In an ideal world, business partners would reach retirement readiness at the same time, exit together, and move on with perfect symmetry. In our experience, that rarely happens. Misaligned retirement plans are far more common than most business owners realise. But there are ways to deal with the situation constructively.
In recent months, access to finance has improved for small and medium-sized businesses. High street bank lending to SMEs reached £4.6 billion in the first quarter of 2025 — the highest level since mid-2022 — with lending to the smallest businesses up nearly 30% year-on-year
Before anything else, give yourself permission to step away. Easter offers a natural pause. Or one of the May Bank Holiday weekends.
Richard Murray reviews how business owners are feeling right now, based on our conversations with a wide range of SME leaders in recent weeks:
Now that the self‑assessment deadline has passed, many directors are taking a fresh look at how they take profits from their companies. The choice between salary and dividends isn’t just about “what saves the most tax.” It also affects pensions, state benefits, borrowing ability, and long‑term financial planning.
Kevin Petley reflects on five years with elephants child, and the many challenges business owners have had to tackle during that time. He’s worked with over 50 businesses during those five years on Business Growth Plans and providing board advisory support.
Elephants Child has officially landed a feature in the latest Your Business magazine – and this edition was guest-edited by none other than iconic Dragon’s Den investor and all-round business pioneer, Deborah Meaden.
The New Year is more than a symbolic reset; it’s an inflection point. Resist the temptation to get straight back into the day-to-day execution of running your business and make some resolutions to see you through the next 12 months and beyond.
For SMEs in growth mode thinking about expansion, this month's Budget from the Chancellor could be more than a policy update—it may be a moment to pause, reflect, and prepare for what’s next.
Tax rates are changing. If you are thinking about selling your business, the timing can significantly impact the net proceeds shareholders receive.