlighted the contrast in readiness between larger and smaller b...

In the run up to the end of the transition period, the government provided a range of support to help traders prepare. This included: running a communications campaign across multiple channels; writing directly to businesses to encourage them to get …

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK
9 Feb 2022 | Committee report linked

We heard from witnesses; in written submissions; and from cases in our own constituencies about some of the particular issues that smaller businesses have faced as they try to get to grips with new requirements. For example, ADS, which represents the UK’s aerospace, defence, security, and space industries, 95% of whose members are SMEs, told us that one of the main consequences its members had reported was the increasing time and cost associated with moving goods, which it said was ultimately...

We heard from witnesses; in written submissions; and from cases in our own constituencies about some of the particular issues that smaller businesses have faced as they try to get to grips with new requirements. For example, ADS, which represents …

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK

2021

10 events
28 Jun 2021 | Committee report linked

The growth capital gap is a brake on the ability of small businesses to innovate and accelerate their growth. Venture capital in the UK does not always fill the gap and support the right businesses in the right places at the right time. There remains a sectoral and geographic vacuum which is filled by investors from outside the UK.

The growth capital gap is a brake on the ability of small businesses to innovate and accelerate their growth. Venture capital in the UK does not always fill the gap and support the right businesses in the right places at …

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK
28 Jun 2021 | Committee report linked

On this basis, we share the concerns of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC), which called into question the extent to which the Industrial Strategy Challenge Fund (ISCF) supports research-orientated small businesses. Given the scale of the funding attached to the ISCF, the fund should represent a realistic source of alternative funding for small businesses seeking to innovate. However, if the ISCF funding becomes ever more concentrated in certain parts of England, and the flow of support tren...

On this basis, we share the concerns of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC), which called into question the extent to which the Industrial Strategy Challenge Fund (ISCF) supports research-orientated small businesses. Given the scale of the funding attached to the …

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK
28 Jun 2021 | Committee report linked

We are concerned that the ISCF as a source of public finance should not reinforce the trends seen in access to private finance, in particular venture capital. In addition, we are concerned that difficult approval processes and the challenge of providing finance to satisfy the collaborative approach disincentivise small, innovative businesses from engaging with the ISCF.

We are concerned that the ISCF as a source of public finance should not reinforce the trends seen in access to private finance, in particular venture capital. In addition, we are concerned that difficult approval processes and the challenge of …

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK
28 Jun 2021 | Committee report linked

We recommend that UKRI put in place an action plan which: • sets out how they will ensure that the ISCF stimulates innovation in all the nations and regions of the UK; • details how UKRI will reverse the trend of funding moving sharply away from SMEs to larger businesses; • addresses concerns that the collaborative co-investment bid process is not appropriate for SMEs which are unable to meet co-financing requirements.

We recommend that UKRI put in place an action plan which: • sets out how they will ensure that the ISCF stimulates innovation in all the nations and regions of the UK; • details how UKRI will reverse the trend …

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK
28 Jun 2021 | Committee report linked

British business should be provided with a clear picture of the landscape in which it will operate in the post-Brexit and post-Covid-19 era. We recommend that the Government publish an overview of the scale and nature of its future relationship with industry to clarify the mechanisms it will use for investing in commercial innovation. This overview should set out principles by which the Government will seek to support businesses, particularly SME’s experiencing rapid growth. Further, the Trea...

British business should be provided with a clear picture of the landscape in which it will operate in the post-Brexit and post-Covid-19 era. We recommend that the Government publish an overview of the scale and nature of its future relationship …

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK
14 May 2021 | Committee report linked

We recommend that alongside the proposals to remove competition regulation, the Department establishes a framework that formally monitors and makes public annually: f) the proportion of contracts which change from year to year and the companies that were awarded contracts or had contracts renewed in each year; g) the proportion of contracts awarded to small and medium-sized enterprises; h) value for money of those contracts; and i) the patient experience. That framework should also ensure tha...

We recommend that alongside the proposals to remove competition regulation, the Department establishes a framework that formally monitors and makes public annually: f) the proportion of contracts which change from year to year and the companies that were awarded contracts …

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK
30 Apr 2021 | Committee report linked

One of the Fund’s five objectives is to increase collaboration between new small companies and those that are established. Analysis undertaken by the National Audit Office showed that UKRI had initially succeeded in attracting a range of different sized companies to participate in the Fund. However, in the third wave of funding, the proportion of projects awarded to companies classified as large (categorised as having more than 250 staff) increased from 20% in the second wave of funding to 29...

One of the Fund’s five objectives is to increase collaboration between new small companies and those that are established. Analysis undertaken by the National Audit Office showed that UKRI had initially succeeded in attracting a range of different sized companies …

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK
30 Apr 2021 | Committee report linked

There are several reasons why the proportion of smaller businesses receiving funding could have fallen including the increase in UKRI’s requirements for coinvestment from participants for wave 3 funding. UKRI increased the co-investment requirement from industry in wave 3, responding to a requirement from the Secretary of State for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy. The ratio of public investment to private investment increased from 1:0.45 in Wave 1 to 1:1.5 in Wave 3.48 The Department t...

There are several reasons why the proportion of smaller businesses receiving funding could have fallen including the increase in UKRI’s requirements for coinvestment from participants for wave 3 funding. UKRI increased the co-investment requirement from industry in wave 3, responding …

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK
30 Apr 2021 | Written evidence linked

Other factors that may have influenced the reduced participation of smaller businesses include insufficient communication about the Fund reaching SMEs, limited capacity within SMEs to participate in collaborative bids, and the lengthy approvals processes for funding.51 We received written evidence from Universities Scotland, which told us that “insufficient communication and notice of calls severely limits breadth and excellence” of the research and innovation funded by the Fund. This issue i...

Other factors that may have influenced the reduced participation of smaller businesses include insufficient communication about the Fund reaching SMEs, limited capacity within SMEs to participate in collaborative bids, and the lengthy approvals processes for funding.51 We received written evidence …

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK
7 Apr 2021 | Committee report linked

We support the Chancellor’s announcement in the Budget that the hospitality sector will continue to receive at least the same level of financial support. However, we remain concerned that those who supply them have not received the same level of financial support. Many of these suppliers are small businesses, who will be particularly vulnerable as the economy starts to re-open. Both hospitality providers, and many public sector organisations, are reliant on them. The Government’s support to h...

We support the Chancellor’s announcement in the Budget that the hospitality sector will continue to receive at least the same level of financial support. However, we remain concerned that those who supply them have not received the same level of …

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK

2020

14 events
16 Dec 2020 | Committee report linked

Both Germany and Switzerland delivered schemes to support small and medium- sized enterprises (SMEs) much earlier than the UK.16 Their schemes offered 100% guarantees.17 CBILS, although in place at a similar time, offered an 80% guarantee attempting to remain line with state aid legislation, but unlike other jurisdictions was not suitable for the smallest businesses.18 HM Treasury has not taken advantage of the increased support it can provide to businesses in certain sectors, including 20,00...

Both Germany and Switzerland delivered schemes to support small and medium- sized enterprises (SMEs) much earlier than the UK.16 Their schemes offered 100% guarantees.17 CBILS, although in place at a similar time, offered an 80% guarantee attempting to remain line …

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK
16 Dec 2020 | Committee report linked

The Government indicated that its overarching objective was speed.48 No written objectives were outlined at the inception of the Scheme and no business case was put forward. The Bank, HM Treasury and the Department, did not agree the Scheme objectives until 15 July and there are no plans in place to measure the Scheme’s impact.49 Performance measures, such as the number of insolvencies prevented, have not been decided. The Department believes the Scheme was a success as it reached micro- busi...

The Government indicated that its overarching objective was speed.48 No written objectives were outlined at the inception of the Scheme and no business case was put forward. The Bank, HM Treasury and the Department, did not agree the Scheme objectives …

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK
2 Dec 2020 | Committee report linked

Government is not doing enough to ensure businesses and citizens will be ready for the end of the transition period, and it is unclear what has been learnt from the previous ‘Get ready for Brexit’ campaign. The Cabinet Office launched a new communications campaign, ‘The UK’s new start: let’s get going’, in July. Its aim is to inform businesses and the public about what actions they need to take to be ready for the end of the transition period. Government survey data suggests that 36% of SMEs ...

Government is not doing enough to ensure businesses and citizens will be ready for the end of the transition period, and it is unclear what has been learnt from the previous ‘Get ready for Brexit’ campaign. The Cabinet Office launched …

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK
28 Oct 2020 | Committee report linked

The Department for International Trade is not doing enough to address the challenges that small businesses face when they export. Out of an estimated 5.9 million businesses in the UK, the Department focuses its bespoke support on around 230,000 which has been almost identical for many years, with a turnover of over £500,000 and directs businesses below this threshold to digital services on its website. Levels of satisfaction with the Department’s digital services are low (under half of the De...

The Department for International Trade is not doing enough to address the challenges that small businesses face when they export. Out of an estimated 5.9 million businesses in the UK, the Department focuses its bespoke support on around 230,000 which …

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK
28 Oct 2020 | Committee report linked

We were concerned that the Department concentrates on identifying which overseas markets might provide contacts for the UK’s existing exporters.16 These may be larger firms in more established markets that already generate high value exports. However longer-term export growth will come from focusing on some of the smaller innovative businesses which have potential to grow. The Department noted that large companies often employ a lot of people and create a lot of value but agreed that it shoul...

We were concerned that the Department concentrates on identifying which overseas markets might provide contacts for the UK’s existing exporters.16 These may be larger firms in more established markets that already generate high value exports. However longer-term export growth will …

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK
28 Oct 2020 | Committee report linked

Although sector teams within the Department for Business, Energy & Industry Strategy and the Department for International Trade work together, officials at both departments consider there is scope for a better joint understanding of how to exploit emerging opportunities in overseas markets.21 The Department noted that there is a high correlation between innovating, high productivity and exporting, and that it does work with UK Research and Innovation (UKRI). However, the Federation of Small B...

Although sector teams within the Department for Business, Energy & Industry Strategy and the Department for International Trade work together, officials at both departments consider there is scope for a better joint understanding of how to exploit emerging opportunities in …

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK
28 Oct 2020 | Committee report linked

The Department told us that it has recently introduced a value for money model to assess the impact of its different interventions, but it is still relatively new. It recognised that there is work to do to improve its overall evidence base, particularly how exports change over time, and to make sure that it understands the long-term impacts of its interventions.31 26 C&AG’s Report, paras 13, 1.16 27 Q 21 28 Q 21 29 C&AG’s Report, paras 22, 3.13 30 Qq 18, 22 31 Q 30 Government support for UK e...

The Department told us that it has recently introduced a value for money model to assess the impact of its different interventions, but it is still relatively new. It recognised that there is work to do to improve its overall …

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK
28 Oct 2020 | Committee report linked

The Department will provide support to all other potential exporters mainly through its website services.33 However, the National Audit Office reported that businesses have low satisfaction with the Department’s digital services (under half of the Department’s clients reported that services to help them identify export opportunities were good at meeting their needs). In addition, use of these services is declining (registrations have dropped from 816 per month in 2018, to 450 per month in 201...

The Department will provide support to all other potential exporters mainly through its website services.33 However, the National Audit Office reported that businesses have low satisfaction with the Department’s digital services (under half of the Department’s clients reported that services …

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK
28 Oct 2020 | Committee report linked

The FSB also reported that the Department’s International Trade Advisors can vary in quality, that small businesses do not know about the Department’s ‘Report a trade barrier’ scheme and are not using it, and that very small firms do not have the opportunity to apply for a Tradeshow Access Programme (TAP) grant.36 Pact (which represents the independent television, film and digital media production sector including many small businesses) told us that, because of the COVID-19 pandemic, many tra...

The FSB also reported that the Department’s International Trade Advisors can vary in quality, that small businesses do not know about the Department’s ‘Report a trade barrier’ scheme and are not using it, and that very small firms do not …

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK
28 Oct 2020 | Committee report linked

In 2019–20 UKEF directly supported 199 customers, falling short of its target to support 500. A further 140 customers benefited as suppliers to UKEF-supported projects. UKEF attributes lower than expected growth in the number of customers it supports to a lack of awareness among small businesses of what UKEF offers; a lack of appetite from banks to support smaller exporters; declining demand from exporters; and issues with the application process for UKEF products.42 Pact has informed us that...

In 2019–20 UKEF directly supported 199 customers, falling short of its target to support 500. A further 140 customers benefited as suppliers to UKEF-supported projects. UKEF attributes lower than expected growth in the number of customers it supports to a …

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK
28 Oct 2020 | Committee report linked

The National Audit Office reported that UKEF application processes can be slow and smaller businesses would benefit from simpler requirements.51 The FSB told us that it also wanted to encourage UKEF to simplify and shorten the application process for any future export finance product.52

The National Audit Office reported that UKEF application processes can be slow and smaller businesses would benefit from simpler requirements.51 The FSB told us that it also wanted to encourage UKEF to simplify and shorten the application process for any …

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK
11 Sep 2020 | Committee report linked

We are concerned that there may be a significant lack of capacity and willingness for the private sector to step in to provide solutions for corporate indebtedness especially amongst small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Viable SMEs struggling with debt will prolong the recession and so the Government must develop solutions for ensuring the recapitalising of their balance sheets. The Government must outline a plan for this within the next three months. It should think creatively (as it h...

We are concerned that there may be a significant lack of capacity and willingness for the private sector to step in to provide solutions for corporate indebtedness especially amongst small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Viable SMEs struggling with debt will …

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK
23 Jul 2020 | Committee report linked

The majority of business support measures have been one-size-fits-all, but some crucial sectors of the economy need more bespoke support. The government’s grants and loans schemes to support businesses through the pandemic have directed large sums of money to affected businesses, with the Department estimating that over one million businesses have benefited. For example, the main government-backed loans schemes have extended over £35 billion of finance to businesses. The largest support measu...

The majority of business support measures have been one-size-fits-all, but some crucial sectors of the economy need more bespoke support. The government’s grants and loans schemes to support businesses through the pandemic have directed large sums of money to affected …

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK
23 Jul 2020 | Committee report linked

The Government has been too slow to respond to the needs of the sectors under the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport’s remit during the Covid-19 outbreak. In its response, DCMS has been hampered by its overall spending power, a lack of robust data on ineligibility for support and a fundamental misunderstanding across Government of the needs, structures and vital social contribution of sectors such as the creative industries.

The Government has been too slow to respond to the needs of the sectors under the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport’s remit during the Covid-19 outbreak. In its response, DCMS has been hampered by its overall spending power, …

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK

2018

1 event

2017

1 event