2025 has ushered in a period of significant economic uncertainty for UK businesses. With inflation fluctuations, evolving tax legislation, global trade tensions and mounting pressure from supply chain disruptions, many businesses are operating cautiously – freezing recruitment, delaying investment decisions, or struggling to maintain cash flow.
Amidst these challenges, the role of the accountant becomes increasingly vital.
Accountants aren’t just number crunchers – they’re strategic partners with the tools and foresight to help SMEs stabilise today and plan for tomorrow. Here at CH4B – we empower accountants to elevate their role by providing frameworks, strategy support and expert access to help guide SMEs through financial uncertainty.
The Current Landscape: What’s Affecting SMEs in 2025?
Declining Business Confidence
UK business confidence has dropped to its lowest level in over two years, according to a survey by the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW). The first quarter of 2025 has been described as “harrowing” for UK businesses, as concerns over rising taxes and the impact of global trade tensions deepen. Source: The Guardian
Rising Operational Costs
Employers face increased National Insurance contributions, rising from 13.8% to 15% in April 2025, with the threshold reduced from £9,100 to £5,000 per year. In addition, a 6.7% increase in the national minimum wage is placing further strain on wage bills. Source: Leasing Life
Trade and Supply Chain Pressures
Global trade tensions, including new tariffs imposed by the United States, are affecting UK exporters. While only 12% of UK Businesses are actively exporting, those that do are facing additional bureaucracy and uncertainty. Source: The Times
Access to Finance
Many are struggling to secure funding as lenders tighten their criteria, despite an increased demand for working capital. The UK Government has responded with enhanced export financing and £20 billion in government-backed loans – including £10 billion earmarked for short-term relief. Source: The Times
How Accountants Can Help Businesses Thrive in Uncertainty
1. Scenario-Based Financial Planning
With so many moving parts in today’s economy, Businesses need to understand how different scenarios might affect their operations.
How Accountants can help:
· Run multiple financial scenarios (e.g. energy price hikes, interest rate changes, currency fluctuations)
· Help clients plan for worst-case outcomes without panic
· Identify and assess growth opportunities that may still exist
How CH4B supports you:
· Our strategy sessions with the Business Advisory team provide expert guidance on scenario planning
· Access forecasting tools and client-ready templates through the Members Hub to support strategic planning
2. Optimising Cash Flow and Cost Efficiency
In uncertain times, maintaining liquidity is critical. SMEs need support identifying inefficiencies, managing costs, and protecting their financial runway.
How Accountants can help:
· Conduct regular cash flow reviews
· Spot areas for cost savings and improved efficiency
· Advise on smarter inventory and credit control management
How CH4B supports you:
· Use our efficiency checklists and sector-specific guidance to assess financial health
· Consult our expert panel of partners we work with for insights into procurement, supplier negotiation and operational resilience
3. Navigating Tax Changes and Reliefs
With tax legislation evolving, accountants can add significant value by keeping clients informed and ensuring they’re compliant and well-positioned.
How Accountants can help:
· Flag upcoming tax changes and potential business impacts
· Ensure clients claim eligible reliefs (e.g. capital allowances, R&D tax credits, energy-related incentives)
· Provide guidance on Making Tax Digital and reduce the risk of non-compliance
How CH4B supports you:
· Stay up to date with bite-sized training sessions on relevant tax changes
· Use our ready-to-go client communication templates, reminders and explainer guides
· Engage with our expert partners for more complex reliefs and sector-specific advice
4. Crisis Preparedness and Business Resilience
From supply chain disruption to cyber risks, Businesses need to plan for unforeseen events before they happen. Accountants can play a key role in embedding resilience into everyday operations.
How Accountants can help:
· Encourage clients to develop business continuity plans
· Assess potential risks and identify mitigation strategies
· Support the creation of emergency reserves and insurance reviews
How CH4B supports you:
· Access our Resilience Toolkit to support clients with structured risk assessments
· Join strategy sessions focused on crisis preparation and building long-term resilience
· Bring in expert partner from our network for clients in high-risk or heavily regulated sector
Why This Matters Now
Recent data highlights just how critical this support is:
· 66% of SME leaders believe the UK is falling behind other global economies in terms of business stability Source: money.co.uk
· 61% of SME leaders are scaling back their growth plans
· 47% have paused recruitment altogether
Accountants, particularly those supported by a strong advisory network, are perfectly positioned to help SMEs adapt, build resilience and even thrive.
CH4B: Your Partner in Financial Leadership
At CH4B, we help accountants go beyond compliance and become true strategic partners for their clients. Our support includes:
✅ A Members Hub full of ready-made templates, downloadable tools, and forecasting resources
✅ A panel of expert partners – from funding and grants to procurement and energy specialists
✅ Tailored strategy sessions with our Business Advisory Team to help plan for your clients’ and your own business growth
✅ Ongoing training and real-world resources to keep you ahead of economic shifts
