Views from the entrepreneurs

By the Editorial Team · Thursday, October 29, 2026

UK entrepreneurs have responded with mixed reactions to new government measures aimed at supporting businesses and startups, praising initiatives that favor domestic scale-ups but expressing concerns over rising labor costs and limited relief for SMEs. These varied views highlight uncertainties about whether the policies will effectively stimulate growth, especially outside London, and raise questions about their long-term impact on sectors like hospitality and energy.

Entrepreneurs from various sectors have reacted with mixed views to recent government measures aimed at supporting businesses and startups across the UK. Their responses highlight both appreciation for certain initiatives and concerns over elements they believe may hamper growth, particularly for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

Callum Murray, founder of Amiqus, a company providing onboarding software to regulated firms, welcomed proposals favoring domestic scale-ups. He emphasized the importance of prioritizing UK-based businesses in procurement and supply chains, suggesting that public funds should be directed to nurture and retain homegrown companies. “Let’s back them, put taxpayer money into supply chains, and build, scale, and retain businesses here,” he said.

In contrast, Emma Webber, founder of Natural Spa Factory, expressed reservations about the overall impact on SMEs. While acknowledging that entrepreneurs starting new businesses might find some opportunities, she highlighted concerns over rising labor costs, including a 50p increase in wages and national insurance contributions set for next year. Webber questioned whether the budget effectively fosters growth, stating, “It doesn't feel like anything radical has happened… Are they really encouraging wealth? I tend not to think so.”

Steve Perez, founder of Global Brands and owner of hospitality venues, criticized the limited scope of business rates relief, which he said primarily benefits very small cafés but offers little reprieve for pubs or hotels. He also voiced disappointment over the reduction in business asset disposal relief from £1 million to £500,000, arguing this discourages business expansion. Furthermore, Perez highlighted concerns about VAT levels in hospitality, noting the government's reaffirmation of a visitor’s levy that could raise accommodation costs to a tax rate of 26 percent, which contrasts sharply with many European countries where rates hover around 10 percent.

Meanwhile, Somayeh Taheri, founder of UrbanChain, an energy marketplace, expressed approval of the Founders’ Relief, recognizing the sacrifices made by entrepreneurs. She raised questions about whether £10 million is the appropriate threshold but welcomed efforts to support founders. Taheri also spoke cautiously about government loans through the British Business Bank, pointing out that, unlike Silicon Valley’s risk-embracing investment model that fosters high volumes of startups with a few successes, the UK approach tends to be more conservative, focusing on rigorous due diligence rather than widespread risk-taking.

Wilfred Emmanuel-Jones, founder of The Black Farmer, voiced significant disappointment with Labour’s approach, describing recent policies as detrimental to businesses amid rising national minimum wage costs. At nearly 69 years old, he reflected on historical economic challenges and suggested the current situation rekindles memories of periods requiring bold intervention. Emmanuel-Jones criticized the party for focusing on workers while neglecting business struggles, arguing that the latest measures have exacerbated difficulties for companies.

Overall, responses from the entrepreneurial community underscore a blend of cautious optimism, skepticism, and concerns about the effectiveness of government policies in fostering a conducive environment for business growth, particularly for SMEs and startups outside London.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.