11 INDUSTRY NEWS King’s Speech 2026 reaction Small Business Britain is the UK’s leading champion of small businesses, supporting the UK’s 5.7 million small businesses, no matter their location, their sector, or their ambition level. Through a series of campaigns, networks, training and reports, Small Business Britain champions and informs small businesses in the UK. Committed to making entrepreneurship as inclusive as possible, it brings small business owners together to foster growth and increased confidence. On 13th May 2026 King Charles outlined government legislative agenda in the King’s Speech. Michelle Ovens CBE, CEO and Founder of Small Business Britain gives her thoughts. “We welcome the King’s Speech for its support in strengthening trading relations with the European Union. The UK is home to 5.7 million small businesses, all with ambitions to broaden their horizons, and strong international trade relationships are essential to maintaining the UK’s reputation as a leader in cultivating wealth, whilst upholding our commitment to an open economy. The Government’s continued focus on young people across Britain is equally important. The next generation is ambitious, versatile, and adaptable, and by equipping young people with business skills, entrepreneurial pathways, and strong role models before they leave education, we can help ensure every young person feels empowered to break down barriers and succeed. In doing so, we can build a stronger economy that thrives on opportunity, innovation, and a more level playing field. It is also encouraging to see the Government strengthen the late payment legislation, a vital step in helping entrepreneurs maintain financial stability and continue growing their operations.” Martine Mussies YARN-BOMBED POST BOXES MARK SIR DAVID ATTENBOROUGH’S 100TH BIRTHDAY This May, red post boxes across the UK were transformed into colourful crochet tributes to British wildlife, marking Sir David Attenborough’s 100th birthday. Launched by Hobbycraft, the nationwide ‘yarn bombing’ campaign saw handcrafted toppers appearing in key locations linked to Sir David’s life – from his current hometown of London to Cambridge, where he studied, and Leicester, where he grew up, as well as Edinburgh, Manchester, Bournemouth and Glasgow; turning everyday street furniture into joyful celebrations of nature. Each topper featured detailed scenes inspired by British wildlife, including bees, squirrels, and woodland habitats, designed to delight passers-by and spark conversations about the natural world. The postbox topper installations were created by Hobbycraft’s Knitcraft expert Natalie Beard @sewing_the_seeds_of_love, who said: “Each topper is a celebration of Sir David’s incredible legacy and the wildlife he’s spent his life championing. We hope they inspire people to get creative and connect with nature.” At the end of May, the toppers were donated or auctioned to raise funds for environmental charities. Crafters of all abilities were encouraged to create their own nature-inspired pieces and share them using #MakeWithHobbycraft, with selected entries winning prizes and being showcased online. Hobbycraft has released FREE patterns, including a Sir David Attenborough amigurumi crochet doll and downloadable naturethemed templates, making it easy for anyone to get involved.
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