What with rising costs, slimmer margins, increased employers’ NICs, the ever present blight caused by late payment and sluggish economic growth, as well as difficulty accessing finance, funding and skills, things continue to be tough for small businesses in the UK.

Many owners need all the help they can get – so how does Sir Keir Starmer’s government plan to make life easier for small businesses in the UK in 2026 and the rest of this parliament?

In this very special episode, we’re joined by Blair McDougall MP, who became the Minister for Small Business in September 2025. He only entered parliament in July 2024, after being elected MP for East Renfrewshire, but before that he had worked as a special government adviser to the Labour governments of Tony Blair and Gordon Brown.

The minister tells us about a new £10bn landmark lending package for SMEs that want to invest to expand their overseas sales, as well as detailing what other plans the government has to support small businesses in the UK.

Thanks to Sage for sponsoring this episode. Sage is currently offering listeners 90% off Sage Accounting for six months. Visit this link to claim your offer.

Show notes for the episode can be found on the Start Your Own Business podcast website. Visit Start Up Donut and sign up to the Donut newsletter for more free start-up news, advice and special offers to help you save time and money.