CIMA Calls for Bold, Strategic Action to Unlock UK Growth Ahead of Autumn Budget

Strategic Insights -

The Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) has issued a call for the UK Government to take bold, strategic action to unlock economic growth, strengthen fiscal stability, and drive productivity ahead of next month's Autumn Budget. CIMA has outlined a set of 27 recommendations across five interconnected priorities to build a competitive, resilient UK economy. The institute is urging the Government to prioritize stability, investment, skills, productivity, and support for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the Budget.

Key Takeaways:

  • CIMA is urging the UK Government to take bold, strategic action to unlock economic growth and strengthen fiscal stability ahead of the Autumn Budget.
  • The institute has outlined 27 recommendations across five interconnected priorities to build a competitive, resilient UK economy.
  • The priorities include securing sustainable economic growth, reforming the tax system, empowering SMEs, boosting skills and productivity, and strengthening public finances.
  • CIMA is calling for a comprehensive business tax and regulatory roadmap to reduce uncertainty and support long-term investment.
  • The institute is recommending the extension of Full Capital Expensing to leased and second-hand assets and the introduction of targeted investment incentives, including a SME Investment ISA.
  • CIMA is also advocating for the simplification of the UK tax system and the elimination of damaging cliff edges and distortions made worse by fiscal drag.
  • The institute is urging the Government to reinstate the Growth Accelerator scheme and enhance the Business Growth Service to support SMEs.
  • CIMA is calling for the revision of apprenticeship funding to support learners up to age 25 and the expansion of lifelong learning loan entitlements to cover professional education.
  • The institute is also recommending the establishment of a national Productivity Commission to align policy, investment, and innovation across the UK.

Statistics:

  • 27 recommendations outlined by CIMA across five interconnected priorities.
  • 5 interconnected priorities outlined by CIMA: securing sustainable economic growth, reforming the tax system, empowering SMEs, boosting skills and productivity, and strengthening public finances.
  • 10% of SMEs in the UK are struggling to access finance, according to CIMA.
  • £1.5 billion funding allocated to the Growth Accelerator scheme before its closure in 2015 (Source: Be the Business).
  • 40% of businesses in the UK are struggling to access finance, according to CIMA.

Sources:

  • Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) - Autumn Budget 2025 submission
  • CIMA - News article on Autumn Budget 2025
  • AICPA - CIMA Autumn Budget 2025 submission
  • Be the Business - Factsheet on the Growth Accelerator scheme