HM Treasury has reappointed Alex Depledge MBE as its Entrepreneurship Advisor, effective 24 August 2026. The move comes as Chancellor John Healey prepares for the 28 October Budget and puts fresh focus on businesses that can scale, attract investment, and create jobs.
HM Treasury has renewed its focus on high growth UK businesses. Alex Depledge MBE has been reappointed as the Treasury’s Entrepreneurship Advisor. Depledge first took the role in June 2025. Her reappointment took effect on 24 August 2026, and HM Treasury updated its official announcement on 7 September.
The timing matters. Chancellor John Healey is preparing for the 28 October Budget, and the government is paying closer attention to businesses that can scale, attract investment, and create jobs.
Depledge’s role gives entrepreneurs a direct line into Treasury discussions. She focuses on the barriers around funding, tax, regulation, and business growth.
Why the Reappointment Matters for UK Scale Ups
Scale ups make up a small share of UK businesses, but their economic impact is significant. Treasury figures have put the number of UK scale ups at more than 34,000, around 0.6% of SMEs, with combined turnover of about £1.4 trillion.
The government is adding further support for high growth companies.
On 7 September, Chancellor John Healey set an ambition to double the number of UK unicorn businesses. He also announced a new £150 million British Business Bank fund for high growth firms in the North.
The government also remains committed to cutting the administrative burden of regulation by 25% during this Parliament.
For business owners, Depledge’s reappointment doesn’t create a new tax relief on its own. It shows that the challenges facing fast growing firms remain high on the Treasury’s agenda.
EMI Rules Now Cover More Growing Companies
Some important tax changes are already in force.
From 6 April 2026, the Enterprise Management Incentives scheme opened to a wider range of eligible businesses.
The employee limit rose from fewer than 250 to fewer than 500 employees. The gross assets limit increased from £30 million to £120 million. The company share option limit rose from £3 million to £6 million.
The maximum period for EMI options also grew from 10 years to 15 years. These changes give more scaling companies the chance to use tax advantaged share options to attract and keep staff.
EIS Investment Limits Have Also Increased
Investment rules have changed too.
For most qualifying companies, the EIS and VCT annual investment limit is now £10 million, with a lifetime limit of £24 million.
Knowledge intensive companies can access limits of up to £20 million per year and £40 million over their lifetime, subject to the scheme rules.
This gives qualifying businesses more room to raise growth capital. Higher limits, though, don’t remove the need to meet the conditions attached to these schemes.
What Should High Growth Businesses Do Now?
Founders shouldn’t assume that wider eligibility means automatic access to tax relief.
Businesses planning to raise investment, issue employee options, or expand quickly should review their position before taking action. This means checking their tax structure, cash flow forecasts, investment readiness, and financial reporting, which is exactly the kind of groundwork covered in our startup accounting services.
Ignoring these areas can create problems later. A poorly structured share scheme may not deliver the expected tax treatment. Errors around EIS conditions can also put investor tax relief at risk.
The upcoming 28 October Budget makes early preparation even more important.
How Lanop Can Help
Lanop Business & Tax Advisors helps growing UK companies turn tax and policy changes into practical business decisions.
Our team supports businesses with EMI planning, EIS and SEIS preparation, R&D tax matters, Corporation Tax, cash flow forecasting, and wider growth planning.
With the Treasury keeping scale ups high on its agenda, businesses should use the time before the October Budget to review their position. Strong tax planning, clear financial reporting, and the right business structure can help companies prepare for their next stage of growth. Contact Lanop today to review how these scheme changes could support your growth plans.
