Overview
- The nationally representative poll of 2,000 adults reports 88% see small businesses as vital to thriving communities and 77% want more in their area.
- Cutting business rates, reducing energy bills and lowering corporation tax rank as the public’s top policy priorities for supporting small firms.
- The latest Budget permanently reduced business rates for smaller retail, hospitality and leisure premises, providing targeted relief.
- The same Budget increased dividend tax by 2%, a change expected to affect many owners who pay themselves via dividends.
- Nearly two thirds say high streets have deteriorated, citing online marketplaces (66%), the cost‑of‑living crisis (63%) and high business rates (62%) as key drivers.