The recent riots have left many small businesses dealing with damage and disruption.
The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) Insurance Service has created some guidance to help businesses that have been affected.
The guide includes practical steps that businesses can take when experiencing or expecting problems.
It also encourages businesses to check their insurance coverage. All policies are different so it may be necessary to check with your broker to confirm what you are covered for.
The Riot Compensation Act 2016 covers what government compensation is available, but not all instances of damage or loss during a civil disturbance is covered. To check the government guidance on this, see here.
To review the FSB guidance, see: https://www.fsb.org.uk/resources-page/insurance-guidance-for-small-businesses-affected-by-the-riots.html
The troubled Shetland SaxaVord Spaceport project has been saved. The £30 million rescue package for the ex-RAF station in Unst was announced the day after a rapidly rolled-out new UK space strategy was presented by the government.
The Apprenticeship Levy has undergone its biggest overhaul since its introduction, with major changes taking effect from 1 August 2026. For Small to Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs), the most significant development is the expansion of what levy funds can be used for under the new Growth and Skills Levy. This expansion comes alongside tighter funding rules, making planning more important than ever.