Protect yourself from the Autumn Budget

With the dreaded Autumn Budget looming, Andrew Scott, MD of Purplex, says marketing is the shield businesses need to survive.

When the Autumn Budget lands on Wednesday November 26, there will be many business owners – myself included – who will be digging out the tin hat once again in anticipation of a round of measures that, frankly, threaten the very essence of UK entrepreneurship.

If that sounds over-dramatic, let’s have a quick look back to this time last year, and Rachel Reeves’s first Budget. Yes, that one – the heist on businesses of all sizes that shot our National Insurance bill through the roof and increased our responsibilities via the raising of the Minimum Wage.

We know there’s a huge financial black hole to fill, but did the raid have to be so devastating?

A year on, has anything changed for businesses? Growth is negligible, supply chains remain unpredictable and interest rates are holding back investment. One wrong decision could have consequences for months. Relying on hope is already falling behind. Planning, efficiency and decisive action are essential, and a huge side-order of resilience is needed in every situation.

Yet, too many companies react by cutting marketing. This is a mistake, because marketing keeps you visible, keeps your name in the conversation and maintains your reputation. Fenestration is about trust, design and expertise, and if your clients can’t see what makes you different, someone else will tell the story first and take your business. Marketing turns technical skill into perceived value. It explains why your product is worth investing in.

Trust me when I say that marketing is not optional, it is survival. Every blog post, case study, email or social update is proof that you are here. Why is this important? Because maintaining visibility protects market share and ensures you are first in mind when opportunity arises. Cutting back now will only leave you struggling later.

So let’s look at what practical steps you can take right now to maintain and increase your visibility. First, strengthen your digital presence. Use search engine optimisation, create content for social media and run targeted campaigns so your business is discoverable.

Next, don’t forget about traditional marketing methods. For example, in challenging times public relations builds trust, credibility and brand awareness. It complements and even enhances digital marketing and reinforces key messages, demonstrating why your product is the best possible choice. Also, focus on value. Make it clear why your product is the right choice by explaining the benefits clearly and consistently.

Here’s another tip: consider outsourcing your marketing. Many fenestration companies rely on a small team of office staff who are already juggling a million tasks. Expecting them to handle marketing on top is unrealistic.

By contrast, outsourcing to an agency like Purplex gives you focus, experience and resources. We can run campaigns, track performance and spot opportunities your team might miss, freeing you to concentrate on what you do best while keeping your marketing sharp and consistent. Outsourced marketing also provides a fresh perspective. An agency will notice gaps and opportunities your team may have become blind to through familiarity.

Fenestration businesses must understand that technical skill and product quality count for nothing if no one sees them. Resilience is built under pressure, in the decisions made when others hesitate. Marketing ensures your expertise reaches the right people, that clients trust you and that your business remains strong.

A well-timed social post, a case study demonstrating energy savings or a client testimonial can make the difference between a lost contract and a signed deal.

Investing in marketing is also a long-term hedge against uncertainty. It allows businesses to maintain visibility and demonstrate reliability when competitors retreat. A consistent presence signals confidence and capability. Even in a slow market, a company that communicates well and shows tangible results will stand out and attract clients who might otherwise delay decisions.

Be in no doubt that the Autumn Budget will test all of us. It may feel unfair and it will almost certainly push businesses to their limits. Yet complaining, hoping or pretending it will be easy achieves nothing. Those who respond strategically, invest in marketing and communicate clearly will survive and prosper. Marketing becomes your shield and your sword, protecting you from uncertainty while keeping you ready to grow.