Research and campaigns

Our research revealed that 34% of people aged 40+ would rather own their own business than work for an employer. Which is why we’re awarding £50,000 in funding and one-to-one business coaching to those later-in-life entrepreneurs.

As well as working with the experts at Hatch Enterprise to provide the coaching, the winners of the grant were picked by Levi Roots – who founded his multi-million pound Reggae Reggae Sauce business at age 48.

Win a £10,000 business grant for your small business with the Simply Business Second Act Entrepreneur Fund and judge Levi Roots

Our research revealed that late football kick-offs in summer 2026 could cost independent pubs £197m in lost revenue.

That’s why we encouraged people to pledge to visit their local – while giving one independent pub a £5,000 cash grant to help make up for lost revenue. The campaign was backed by football legend (and former pub landlord) Ray Parlour.

Footballer Ray Parlour stands with landlord of London pub The Bricklayer's Arms
Three smiling people cut out in a paper-style collage against a bright light blue and dark purple background.

Each year, we speak to business owners across the UK to find out what their biggest challenges are – and what the SME landscape is really like. Our 2026 report amplified the voices of almost 2,000 small business owners and featured expert insights from real business owners.

We periodically check in with landlords to get first-hand insight into the UK rental market. Our most recent report includes analysis of the challenges facing landlords, tenants, and the wider market – such as the monumental Renters’ Rights Act.

Winner of Business Boost, Comfa