As the country prepares for a new Prime Minister, there is a real opportunity to renew the Government’s commitment to the UK’s 5.7 million small businesses. SMEs account for 99% of all UK businesses, so as the new Prime Minister takes office, it is vital that small businesses are placed at the heart of the UK’s growth agenda.
There are five key commitments the next Prime Minister must make to create a stable, growth-focused economy and ensure entrepreneurship remains a viable and accessible opportunity for everyone.
Stability and certainty
Small businesses rely on confidence to invest, recruit and grow. Over the past decade, repeated changes in political leadership and economic policy have created uncertainty that has undermined business confidence and made it harder for entrepreneurs to plan. The next Prime Minister must provide the long-term stability that small businesses need through clear, consistent and predictable policies.
Business skills education
With 14.3 million people living in poverty and one million young people not in employment, education or training, investing in the next generation has never been more important. The Maple Review, led by Small Business Britain and supported by Xero, showed that entrepreneurship is one of the most effective routes to social mobility and economic growth, yet too many young people never get the opportunity to develop the skills or confidence to start a business.
Entrepreneurial skills should be accessible from an early age. That is why we are calling for a Business Skills Partnership between Government and the private sector, ensuring every state secondary school pupil has access to practical entrepreneurship education, business inspiration and clear pathways into enterprise.
Export commitments
Exporting enables businesses to diversify their income, reach new customers and unlock growth. Yet Government data released in September 2025 showed that just 17% of small businesses currently export their goods or services.
Too many smaller firms face barriers, from navigating overseas markets to understanding regulation and accessing practical support. The next Prime Minister must strengthen export programmes, improve market access and ensure SMEs can fully benefit from new Free Trade Agreements and stronger international trading relationships.
AI & cyber security
Digital transformation presents one of the greatest opportunities for small business growth, but entrepreneurs need practical support to make the most of emerging technologies. Research from Small Business Britain and BT found that while 60% of business owners believe AI will be essential within five years, half say they need support to adopt it effectively.
At the same time, cyber threats continue to rise. The Government’s 2025/26 Cyber Security Breaches Survey found that almost half of UK small businesses experienced a breach or attack in the past year. Continued investment in AI training, digital adoption and cyber resilience will help businesses embrace new technologies with confidence while improving productivity and competitiveness.
A continued commitment to female entrepreneurship
If we want a stronger economy, entrepreneurship must be open to everyone. Despite women making up 51% of the population, they account for only around 19% of entrepreneurs.
Expanding access to investment, networks and tailored support for female founders is not simply the right thing to do, it is an economic opportunity the UK cannot afford to miss. The next Prime Minister should make supporting female entrepreneurship a clear priority.
This leadership transition is a chance to reset the relationship between Government and the UK’s small business community. By delivering long-term stability, investing in business skills, strengthening export support, helping businesses embrace AI and cyber resilience, and championing entrepreneurship for everyone, the next Prime Minister can create the conditions in which small businesses thrive.
Backing small businesses is one of the most effective ways the next Prime Minister can deliver sustainable growth, create jobs and unlock opportunity across the country.
