By James Mellars, Commercial Director at BPI
The Autumn Budget has finally landed. After months of waiting, speculation and delayed decision-making, businesses now have the clarity they were looking for. But while today’s announcement answers some questions, it also marks the point where the real decisions must begin.
For much of 2025, businesses have been holding back. Confidence has softened, investment has slowed, and decision-making has been pushed down the road in the hope that today’s Budget would deliver total clarity. The data bears this out: the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England & Wales recently reported that business confidence has fallen to –7.3—its lowest in more than a year—with 60% of companies indicating that concerns about the tax burden are growing. The Institute of Directors’ September survey showed a similar picture, with investment intentions dropping sharply to –20, reflecting how many firms have chosen to delay capital spending until the Budget arrived.
Now that the Budget has landed, businesses have a clear picture of the environment they’ll be operating in as they head into 2026. And while the year may be drawing to a close, there is still enormous value in taking action now, not because everything must be completed before Christmas, but because preparation today determines how strong your start to the new year will be.
Many businesses have more capacity for action than they realise. Underused machinery, surplus vehicles and outdated equipment often represent meaningful value tied up inside the company. Starting the process now ensures businesses are ready to release capital early in 2026. For many firms, that liquidity will shape their ability to invest, restructure or stabilise their operations as the new year begins.
At BPI, we work with companies across the UK to prepare and market these assets effectively through our platform, which attracts 180,000 active bidders. With no upfront costs and minimal disruption, businesses that begin planning now can position themselves to hit the ground running as January arrives.
The Budget has set the national direction, but the path individual businesses take from this point is up to them. Waiting for January to make decisions only compresses timeframes and increases pressure. By acting today, preparing assets, reviewing strategy, and planning disposals early, they create the financial flexibility they need for a strong start to 2026.
My message to business leaders is simple: the Budget has landed, clarity has returned, and the window for preparation has opened. Don’t wait for tomorrow. The decisions you make now will determine how confidently you enter the new year.
