The Treasury’s entrepreneurship adviser Alex Depledge is stepping down. Her last day is Thursday 29 October, the day after Chancellor John Healey’s Budget. City AM reported the news on Sunday 25 October.
Depledge is the founder of Hassle.com and Resi. She was appointed in June 2025 by the previous chancellor, Rachel Reeves. She now says the government treats the fastest-growing firms as a side issue and directs taxpayers’ money mainly to traditional industries. She also says that since July, after the change of chancellor, she has had almost no opportunity to speak to the minister. She stresses that she wants to return to business.
Earlier she helped expand the Enterprise Management Incentives (EMI) employee share option scheme. She also called for pension funds to invest more in British growth companies. Entrepreneurs are asking the chancellor to keep Business Asset Disposal Relief (BADR) on the sale of a business. In a survey by Helm of 400 founders of fast-growing firms, 73% do not believe the Budget will be good for business. The chancellor has previously ruled out raising capital gains tax (CGT).
What it means for you
For most employees this changes nothing immediately. It does matter, however, for company owners, including Polish firms in the UK. The adviser’s departure just before the Budget suggests the government may favour industry and defence over small, fast-growing firms in this Budget.
If you plan to sell a business or give employees shares under EMI, Wednesday may bring changes to the rules. Nothing has been announced yet. More on this topic: what the Budget could change for company owners.
Our assessment
One adviser’s departure will not change a Budget that is already written. It is, however, a clear warning sign. We expect the government to keep the basic reliefs, having already ruled out a CGT rise. Less certain is the future of BADR and new incentives for founders. Do not make hasty decisions before Wednesday – tax changes usually have a start date, and a tax adviser can help assess the effects.
What to do
- Check the current rules on relief when selling a business – Business Asset Disposal Relief (GOV.UK).
- If you have an EMI scheme, review its terms – Enterprise Management Incentives (GOV.UK).
- Discuss any planned sale of shares or a business with your accountant after the Budget is announced on 28 October.
Source: City AM (25.10.2026).
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