The UK Government has released a new Small Business Plan aimed at supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), including potential impacts for those in the outdoor hospitality sector, such as campsites, caravan parks, and glamping operators.
Announced in August 2025, the plan has been described by government officials as “the most significant support package in decades” and includes reforms related to invoice payments, access to finance, grants, and streamlined licensing.
Among the key measures are stricter rules on late payments to help protect small businesses from cash flow disruptions, as well as the launch of a new business growth service.
For seasonal operators in the camping and caravanning industry, where income is often concentrated in peak periods, improved invoice enforcement may offer some relief.
Despite these broader reforms, the plan lacks sector-specific provisions for tourism businesses. In response to inquiries from Caravan Magazine and Out & About Live, the Department for Business and Trade confirmed that there are no tourism-targeted policies included in the plan.
Officials instead highlighted reforms that could offer indirect benefits, such as adjustments to high street licensing and funding availability through the British Business Bank.
Operators running smaller or independent campsites may see some benefit from the simplified rules, particularly if they manage secondary revenue sources such as on-site shops, cafés, or food trucks.
However, concerns remain that the lack of targeted initiatives may leave many campsite businesses without adequate support.
The Back British Holidays campaign has responded by calling for more tailored action to ensure that tourism-dependent businesses are not excluded from broader SME support.
The group is advocating for the government to implement targeted relief measures that recognize the unique challenges facing the outdoor accommodation industry.
As the Small Business Plan moves toward implementation, industry stakeholders are watching closely to determine whether indirect benefits will materialize or whether additional policy steps will be needed to support the camping and caravanning sector more directly.