18/04/2026
April’s budget rises have landed — and small businesses are taking the hit.
Here’s what that looks like in real terms:
- Staff Costs Up: Each minimum‑wage employee now costs around £150 more per month in tax and NI.
- Premises Costs Up: Business rates on a 12,000 sq ft unit have jumped by roughly £2,400 per year.
- Training Costs Up: Apprenticeship funding has increased by about £500 per apprentice annually, no additional incentives are offered to help in keeping an apprentice or indeed hiring more.
- Supplier Costs Up: Parts and materials have risen by an average of 8–12%, with some essentials now costing £20–£50 more per order.
- Oil & Consumables: Engine oil and workshop fluids have climbed by around 15%, adding £300–£500 extra per month to operating costs.
We’ll always do our best to shield customers from these increases, certainly more than share holder driven, centres like Halfords, Kwikfit and Main Dealers, but the reality is that running a business in 2026, under this budget is becoming more expensive across the board.
Supporting local businesses isn’t just appreciated — it’s essential. Thank you for your Support!
