Small Business Growth Made Simpler: Labour Launches New Business Growth Service

The Labour government has announced a new Business Growth Service, aimed at simplifying how small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) access advice, funding, and support. The initiative is part of Labour’s wider plan to boost productivity and fairness in the UK economy by giving smaller firms clearer routes to growth.

One-stop support for small firms

The new service brings together several existing programmes under one umbrella, making it easier for SMEs to find and apply for government-backed help. From digital skills and export guidance to access to finance, the goal is to replace a complex patchwork of schemes with a single, user-friendly system.

Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said the new approach would “save small business owners valuable time and money by cutting through red tape and focusing on what really helps them grow.”

The government estimates that simplifying business support could save UK SMEs millions in lost productivity each year. A new online portal will provide tailored advice based on sector, region, and business stage, while regional growth hubs will offer in-person guidance.

Supporting Labour’s fair growth agenda

The launch aligns with Labour’s promise to deliver fair growth — spreading economic opportunity beyond large corporations and the South East. Ministers argue that small businesses are central to the UK’s innovation, employment, and local communities, yet often face barriers in navigating bureaucracy and securing finance.

The service also connects with Labour’s wider business reforms, including efforts to tackle late payments, reform business rates, and strengthen skills training. Together, these policies aim to build a more balanced and resilient economy that supports entrepreneurs as much as employees.

Reaction from the business community

Early reactions from SME groups have been cautiously optimistic. The Federation of Small Businesses welcomed the announcement as “a step in the right direction,” while calling for continued local engagement to ensure that support reflects regional needs.

Analysts say that if implemented effectively, the Business Growth Service could become one of the most practical steps yet toward Labour’s goal of a simpler, fairer business environment.

Empowering growth from the ground up

For Labour, this initiative reinforces a core message: Britain’s economic renewal depends on empowering small businesses and the people behind them. By cutting bureaucracy and refocusing government support, the new Business Growth Service aims to make it easier for every entrepreneur to innovate, hire, and grow — wherever they are in the country.