Budget 2026: Five themes business leaders need to watch

Budget 2026: Five themes business leaders need to watch

A Thinking Business publication

On Wednesday 28 October, UK chancellor John Healey delivered his first budget, reflecting the priorities of new prime minister Andy Burnham. Characterising the autumn statement as a ‘breathing space’ budget, Healey unveiled a series of targeted measures that he hoped would give businesses temporary relief from current challenges, while also setting the scene for more fundamental policy shifts moving forward.

Envisaging a new growth model based on devolved power, an active state, targeted support for entrepreneurs and private capital partnering with strategic public finance, here are the five budget takeaways for business leaders.