The Government has committed to supporting 5.5 million small businesses by updating its Help to Grow campaign and introducing a new Small Business Council next month.

Building upon existing initiatives, the council will create a platform for SME leaders nationwide to actively engage with the Government.

With small businesses constituting 99.9% of all UK enterprises, employing 27m people, and generating £4.5 trillion in annual turnover, the Government designates 2024 as “the year of the SME”.

The Help to Grow campaign and website have been updated to serve as a comprehensive resource hub for SMEs. A notable addition is the Help to Grow management scheme, a 12-week intensive program enhancing SME leadership skills. This initiative, which is 90% subsidised by the Government, has already been utilised by nearly 8,000 businesses, aiming to support up to 30,000 throughout its duration.

Business and Trade Secretary, Kemi Badenoch, said:

“Small businesses are the lifeblood of our local communities and drive the UK’s economy, supporting jobs and wages across the country.

“This new council will mean SMEs have a clear voice at the table and we can deliver on the key needs for business.”

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