When £100 million becomes headline news, in a £1.4 trillion spend, you know the Government has very little room left to manoeuvre.
That’s the real story behind this week’s announcement from the new Government.
After nearly five decades in business, I’ve learnt that when governments face tight budgets, they can only do so much. Every announcement has to be measured against what they can actually afford – not necessarily against what businesses actually need.
Yes, £100 million of business rates support for pubs, clubs and live music venues is welcome and will help some businesses – about £1,000 each.
But as Tom Kerridge rightly pointed out, it doesn’t change the fundamentals. It’s a drop in the ocean.
Businesses are still wrestling with rising wages, energy costs, taxes, regulation and falling consumer confidence. For many SMEs, this isn’t a turning point. It’s a small cushion against much bigger pressures.
So perhaps we’re asking the wrong question.
Instead of asking: “What will Government do next?”
We should be asking: “What can we do for each other?”
That’s where the future lies. Make their drop in the ocean – ripple!
Imagine charities, social enterprises, local authorities and businesses working as one ecosystem instead of in isolation
That’s not wishful thinking.
I’ve always believed that healthy businesses create healthy communities. And healthy communities create stronger local economies.
Imagine every SME actively supporting other local SMEs.
Imagine customers discovering businesses because they’re trusted by their community—not because they have the biggest advertising budget.
Imagine charities, social enterprises, local authorities and businesses working as one ecosystem instead of in isolation.
That’s not wishful thinking.
That’s the purpose behind SDG:Zero.
We’re not trying to build another business directory.
We’re building a community magnet – a place where trust, visibility and collaboration help local organisations grow together.
Government can create policy.
But communities create prosperity.
And if public finances have limited headroom, then the opportunity for communities to step up has never been greater.
The strongest economies aren’t built from the top down.
They’re built from the ground up – one trusted business, one partnership and one community at a time. Come and help create a bigger ripple?
