Budget 2026 Special: What's in it for business?

Oct 28, 2026, 7:58 PM30 min

What does Chancellor John Healey's 2026 budget mean for business?

In this episode of The Business, Dominic O’Connell is joined by Dan Neidle, founder of Tax Policy Associates, and Shevaun Haviland, director general of the British Chambers of Commerce, to unpack an Autumn Budget designed to give British people ‘breathing room’.

At the despach box the chancellor said: "Too many people feel this country isn't working well for them, and in particular, households and businesses face challenges from rising energy costs due directly to the conflict in the Middle East. In the face of that, what matters is how we respond as a government. And my choice in the budget today is to give families and businesses some breathing space now, and to begin the radical reform of energy to reduce bills in the future."

They examine how the Chancellor plans to balance short-term household relief with long-term economic growth. We break down the cash ISA U-turn, capital gains tax adjustments, and the new Founders’ Relief, dissecting the practical realities for British business owners and leaders.

They also explore the devolution of business rates, and what this Autumn Budget means for high streets facing mounting costs.

The Business is sponsored by PwC

Guest:

Shevaun Haviland, Director General of British Chambers of Commerce
Dan Neidle, founder of Tax Policy Associates

Presenter:

Dominic O’Connell, Times columnist and Times Radio business correspondent

Producer: Hope Federico

Executive Producer: Miriam Hall and Emily Leahy

Image: Getty

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