MAPLE REVIEW WELCOMES GOVERNMENT COMMITMENT TO COMMUNITY FINANCE

Following the Chancellor’s Mansion House Speech this evening, The Maple Review – an independent Government-backed Review that recommended the creation of a National Micro-Capital System to expand access to finance for economically deprived entrepreneurs – has welcomed the Government’s commitment to strengthening community finance.

Spearheaded by Small Business Britain in partnership with Xero, The Maple Review published its final report in June 2026 following a year-long inquiry into how entrepreneurship can become a more effective route out of poverty.

Drawing on a national survey of more than 600 entrepreneurs from backgrounds of poverty, alongside extensive qualitative research, the Review demonstrates how entrepreneurship can provide greater financial stability, dignity and control over working lives for the 14.3 million people currently living in poverty across the UK.

The Review made eight recommendations to Central and Local Government, financial institutions and business support organisations to help build a more inclusive economy. Central to the recommendations is the creation of a National Micro-Capital System, including significantly increased investment in community finance – particularly CDFIs – backed by Government and the financial services sector.

Michelle Ovens CBE, CEO & Founder of Small Business Britain, said: “Access to finance remains one of the biggest barriers for entrepreneurs from backgrounds of economic deprivation. As the Chancellor stated this evening, expanding the Growth Guarantee Scheme from the British Business Bank is an important step towards changing that and giving more people the opportunity to start and grow successful businesses.

“As the Chancellor set out today, there is clear ambition for economic growth, but entrepreneurs and small businesses must be at the heart of delivering that growth. Strengthening support for community lenders has the potential to unlock opportunity for thousands of founders who are currently excluded from mainstream finance.

“Alongside improving access to finance, we also need to ensure entrepreneurial education starts early so more people have the confidence and skills to build successful businesses.

“We also welcome the Chancellor’s commitments on AI and export finance. As a new Prime Minister takes office, we must see this momentum continue so the UK’s 5.7 million small businesses can play their full role in growing the economy.”

The Maple Review is supported by a Steering Board of industry leaders, policymakers and experts, including Minister for Small Business and Economic Transformation, Blair McDougall, alongside Barclays, BT, Xero, Lloyds Banking Group and The King’s Trust.

Small Business Britain and partners will continue this work through the Maple Project, working with HM Treasury and the British Business Bank to help deliver greater opportunities for entrepreneurs from backgrounds of economic deprivation.