AGP Executive Report
Last update: 9 hours agoSME Finance Boost: The UK government has expanded the British Business Bank’s Growth Guarantee Scheme, aiming to unlock an extra £2bn of SME lending annually by 2028-29, with the 70% government guarantee on loans up to £2m helping turn “nos” into “yeses”. Export Support: UKEF and the British Business Bank will launch a joint export finance scheme in spring 2027 to back SMEs with export ambitions, especially smaller firms needing working-capital support. HMRC Pressure on Compliance: HMRC investigations are taking up to eight years on average, with MPs warning the long delays and heavy information requests are hurting businesses forced into court battles. Digital Tax Readiness: Lloyds says 55% of affected small businesses and sole traders (nearly 475,000) still aren’t ready for the Making Tax Digital for Income Tax submission deadline on 7 August. Cybersecurity Blind Spot: New research flags that 55% of UK SMBs treat printers as low priority for cybersecurity, despite the sensitive documents they handle. Local Growth & Skills: Elevator reappointed to deliver Scotland’s Scottish Rural Leadership Programme, pitching “peak like never before” opportunities for rural firms. Business Marketing How-To: A practical guide urges SMEs to focus Google Ads copy on customer intent, not just clicks.
Note: AI summary from news headlines; neutral sources weighted more to help reduce bias in the result. Feedback is welcome. Please let us know if you have any comments or suggestions about the AGP Executive Report.
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