Tomorrow, Chancellor Rachel Reeves will deliver the much anticipated Spring Budget, which will outline how the government plan to supercharge the UK economy and fund public services in the next financial year.
In January 2025, the UK economy shrank by 0.1%, this shrinking is particularly concerning as the government is planning to increase National Insurance contributions for employers and employees this April, further squeezing the economy.
The chancellor’s plan will have to balance collecting taxes to fund public services with economic growth, otherwise, she risks plunging the country into a recession. Typically, the Spring Budget, which is delivered ahead of the next financial year, lays out exactly how the government plan to do this and what tax incentives, thresholds and spending will be available.
But what are business leaders looking to see covered in the announcement? To find out, we asked them.
Here’s what they had to say…
Our Experts
- Alan Price, CEO at BrightHR
- Marko Maras, CEO at Trustfull
- Lauren Chiren, CEO at Women Of A Certain Stage
- Claire Agutter, Director at Scopism.com
- Kiran Kachela, CEO of CI Projects
- Darcey Croft, Founder at Mothermind.io
- Martin Anderson, CEO & Founder at Lemon Contact Centre
- Paul Warburton, Chief Digital and Marketing Officer at NSC
- Danny Sullivan, Founder at Nomada Digital
- Natasha Guerra, CEO at Runway East
- Craig Letton, Founder of Hyble
- Laurent Descout, Co-Founder and CEO at Neo
- Tom McNally, Founder at Pie
- Scott Dawson, CEO at DECTA
- Silvija Krupena, Director of Financial Intelligence Unit, Red Compass Labs
- Alex Langan, Chief Investment Officer at Langan Financial Group
- Jordan Sinclair, President at Robinhood UK
- Will Donnelly, Co-Founder and CEO at Lottie
- Sébastien Conway, CEO of Ascoria Technologies
- Leo Labeis, Founder & CEO at REGnosys
- Ifty Nasir, Founder and CEO at Vestd
- Sabby Gill, CEO of Dext
- Andreas Adamides, CEO of Helm
- Kirstie Penk, CEO & EOS Integrator at The Legal Director
- Simon Tindal, CTO of Smart Communications
- Gareth Whiting, SVP of Sales in Europe at Creatio
- Anton Unger, CEO and Co-Founder at Klimato
- Emily van Eyssen, Founder at Remote Recruitment
For any questions, comments or features, please contact us directly.
Alan Price, CEO at HR Software Provider, BrightHR
“The last few months have been incredibly challenging for businesses following significant tax hikes and changes in the Autumn budget. Employer NICs especially have driven up operational costs, squeezed profit margins and resulted in businesses across all sectors making redundancies or closing entirely as they simply cannot afford to operate.
“At BrightHR we’ve seen a significant increase in calls from businesses looking to cut staff or struggling to make payments due to economic pressures.
“I certainly hope that the government seriously considers the impact of these changes ahead of the Spring Statement and avoid introducing any further tax rises on businesses.
“Piling further financial pressures on small businesses would be devastating. More businesses will be pushed to the brink, with far-reaching consequences for the livelihoods of both employees and small business owners.
“I think it sometimes goes forgotten that these people are amongst the hardest working, with many not taking a regular wage, working all hours to keep their businesses up and running in increasingly difficult times, ensuring employees are paid on time, etc.
“The government has spoken of prioritising growth; hopefully the Spring Statement will provide some much-needed relief for small businesses to help support rather than stifle industry.”
Marko Maras, CEO at Trustfull
“Fraud prevention should be at the top of the government’s agenda in the upcoming Spring Statement. As a European firm doing business in the UK, we want stronger collaboration between the UK and EU governments to crack down on fraud more effectively. Cybercrime is an international problem, with fraudsters in other countries targeting UK citizens. Criminals are operating across borders – sharing tactics and buying “Fraud as a Service” solutions from each other on the dark web.
“Deepfake technology and AI-driven fraud are driving up the number of victims across multiple industries, including retail, banking, and travel – causing consumers worldwide to lose $1 trillion to scams last year alone. This is too big of a problem for one country to solve and demands a united global effort. We’re calling for the UK government to strengthen collaboration with international and European partners, bringing banks, social media firms, and financial crime experts together in a strategic fight against rising fraud.
“By sharing intelligence and developing new strategies, we can build stronger defences against scams. For instance, new data analysis methods and more robust identity verification in the sign-up process can stop scammers before they strike on social media sites and other digital platforms. But without cross-border collaboration, criminals will continue to exploit blind spots and existing gaps. With a unified front, the process of tackling fraud becomes streamlined and fewer criminals slip through the net.”
Lauren Chiren, CEO at Women Of A Certain Stage
“As a founder and CEO of Women of a Certain Stage, I would like to see the spring budget recognise the significant economic and workplace impact of menopause. We need dedicated funding for menopause training, both within healthcare, education and the workplace, as well as incentives for businesses to implement menopause-inclusive policies. This is not just a health issue, it’s an economic one, 1m+ women leaving the workforce at the peak of their careers due to lack of support at a cost of £10.5bn/yr to the economy.
“What would benefit my sector most is government-backed support for employer training and awareness campaigns, making menopause part of broader diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. I’d also welcome grants or tax incentives for SMEs to access menopause training and create supportive environments, levelling the playing field between large corporations and smaller businesses.
“Additionally, improved access to HRT and menopause healthcare services would indirectly support our sector by ensuring women remain healthy, productive, and confident at work.
“Ultimately, I’d love to see the government demonstrate leadership by normalising menopause conversations nationally, acknowledging its place in both public health and the economy. PS Cuts to Corporation Tax for small business owners would be welcome!
For any questions, comments or features, please contact us directly.
Claire Agutter, Director at Scopism.com
“The upcoming Spring Budget will influence business operations for the next year while tech firms must maintain flexibility to adapt to possible tax and regulatory modifications. National Insurance Contributions changes will lead to substantial payroll cost variations that force businesses to reconsider their workforce management approaches.
“Businesses must revise their financial strategies when corporate tax rates change to preserve profitability and support innovative investments. Tech companies can utilize government-funded digital infrastructure to partner on innovative projects and boost the UK’s digital economy.
“Today business agility stands as a mandatory response to the swift pace at which regulations and technology evolve alongside economic changes. Businesses that succeed during unpredictable periods rapidly adapt their strategies while adopting new technologies and improving operational efficiency. Organisations need proactive financial and operational planning because of economic uncertainties including potential tax policy changes.
“Today’s customer expectations develop more quickly than before so businesses that anticipate these changes will secure their competitive advantage. It is crucial for the government to establish conditions that enable businesses to innovate and adapt without the constraints of excessive bureaucratic processes.
“The forthcoming budget brings about obstacles as well as potential advantages. Businesses which cultivate agility will navigate upcoming challenges most effectively.”
Kiran Kachela, CEO of CI Projects
“The Spring Budget must strategically align technology investment with robust sustainability and governance. We need to see policies that incentivise the adoption of technologies for operational efficiency and environmental impact reduction. We are seeing a growing requirement for clear, standardised frameworks for ESG compliance, enabling simplification of processes and enhancing transparency.
There is also a need for policies that promote ethical AI development and deployment, safeguarding against potential risks and ensuring responsible innovation. The governance must foster collaboration between businesses and regulatory bodies, enabling the development of innovative solutions to today’s complex challenges. Ultimately, the budget should create a business environment where technological advancement, environmental responsibility, and sound governance are seamlessly integrated, driving long-term value and resilience.”
Darcey Croft, Founder at Mothermind.io
“The upcoming spring budget must prioritise female entrepreneurship and maternal health innovation. Nearly 80% of women self-fund their startups due to limited access to finance, as highlighted by Small Business Britain. To address this, the government should introduce targeted funding and investment schemes for female-led businesses, particularly in health and wellness, where innovation is crucial but often underfunded.
“Additionally, Santander research found that 81% of young people cannot name a single female entrepreneur. This highlights the need for government-backed mentorship, financial education, and accelerator programmes to support women in business and improve their visibility in the economy.
“For maternal health, R&D tax relief and VAT reductions on pregnancy and postpartum products would help drive innovation and accessibility. Currently, hydration solutions like Isomum, which support maternal energy, recovery, and electrolyte balance, are taxed as general consumer goods despite their clear benefits in pregnancy and postpartum care. NICE guidelines already recommend isotonic drinks over water during labour, yet hydration remains overlooked in maternal care.
“Introducing VAT relief for scientifically backed maternal health products would improve access for mothers while supporting UK businesses innovating in women’s health. By investing in female-led businesses, maternal health, and financial education, the government can drive economic growth while addressing major gaps in public health and entrepreneurship.”
For any questions, comments or features, please contact us directly.
Martin Anderson, CEO & Founder at Lemon Contact Centre
“The Spring Budget looms as a moment of reckoning. Rachel Reeves’ ill-conceived tax grab last autumn has stifled investment, weakened business confidence, and brought growth to a standstill. Inflation is creeping up, government borrowing is soaring, and productivity remains stagnant. Rather than reviving the economy, Labour has killed it, stone dead.
“With the impact of the National Insurance rise about to hit in April, the economic outlook looks bleak. This tax on jobs is set to drive up employment costs, forcing many firms to raise prices and cut staff, leading to fewer jobs and rising inflation, directly harming the very workers Labour claims to support.
“That said, I feel any further tax hikes in this Budget would be political and economic suicide. Yet Labour’s reckless spending commitments demand savings elsewhere. Welfare cuts seem inevitable, and with such a large majority, backbench opposition may be of little concern.
“Following the disaster of the autumn, I have little confidence that the Chancellor has the vision or political will to pull a rabbit out of the hat next week. Unless the government changes direction and prioritises growth over ideology, we are all about to become a lot poorer.”
Paul Warburton, Chief Digital and Marketing Officer at NSC
“It is essential that the UK economy leads the digital revolution and embraces the profound changes shaping how we live and work in an intelligent mobility society. To achieve this, the government must actively support every part of the tech ecosystem, from AI-driven cloud solutions to edge computing, ensuring the UK remains at the forefront of global innovation. We would welcome further government measures that strengthen industry-wide investment and accelerate the UK’s digital leadership.
“NSC is committed to driving this transformation with our agile global services, Last Mile as a Service (LMaaS), delivering the critical connection points in this rapidly evolving ecosystem.”
Danny Sullivan, Founder at Nomada Digital
“As the founder of York-based SEO agency, Nomada Digital, I’d like to see the Spring Budget recognise the role SMEs play in the digital economy. Many tax policies still favour traditional, office-based businesses. For example, business rates relief supports those with physical premises, but remote agencies like ourselves see no equivalent benefits. Similarly, tax deductions for home office expenses remain restrictive compared to the relief available for commercial office spaces. I have also found that VAT thresholds can create issues – once we surpass £90,000 turnover, we must charge VAT on all sales. This makes it harder for service-based agencies to stay competitive. A phased VAT system and fairer tax treatment for remote companies would allow us to grow without unnecessary financial strain.
“Also, it would be great if regional digital businesses got better support to compete with London-based firms. A ‘Levelling Up’ approach for the digital sector – through regional grants, investment in co-working hubs, and funding for tech training – would strengthen agencies outside the capital. Yorkshire has a thriving creative and digital community, but securing investment and talent remains a challenge. Encouraging businesses to grow outside of major hubs would not only support local economies but also help decentralise the UK’s digital industry.
“With the right support, regional agencies like ours can contribute to national economic growth and help more businesses succeed online.”
For any questions, comments or features, please contact us directly.
Natasha Guerra CEO at Runway East
“The Autumn Budget was painful for businesses, and while I share the ambition for the strongest to shoulder the greatest burden, we have witnessed an exodus of wealth due to severe tax hikes, a withdrawal of much-needed investment, and a downward spiral in productivity.
“SMEs are the backbone of the economy, contributing not just to GDP but also to social value. Next week, I hope to see a comprehensive package aimed at reducing the financial strain on small businesses, particularly regarding national insurance contributions. The cost of doing business has risen dramatically, with many SMEs struggling under high operating costs, mounting energy bills, and complex regulations.
“I would also like to see targeted tax reliefs or incentives to ease the burden, especially for businesses still recovering from the pandemic’s impact. Simplifying business rates would make a significant difference, as the current system is overly complex and disproportionately affects smaller businesses that lack the resources of larger corporations.
“Additionally, more focus is needed on improving access to funding for small businesses. Easier access to finance—whether through loans or grants—would enable businesses to invest in innovation, new technologies, and growth. The government should provide stronger support for R&D to help businesses remain competitive in the global marketplace.
“Ultimately, if small businesses are to thrive and drive the UK’s economic recovery, we need measures that provide flexibility, stability, and encouragement—allowing businesses to take risks and expand rather than merely survive.”
Craig Letton, Founder of Hyble
“As the founder of Hyble, a UK-based Enterprise SaaS business working with some of the world’s largest drinks brands, currently employing over 100+ people; I strongly believe that the upcoming Spring Budget should focus on incentivising founders and entrepreneurs who are vital to driving innovation and job creation.
“The current ecosystem in the UK can feel overly punitive, with rising tax burdens, bureaucratic hurdles, and red tape that slow down progress and hinder our ability to innovate and grow. I know several founders who are looking to leave the UK for more business-friendly environments like the USA or UAE. In a difficult economy, the current tax burden is making it that much harder for entrepreneurs and small businesses to thrive here, and this must change to ensure the UK remains an attractive place for talent and investment.
“One key measure I’d like to see is the reinstatement of Entrepreneurs’ Relief at £10 million. This change would provide significant incentives for founders to take risks, build businesses, and contribute to economic growth. Additionally, rolling back the National Insurance increases is crucial. These hikes hit job creators hardest, making it more difficult for businesses, like Hyble, to expand and hire new employees.”
Laurent Descout, Co-Founder and CEO at Neo
“The UK government must continue to support SMEs as they navigate an exceptionally challenging landscape. Last month, 393 companies were forced to wind up across England and Wales. This was the highest monthly figure since September 2014 and highlights the immense pressure small businesses are under.
“For SMEs to not just survive but thrive, they need permanent full expensing, stable tax policies, and unhindered access to investment. The increasing rate of capital gains tax on gains qualifying for Business Asset Disposal Relief (BADR) is set to increase from 10% to 14% starting from April 6th 2025, with a further increase to 18% scheduled for April 2026.
“This increase could deter investors from backing high-growth SMEs and fintechs. It would make it harder for startups to scale, secure funding, and progress to IPOs or secondary share sales. Without investor confidence, the UK risks stalling its innovation pipeline just when it needs to compete on the global stage.”
For any questions, comments or features, please contact us directly.
Tom McNally, Founder at Pie
“We’ve already seen the effects of the Autumn budget, with over 17,000 retailers set to close this year – so it’s really important that the government maps out how it will reduce taxes, or support these groups with adequate funding in the long-term – as the increased NI rates are clearly taking a toll.
“Pie simplifies tax for the self-employed (and beyond) – so we’re real champions for the small business owner and the self-employed. With that, we would also welcome an increased VAT threshold in this announcement, which in turn, can really help small businesses grow without facing the added burden of VAT compliance.
“Access to business loans and other financial support should also be increased, as it is vital for reinvestment, and weathering a difficult economic storm (which can have positive consequences for broader growth). And, following a year where investment into the business and start-up scene was slightly tentative – it’s more important than ever that new businesses are supported with tax breaks or simplified registration processes.
“Talking of simplified processes – as a Make Tax Digital compatible software, we’ll be looking for updates on this too. Millions will be affected from next year and we know first hand that many don’t even know what it means – so, the government would be wise to map out some further details.
“We’ve also been keeping a close eye on the ISA rumours – and that the £20,000 tax-free threshold will be reduced. In our view, there should be a pause, or even a u-turn on this if it comes through – with bills and costs rising elsewhere, it’s important that households are not squeezed even further via their savings. There is lots more info on the above on our tax Pible – a source of truth for UK tax and all things self-assessment.”
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Scott Dawson, CEO at DECTA
“It’s disappointing to see Labour once again contradict their original manifesto and the reason that so many people voted for them, but with the rate of change we’re witnessing in the world right now, what was relevant and sensible a year ago may not be possible now.”
“As with the previous budget, the first of Kier Starmer’s Prime Ministership, the focus is going to be cutting the budget (possibly through a new Elon Musk-inspired ‘Project Chainsaw’ that cut civil service jobs) while increasing defence spending as part of a Europe-wide rearmament push. Balancing the budget is always a good thing, there are undoubtedly efficiency savings that can be made in government and we should do our part for Europe’s defence, but all of the above could very easily be used as a pretext for more austerity and more upward transfers of wealth.”
“If we get a forecast of ‘sensible’ belt-tightening then one of the sectors of the economy most affected will undoubtedly be the UK’s 5.5 million small businesses. We know from working with them that they are under more pressure than ever, with less access to the funding that they need to expand or stay afloat. Our own research into what UK consumers feel about SMEs, soon to be published, echoes this pessimistic view: a sizable majority don’t believe that the UK is a good place to do business as SMEs, and many are deeply concerned about price inflation and fraud.”
“SMEs are the most vital part of our economy, and they are starting to crack under the strain of trying to exist in a country where ordinary people, their customers, simply don’t have enough money.”
Silvija Krupena, Director of Financial Intelligence Unit, Red Compass Labs
“As the Chancellor prepares to deliver the Spring Statement, the UK’s fraud epidemic should be at the top of the government’s list of priorities. Fraud now accounts for nearly 40% of all crime, yet the response remains fragmented and ineffective.
“While the Online Safety Act was a step in the right direction, it has failed to hold social media giants like Meta accountable for the scams spreading on its platforms. The majority of fraud now originates online, but there are still no meaningful penalties or incentives for tech firms to act.
“The government must invest in awareness campaigns, stronger legislation, and AI-driven solutions to combat evolving financial crime. Criminals are leveraging AI to scale fraud operations, sharing successful tactics which automate scams and utilise deepfake technology to rake in millions. It’s time the government matches criminals’ moves and works together with banks, law enforcement, social media firms and financial crime experts to outsmart them at their own game. If not the gap between criminals and those fighting fraud will only widen.”
Alex Langan, Chief Investment Officer at Langan Financial Group
“I am not the founder of some big tech company, but I am the Chief Investment Officer at Langan Financial Group who specializes in fiduciary duty and retirement planning. As I see it as a financial expert, the upcoming Spring Budget ought to prioritize provisions that boost financial security, particularly for individuals and companies saving towards long-term stability. One area that is foremost is incentives for employer-sponsored retirement plans.
“Small businesses and medium-sized businesses are the backbone of the economy, yet many of them struggle to offer significant retirement benefits due to cost and regulatory limitations. Increasing tax credits for employer contributions and lessening compliance expenses under ERISA would encourage more companies to establish or improve retirement plans. This would benefit not only the employees but also the entire economy by improving financial security.
“Additionally, as inflation and interest rate fluctuations impact investment policy, policymakers can consider allowing greater flexibility in asset allocation and fiduciary decision-making in retirement plans. A more dynamic regulatory environment will guarantee that investment policies are aligned with market conditions without artificial barriers.
“By establishing an environment where businesses can help support workers’ financial futures without being hindered by red tape, the government can help foster long-term economic security while bridging the growing retirement savings gap.”
For any questions, comments or features, please contact us directly.
Jordan Sinclair, President at Robinhood UK
“The government has outwardly said that they want to encourage greater levels of retail investment in the UK – a huge issue in the UK where only 23% of the population have invested in the stock market, compared with over 60% in the US.
“While there can be a role for cash ISAs in the mix of savings products used by households, we need to move to action to boost the culture of retail investment – focusing the policy conversation more broadly on how ISA reform can incentivise greater participation.
“The UK has a job on its hands more broadly to ensure that individuals are more educated before starting their investing journey. Money is something that impacts all our lives, yet many consumers don’t have the foundational knowledge they need to manage it with confidence and make sound financial decisions. So much so that 39% of adults in the UK do not feel confident managing their money.
“The FCA’s Advice Guidance Boundary Review looks promising as a method of closing this advice gap, but needs to progress at pace. Targeted support can give people the information they need at the right time and the support to make positive financial decisions.
“Without meaningful change sooner rather than later, the broader population could miss out on essential long-term wealth-building opportunities.”
Will Donnelly, Co-Founder and CEO at Lottie
“I’ve always believed that the UK is a great place for innovation, but with economic growth slowing and the anticipated rise in National Insurance contributions, coming into effect in just a matter of days, it feels as though the odds are increasingly stacked against smaller businesses.
“SMEs employ 60% of the UK workforce, driving job creation, innovation, and economic growth. However, with rising costs and growing barriers to scaling, it’s becoming harder for smaller businesses to thrive day-to-day.
“Tech and digital innovation are at the heart of the UK’s future, and without bold, decisive actions, we risk losing the competitive edge that entrepreneurs – past, present and future, have worked so hard to build.
“This Spring Statement the Government must commit to supporting the continued growth and innovation of SMEs that are driving the UK economy forward, to ensure the UK remains a global leader in technology. This must start with targeted support for tech and digital innovation including:
- Tax relief for R&D in digital innovation to make it easier for startups to invest in brand-new technologies.
- Increasing access to venture capital by expanding the Enterprise Investment Scheme (EIS) and Seed Enterprise Investment Scheme (SEIS), providing much needed funding for early-stage tech companies.
- Reducing National Insurance contributions for smaller businesses to alleviate the pressure of rising operating costs and free up resources for innovation and hiring.”
Sébastien Conway, CEO of Ascoria Technologies
“As a leader in revenue mobilisation, we are very interested in the upcoming UK Spring Budget’s approach to enhancing the transparency and efficiency of revenue mobilisation within the digital economy. We are huge advocates of the need for clear, comprehensive rules governing digital sales and services to ensure parity between digital and traditional businesses. This continued focus on creating a level playing field is crucial for maintaining competitive balance and fostering equitable growth.
“Furthermore, we are very supportive of initiatives that incentivise innovation and sustainability, so any budget measures that offer relief or credits to businesses adopting green technologies and sustainable practices, promoting environmental responsibility alongside economic advancement, would be very well received
“Finally, we hope to see greater recognition of the role that SME’s play in economic vitality. Proposals that reduce administrative burdens on SMEs, saving them time and money, alongside increased support or investment to promote their growth and innovation, would be a good step forward. On a related note, the UK’s AI Opportunities Plan announced in January 2025, is a positive start for AI start-ups, but we’d welcome funding support in the Spring budget, as the plan currently entirely relies on private investment.”
For any questions, comments or features, please contact us directly.
Leo Labeis, Founder & CEO at REGnosys
“The regtech sector gained significant traction last year as global regulatory rewrites and heightened regulatory scrutiny, reflected in substantial fines, forced financial institutions to reassess their compliance processes and adopt innovative solutions.
“Due to this compliance drive, the global industry could be worth up to $85 billion by 2032, and the sector has been earmarked as a key driver of fintech investment this year.
“As firms grapple with ongoing and costly compliance challenges, the UK government has a critical opportunity to solidify London’s position as a premier regtech hub. Support for the sector creates high-quality jobs while enabling all participants in the UK’s financial services and fintech firms to access the tools they need to compete dynamically.
“As financial hubs across the world such as New York and Singapore strengthen and global competition intensifies, the UK government must look to cement its position as a leader in fintech and take action to support this critical growth opportunity.
“By nurturing the regtech sector through policy incentives, funding, industry collaboration, and regulatory nimbleness, the UK can reinforce its position as a leader in financial innovation.”
Ifty Nasir, Founder and CEO at Vestd
“The main focus for business leaders ahead of the Spring Statement will be around how the government is going to deliver its “number one mission” of growth. Employers’ National Insurance contributions were among the major announcements in the October budget and founders will be hoping for some relief on these proposals, potentially enabling them to deliver the growth needed to lift the grey skies over the UK’s economic outlook.
“Business Asset Disposal Relief (BADR), which incentivises founders to take the risk of starting their own business, escaped abolition in the October budget and business leaders will be hoping it escapes any further changes in the Spring Statement.
“The changes announced in the Autumn maintained a significant tax relief compared to the higher rate of capital gains tax (CGT) and we need more of this type of scheme to provide a ‘safe space’ for businesses to scale.
“For the government to deliver its central mission of growth, we need founders to bring their full economic potential to the UK, rather than being bought and taken offshore, as well as incentivising staff with equity-linked rewards like employee share schemes.”
Sabby Gill, CEO of Dext
“Looking ahead to the Spring Statement, we anticipate that cost-saving measures will focus on areas like welfare and regulation. While this may present challenges for individuals, it also creates a need for business leaders to plan strategically for the year ahead. Next month, initiatives from the Autumn Budget, namely National Insurance and minimum wage increases, will squeeze SMBs’ margins putting them at risk.
“Businesses are under significant pressure. Dext research shows a third of business leaders are losing sleep over concerns about meeting payroll, while the Companies House register shrank between October and December 2024 for the first time since quarterly records began in 2012. Against this backdrop, it’s more important than ever for businesses to plan and adapt quickly to shifting economic conditions.
“When planning, businesses should explore multiple outcomes and scenarios to understand the potential impact of measures such as the rise in employer National Insurance contributions. Leveraging up-to-date financial data and embracing automation will help businesses identify key drivers – like regulatory changes or supply chain disruptions – that could affect operations, cash flow, and growth. Developing and testing various strategies will allow businesses to mitigate risks and position themselves for long-term success.
“Technology is at the heart of effective financial management and data-driven decision-making. Business leaders should make the shift to digitised finance management, either directly or through their accountant or bookkeeper, as part of a broader innovation strategy that harnesses the power of AI to drive stability and growth.
“While technology plays a critical role in helping businesses navigate these challenges, we urge the Government to use the Spring Statement as an opportunity to introduce meaningful support for SMBs, ensuring they can weather difficult conditions and thrive in the long term.”
For any questions, comments or features, please contact us directly.
Andreas Adamides, CEO of Helm
“Businesses across Britain are steeling themselves for yet another round of fiscal blows in the Spring Budget. Our economy needs oxygen, but instead, we’re seeing a government policy that’s effectively putting a pillow over its face.
“The data speaks for itself – when more than a third of businesses tell us they’re either freezing hiring or cutting jobs directly because of the National Insurance hike, we need to pay attention. This isn’t just abstract statistics; these are real companies making painful decisions.
“What’s particularly frustrating is witnessing care providers and other thin-margin businesses being pushed to breaking point with no safety net. They can’t just ‘adapt’ overnight when they’re already running lean operations.
“We’re already seeing founders making the difficult decision to move roles overseas – not because they want to, but because they have to survive. Each offshored job represents a lost opportunity for a British worker and less tax revenue for public services.
“The Budget needed pragmatism, not ideology. A phased approach to these increases would have given businesses breathing room while still meeting revenue targets. Instead, we’re asking our scale-ups – the very engines of our future economy – to absorb yet another shock.”
Kirstie Penk, CEO & EOS Integrator at The Legal Director
“If the government wants to prioritise economic growth then businesses need policies that support this. Strong legal frameworks play a crucial role in enabling companies to scale with confidence.
“Every business, from SMEs to high-growth ventures, faces legal and regulatory challenges. That might be contractual, financial, or with partnerships. Minimising risk isn’t just a safe option, or something you have to do, but strengthens governance, improves decision-making, and safeguards enterprise value making you as a company more attractive to investors. A well-structured legal function makes companies more attractive to investors, helping them secure funding, expand internationally, and negotiate contracts with confidence.
“The Budget should prioritise policies that encourage businesses to embed strategic legal oversight. This might look like tax reliefs or grants for businesses investing in legal infrastructure, whether through in-house GCs, fractional legal support, or outsourced advisory services. Investors want to see strong legal structures in place and by tying investment incentives – such as EIS and SEIS – to legal governance criteria, companies receiving funding will have the right risk management measures in place to help them scale. And there’s some awareness that needs to happen, so we’d like to see best practice guidelines or incentives for companies embedding structured legal oversight, encouraging early adoption of GC-level expertise.”
Simon Tindal, CTO of Smart Communications
“Businesses in regulated sectors like insurance, finance, and healthcare are on a dangerous trajectory. Without targeted tax incentives, which I hope to see addressed in the Spring Statement, we’re creating a tech gap that UK businesses simply can’t afford. Billions in potential growth are at stake, as we lose ground to global competitors.
“The AI revolution in customer communications is happening now. If the UK drags its feet with the adoption and regulation of AI in CCM, a concern the Spring Statement should address with funding and initiatives, we risk becoming an innovation backwater.
“Look at the NHS. Past digital transformation efforts have fallen flat. Another failure to invest in new technologies to solve core issues like broken patient forms and policyholder communications, which the Spring Statement must prioritise, means millions of taxpayers will continue to suffer from inefficient, slow services. We can’t afford to repeat past mistakes. The Spring Statement needs to deliver real action, not just promises. We can’t afford to repeat the same mistakes.”
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Gareth Whiting, SVP of Sales in Europe at Creatio
“In the upcoming Spring Statement or next AI Opportunities Action Plan update, we expect the government to signal a continued commitment to AI with funding and initiatives aimed at fostering innovation for UK businesses. However, beyond broad commitments, I’d like to see a more focused effort on empowering businesses to take the lead in practical AI adoption. Historically, the private sector has been the engine of innovation; therefore, policies that actively incentivise businesses to responsibly adopt AI, optimise their AI pipelines, and promote technology that demonstrably boosts efficiency and performance are crucial.
“Additionally, we must prioritise AI literacy and workforce enablement to ease anxieties around job displacement. A clear and proactive approach will stimulate industry demand and enable more strategic government investment. While concerns surrounding AI’s impact on employment are understandable, it’s important to recognise that the reality is more nuanced, with projections indicating that up to 97 million jobs will be created globally as a result of AI.
“To truly harness AI’s potential, significant funding is a first step, but the government must also establish forward-looking regulatory and guidance frameworks that can adapt and evolve alongside the dynamic nature of the technology. Striking the right balance between innovation and ethical oversight is essential to unlocking AI’s full potential for sustainable growth.”
Anton Unger, CEO and Co-Founder at Klimato
“As the UK government shapes its AI policy ahead of the Spring Budget 2025, it’s crucial that AI investment actively supports sustainability. With the AI Opportunities Unit in DSIT set to track AI adoption across industries, the budget must prioritise funding for AI-powered carbon tracking.”
“Accurate, reliable data is the foundation of meaningful climate action – AI can transform how businesses measure and reduce their carbon footprint, driving real progress towards the UK’s sustainability goals. AI shouldn’t just fuel economic growth; it must be a key driver of the Industrial Strategy’s Digital and Technologies Sector Plan, ensuring innovation is aligned with the UK’s Net Zero Strategy. If we want technology to be part of the solution, we need to back it with the right investment now.”
Emily van Eyssen, Founder at Remote Recruitment
“Reducing National Insurance contributions is essential for the upcoming Spring Budget. As the founder of a UK business connecting companies with remote talent, I see how NI can hinder SMEs hiring locally. By reforming these contributions, businesses could invest more in talent and achieve long-term growth without financial strain. Such relief could transform hiring from a struggle to a strategic advantage.
“Additionally, I support incentives for investing in remote infrastructure and digital tools. Our focus on remote recruitment has shown the immense potential in advancing these models. Encouraging companies to adopt innovative technologies can help them scale and improve operations efficiently. Thoughtfully implemented, these initiatives could enhance competitiveness in a rapidly changing global market, setting us as frontrunners rather than merely keeping pace.
“Finally, the Government should boost support for women-led enterprises, especially those challenging traditional workforce norms. Women-led businesses drive innovation, and grants, coaching programmes, and flexible funding can help level the playing field. Addressing this will not only promote diversity in leadership but also reinforce future-focused workforce strategies that champion equality and economic resilience. Together, these measures could significantly elevate the role of remote work in powering future success.”
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