Business adviser warns that regulatory reform must translate into tangible everyday change for SMEs
The Government has pledged to cut administrative regulatory costs for Northants SMEs by 25%, simplify licensing, and modernise corporate reporting requirements.
But UK top 10 accountancy firm Azets says SMEs (small to medium enterprises) have heard similar promises before – and are still waiting to feel the benefits.

Azets, the UK’s specialist business advisor to SMEs, has a Northamptonshire office in Kettering.
From duplicative forms to delays in licensing decisions, regulation continues to eat into SME productivity. Azets says reforms must be felt on the ground, not just in policy documents, if the UK is to be the best place to start and grow a business.
The “Backing Your Business” strategy includes regulatory streamlining measures designed to make life easier for SMEs. Azets says success should be measured by whether owners see a real reduction in time spent on compliance.
Peter Gallanagh, UK CEO at Azets, said: “We’ve been here before – ‘cutting red tape’ sounds great, but SMEs will judge it on delivery. 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.
“The Government’s plans to cut regulatory reform for SMEs are well-intentioned and ambitious, and welcome in the current business climate, which has resulted in SMEs worrying about future rainy days rather than investing any funds they have built up in going for growth.

“However, we have heard countless pledges to lighten the administrative regulatory load on SMEs from successive administrations over the years, and the most recent from the Government need to translate into tangible outputs for businesses for ambition to become reality.

“Fewer duplicative forms, faster licensing, simpler tax processes, and regulation proportionate to business size will all be signs that the Government’s reforms have worked and their ambitions are being achieved – and will be reflected in business confidence and business and economic growth.”