A government pledge to cut regulatory costs for small businesses by 25% is being met with cautious optimism from Dorset’s SME community, amid long-standing frustration over red tape and administrative delays.
The plans, part of the new ‘Backing Your Business’ strategy, include simplified licensing, modernised corporate reporting, and reduced compliance burdens. But leading advisory firm Azets – which has offices in Poole and Blandford – says the key test will be whether business owners see any real change in their day-to-day workload. ‘We’ve been here before – “cutting red tape” sounds great, but SMEs will judge it on delivery,’ said Peter Gallanagh, UK CEO at Azets. ‘That means fewer duplicative forms, faster licensing, simpler tax processes, and regulation proportionate to business size. Until owners feel it in their everyday workload, it’s just words.’
Azets, which specialises in advising SMEs, said regulation continues to erode productivity, with delays and duplication making it harder for small businesses to invest and grow. It welcomed the government’s ambition, but warned that similar pledges have been made by successive administrations without meaningful results.
‘What matters now is that these reforms translate into tangible outcomes for business – and are felt on the ground, not just written into policy papers,’ added Peter.
Azets is calling for practical metrics to track progress, such as reductions in compliance hours and simplified documentation. With many Dorset SMEs still cautious about future investment, the firm said real reform could provide a much-needed boost to business confidence and economic growth across the region.
