This article is by Rebecca Drew, who is Managing Director UK and Ireland at Vistage
The Autumn Budget, set for 26 November 2025, arrives at a time of growing economic uncertainty for the UK’s small and medium-sized enterprises. SMEs are operating in a complex environment shaped by rising costs, labour pressures, and shifting market conditions.
While there’s still confidence in their own ability to perform, there’s far less optimism about the wider economy and limited expectation that government support will ease the pressure.
These practical steps reflect the resilience and measured approach that business leaders are taking across hiring, workforce flexibility, and strategic planning.
Confidence is Falling, Despite Optimism for Growth
CEOs remain cautious yet optimistic about their own firms as the index rose by 4.7 points to reach 81.9. This makes it essential for leaders to focus on what they can influence by strengthening operations, supporting employees and managing costs. As rising expenses and changing customer demand add pressure, disciplined planning and careful decision‑making become even more important.
By staying close to their teams and customers while maintaining flexibility, leaders can protect profitability and position their businesses to act decisively when opportunities arise, sustaining growth despite uncertainty.
What SMEs Want from the Budget
CEOs want measures that give them confidence to plan and grow. For example, 48% of CEOs plan to increase headcount in the year ahead. Tax relief, investment in infrastructure, simpler regulation and targeted incentives are all critical, alongside support for the labour market. Above all, leaders are looking for long-term certainty rather than short-term fixes. For SMEs, predictable policy allows businesses to invest in their people, strengthen operations and pursue growth with confidence.
Clarity and consistency in government policy are critical. Temporary or reactive measures do not provide the framework businesses need to plan strategically, invest in staff, or expand operations. This is why the Autumn Budget presents an opportunity for the government to demonstrate an understanding of the challenges faced by SMEs and offer the structural support that allows businesses to act with confidence.
Investing in People
In uncertain times, resilience begins with your people. Hiring and retention have now become the second biggest challenge for CEOs, making it crucial to be deliberate in your approach to workforce planning by focusing on attracting and retaining those who can make a significant difference.
When recruitment and retention become more difficult, especially for leadership and specialist roles, it is important to treat talent strategy as a business essential. Staying connected with your team through regular check‑ins, feedback surveys, recognition, and development programmes helps keep engagement high. With people and performance firmly at the heart of strategy, businesses will not only withstand uncertainty but also remain ready to act when the next opportunity arises.
Preparing for Growth Beyond the Budget
External pressures such as tariffs and rising material costs are forcing SMEs to be more strategic in how they operate. As 62% of SMBs reported that tariffs increased their costs, leaders need to focus on the areas they can influence, from pricing decisions to investment plans, and on building resilience in their supply chains.
In practice, this means keeping operations stable, engaging the workforce effectively, and planning with a longer-term view. By concentrating on what they can control, businesses are better positioned to navigate uncertainty and respond quickly when opportunities arise.
Many are also drawing on peer networks to exchange strategies and gain insight, recognising the value of learning from others navigating similar challenges. By concentrating on operational strength and people development, SMEs are building the foundations needed to navigate uncertainty and position themselves for growth beyond the Autumn Budget.
Resilience in Practice
The good thing is, the SME sector is both resilient and realistic. Leaders are pursuing growth in their own businesses while managing broader economic pressures, rising costs, labour challenges, and policy uncertainty.
Focusing on what you can control is critical for SMEs navigating uncertainty, such as investing in staff, maintaining operational discipline, and planning strategically. This will help businesses strengthen resilience and be ready to seize opportunities as they arise.
While the Autumn Budget may influence the months ahead, sustainable success depends on how businesses respond to what comes next. Resilience is not only about weathering challenges but preparing to thrive beyond them. Now is the time for leaders to plan ahead, invest wisely, and remain connected to peer networks that provide insight, support, and guidance.
Resilient leaders will not just weather uncertainty, but shape the next chapter of growth for their businesses.