New Business Growth Service to bring together government advice for small businesses

The Business Secretary has announced the launch of a new service to bring together government advice to better support growth of the UK’s small businesses.

With only 26% of UK SME employers reporting in 2023 to have sought external advice or information in the last year, the Business Growth Service has been designed to offer a UK-wide business support system.

Set to launch in the first half of 2025, it will work in partnership with local and devolved governments to ensure small businesses can access information and resources needed. The average small business owner spends over 33 hours every month on internal business admin – time which the government aims to decrease through the new streamlined service that will signpost small firms to practical help. 

The service was announced on Small Business Saturday on 7th December, a grassroots campaign to encourage shoppers to support small businesses in the local economy. The Business Growth Service will also sit alongside the government’s Small Business Strategy, which is set to be published in 2025.

Business and Trade Secretary, Jonathan Reynolds, said:?

“This government’s Plan for Change will deliver economic growth, and for that to succeed we need SMEs right across the country to be exporting, hiring, and expanding.??

“That’s why we’re working tirelessly to ensure every small business has the tools and support at their disposal to thrive.“

Tina McKenzie, Policy Chair at the Federation of Small Businesses, has backed the launch of the new service, commenting:

“Business support has a key role in helping small businesses grow, improve sales, find financial assistance and comply with regulations and taxation. We look forward to working together with Government to make sure the new Business Growth Service delivers for small firms.

“It makes sense to bring support services together under one roof and we hope this new resource means more small firms are able to secure the support they need access to, such as starting up their own business, embarking on their export journey, or establishing themselves on the high street.“