Autumn Budget 2026 – what could it mean for your business?

The Autumn Budget will take place on Wednesday 28 October 2026, giving businesses another important date for the diary.

While we won't know exactly what the Chancellor will announce until budget day, businesses can start preparing by considering which areas could have the greatest impact on their finances, investment plans and future growth.

Business costs and employment

For many businesses rising costs remain a significant concern. Employers will therefore be watching closely for any announcements affecting employment taxes, payroll costs and the wider cost of taking on staff.

The Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW) has called on the government to avoid further increases to employment taxes and provide businesses with greater stability and certainty.

Whatever is announced, businesses should consider modelling how potential changes to employment costs could affect future recruitment, salaries and cash flow.

Business rates

Business rates are another area attracting attention ahead of the Budget. The ICAEW has called for the business rates multiplier to be frozen for 2027/28 alongside longer-term reform of the system.

For businesses with physical premises any changes to rates or available reliefs could have a meaningful impact on overheads and future investment decisions.

Investment and growth

The Chancellor has indicated that encouraging investment and economic growth will be important themes. The government has also committed to reducing the burden of business regulation by 25% by the end of this parliament.

Business owners should therefore look out for announcements relating to investment incentives, access to finance, tax reliefs and measures designed to encourage expansion.

Tax planning

The weeks before a budget can create uncertainty around tax planning. However, businesses should avoid making major financial decisions purely on speculation about possible tax changes.

Instead this is a useful time to review your current position. Consider your expected profits, corporation tax liability, planned capital expenditure, payroll costs, dividends and personal tax position.

Having an up to date picture of your finances makes it easier to respond once confirmed changes are announced.

Preparing for the autumn budget

Before 28 October, businesses should consider:

• updating cash flow forecasts
• reviewing planned investments
• checking upcoming tax liabilities
• considering recruitment and payroll plans
• discussing significant financial decisions with their accountant.

The detail will only become clear when the Chancellor delivers the budget. However, businesses that understand their current financial position will be better placed to assess what the announcements mean for them and respond appropriately.

At Swindells we'll be reviewing the autumn budget announcements and helping clients understand how any tax and business changes could affect their plans with a pdf download and summary articles.