Small-business confidence has fallen to its lowest level since the depths of the 2022 energy crisis. The British Chambers of Commerce Quarterly Economic Survey for Q4 2025 shows that only 22 % of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) expect their turnover to grow over the next 12 months – down from 38 % a year ago. Tax rises, employment-law changes, and regulatory uncertainty top the list of concerns, with 63 % naming tax as their single biggest worry.
This is not just sentiment; it is hard economic reality. The Office for Budget Responsibility’s November 2025 Economic and Fiscal Outlook warns that sustained policy uncertainty reduces business investment by 0.3–0.5 % of GDP annually. For a typical small manufacturer in the North West or a café chain in the South East, that means delaying equipment purchases, freezing recruitment, and putting expansion plans on hold. When confidence collapses, so does growth.
Large corporations have direct lines to ministers and lobbyists. Small firms have spreadsheets and sleepless nights.
The 1832 Club already exists to solve exactly this problem. We are the nationwide membership organisation bringing SME owners together to speak with one powerful voice. Our members are the real experts – the people who run the shops, workshops, cafés, and trades that keep Britain moving. We already hold regular regional meet-ups, host policy roundtables, and connect members with like-minded peers.
The time has come to formalise that role. Make the 1832 Club the official National SME Advisory Body.
- The Club’s elected member representatives would meet quarterly with the Chancellor, Business Secretary, and senior officials.
- We would have statutory right to review and comment on all new tax, employment, and regulatory proposals before they reach Parliament.
- We would publish an annual public report on the real-world impact of government policy on small firms.
Cost: zero additional public money – the 1832 Club is already funded by member subscriptions and supports pro-SME candidates. We simply need formal recognition so our collective voice carries the weight it deserves.
This is not a new organisation; it is giving the existing 1832 Club the official platform SMEs have been crying out for. Germany has a Mittelstand Council advising on SME policy. The Netherlands has a permanent small-business panel. Britain already has the 1832 Club – let’s give it the status it needs to protect and grow our economy.
The 1832 Club is fighting for these changes. The more members we have, the louder our voice in Westminster.
Join today from just £5/month or £40/year and help to support pro-SME candidates.
Together we can make a difference.