Consultation on Bank Referral Scheme

The Government has launched a consultation on ways to improve the Bank Referral Scheme. Under the scheme, lenders must refer SMEs that they reject for finance to platforms where they can find alternative finance providers.

The consultation will examine ways lenders can better support SMEs by connecting them to a wider range of finance providers and reduce the number that give up their search after an initial rejection.

To respond to this consultation and help to reform the scheme to so that more SMEs find relevant finance, visit the consultation page here.

Responses for the Bank Referral Scheme consultation close on 22nd December 2025.

Questionnaire on future business regulations

The Department for Business and Trade has launched a questionnaire to seek views from small businesses, entrepreneurs and industry experts about the next stage of government reform to business regulations.

The government has set a target to reduce the administrative burdens of regulation on business by 25%, particularly where this is outdated and excessive, and acts as a barrier to innovation, growth, and productivity. Businesses are encouraged to respond to the questionnaire with examples of specific rules that impose unnecessary costs or burdens on business.

Respond to the questionnaire here.

Responses for the Business Regulation consultation close on 16th December 2025.

Looking for research and analysis on Buckinghamshire's economy?

Visit our dedicated Reports and Analysis webpages for the latest insights on the Buckinghamshire economy and workforce, and the effect of policy decisions on our local business community.

Buckinghamshire Business First is the primary source of insights from the business coalface. This intelligence is used to ensure strategies and policies are based on robust evidence and to ensure government at all levels is aware of the economic issues facing Buckinghamshire’s communities.