The Autumn Budget is coming: what should business owners review now?

The Autumn Budget will take place on 28 October 2026 and may bring changes affecting businesses, property owners and individuals across the UK.

While it is impossible to know exactly what will be announced, business owners do not have to wait until Budget Day to review their position.

September provides an opportunity to assess current arrangements, identify areas that may need attention and ensure the business is ready to respond to future changes.

Review Your Financial Performance

Business owners should have a clear understanding of how the business has performed during the year and what is expected over the coming months.

This should include reviewing:

• Current turnover and profitability
• Cash-flow forecasts
• Outstanding customer invoices
• Tax liabilities
• Existing borrowing and repayments
• Planned expenditure
• Financial performance against budget

Accurate and current financial information makes it easier to make informed decisions if tax rules, costs or economic conditions change.

Consider Planned Investment

Businesses planning to purchase equipment, vehicles, property or other assets should review the timing and affordability of their plans.

Before committing, it is important to consider:

• The total cost of the investment
• Available cash reserves
• Potential tax treatment
• Suitable finance options
• The expected commercial benefit
• The effect on working capital

Decisions should be based on the needs of the business rather than speculation about possible Budget announcements.

Review Your Business Structure

As businesses grow and change, the structure that was suitable at the beginning may no longer be the most appropriate.

Changes in ownership, profitability, staffing, property holdings or long-term objectives can all affect how a business should be structured.

Owners may wish to consider whether:

• The current trading structure remains suitable
• Assets are held in the most appropriate place
• Shareholder arrangements are up to date
• Personal and business finances are sufficiently separated
• Succession or exit plans have been considered

Any restructuring should be reviewed carefully with both accounting and legal advisers.

Check Your Tax Position

Tax planning should be an ongoing process rather than something completed shortly before a payment deadline.

A pre-Budget review could include:

• Forecast corporation or personal tax liabilities
• Capital expenditure plans
• Remuneration arrangements
• Pension contributions
• Property or investment income
• Capital gains
• Available reliefs and allowances

Professional advice should always be taken before making decisions based on potential tax savings.

Review Borrowing and Cash Flow

Existing funding arrangements may have been introduced when the business had different requirements.

Owners should review whether current facilities remain competitive and suitable, particularly where the business is:

• Experiencing cash-flow pressure
• Planning to grow
• Purchasing equipment or property
• Managing several existing loans
• Relying heavily on overdrafts
• Waiting for customers to pay

Reviewing funding does not necessarily mean changing lenders. It can simply provide reassurance that the business has the right facilities in place.

Protect the Business and Its People

Financial planning should also consider what would happen if an owner, director or key employee became seriously ill or died.

Businesses should review:

• Key Person Protection
• Shareholder or partnership protection
• Business Loan Protection
• Relevant Life Cover
• Employee benefits
• Private medical insurance
• Wills and Lasting Powers of Attorney

Existing policies should be checked to ensure the level of cover still reflects the current needs and value of the business.

Avoid Making Decisions Based on Predictions

The period before a Budget often brings considerable speculation.

Business owners should avoid making rushed decisions based only on rumours or predictions. Any action should support the wider commercial and personal objectives of the owner, regardless of what is eventually announced.

Once the Budget has taken place, businesses can review the confirmed measures with their professional advisers and determine whether further action is required.

Be Prepared, Not Reactive

Good planning gives businesses more time and more options.

By reviewing financial, tax, legal, funding and protection arrangements now, owners can identify potential issues and enter the final part of the year with greater clarity.

Is your business prepared for the months ahead?

Signature Concierge can bring together the appropriate accounting, legal, finance and protection specialists to review your position and coordinate the advice you need.

Contact Signature Concierge today to arrange an initial conversation.