As the UK prepares to introduce new employment legislation, micro and small business owners are bracing for the impact.

The upcoming changes aim to enhance employee rights and create safer, more equitable workplaces. However, for small business owner-managers, the process of adapting to these new regulations brings both challenges and uncertainty.

While the long-term goal is to improve working conditions and security for employees, the short-term effects on small businesses are likely to be more complex. Business owners face increased costs related to compliance, including the need for legal consultations, staff training, and policy updates. These efforts, while necessary, can divert attention from the core development of the business, especially for those employing staff on zero-hour contracts or in sectors heavily impacted by the reforms.

Supporting Small Businesses Through Legislative Change

To help small businesses navigate these changes, Leigh Sear from SFEDI and John Sunderland-Wright from JSAchieve have developed a business resilience programme. This initiative is designed to support owner-managers in understanding and preparing for changes in the external business environment. The programme focuses on equipping businesses with the tools to adapt to immediate challenges while ensuring long-term resilience and success.

The Building Business Resilience Programme is a practical solution for small businesses in a range of industries, including tourism, hospitality, manufacturing, and consultancy. By providing owner-managers with the skills and knowledge to identify areas for development and prepare for legislative impacts, the programme aims to ease the burden of compliance while fostering business growth.

Preparing for Long-Term Success

By engaging proactively with the new legislative framework, small businesses can protect their operations and maintain workforce stability. The resilience programme offers a strategic approach to managing disruptions, helping businesses plan for potential risks while supporting their ability to thrive in a changing economic landscape.

For more details on the Building Business Resilience Programme and how to prepare your business for upcoming changes, visit ioee.org.uk/building-business-resilience.