Retail and industry organisations have sharply criticised the UK Government's Autumn Budget, arguing it fails to address mounting pressures on small businesses. Despite minor measures offering limited relief, associations representing independent retailers and the fitted-interiors sector say the Budget delivers higher costs without meaningful support.
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The British Independent Retailers Association (Bira) warned that business rates changes will still leave most independents paying up to 30% more next year. CEO Andrew Goodacre called the Budget "simply unacceptable," noting that rising labour costs, including a national living wage increase to £12.71, will intensify the financial strain. While he welcomed the £150 energy bill reduction and continued fuel duty cut, he described them as "modest relief" in the face of years of cost pressures.
The British Institute of Fitted Interiors Specialists (BIFIS) delivered a similarly bleak assessment. CEO Damian Walters said the Budget "falls short of providing targeted support" for SMEs, risks hindering growth and innovation, and adds new burdens such as the tax on electric vehicle owners. BIFIS also criticised increased apprenticeship wages, warning they compound rising training costs.
There was some relief that VAT thresholds remain unchanged, but Walters stressed that small businesses need "comprehensive, meaningful support" rather than "incremental adjustments."
The KBSA (Kitchen Bathroom Bedroom Specialists Association) took a more neutral stance, calling the Budget neither positive nor negative. Chair Richard Hibbert said small businesses look to fiscal announcements for confidence, but often feel overlooked. "What the country needs is joined-up thinking, long-term planning and strong leadership," he added, noting that small firms will "adapt to market conditions, keep offering quality service and survive."
Source: www.kbbreview.com
