With the UK Budget approaching later this month, the mood in many business circles feels uncertain.

There’s talk of tax rises, cuts, and “tough times ahead” and if you spend too long watching the news, it’s easy to get caught up in the noise.

But here’s the truth:

You can’t control what the Chancellor announces on Budget day.

You can, however, control how you respond.

Every time there’s economic turbulence, two kinds of businesses emerge: those who freeze, and those who adapt.

History shows that some of the most successful companies in the world – from Kellogg’s during the Great Depression to Airbnb and Uber during the 2008 financial crash – didn’t just survive uncertainty.

They grew through it.

Not because conditions were easy, but because they focused on what they could influence.

So, what can you control right now?

✅ Your strategy – Are you planning for growth, or simply reacting to what’s happening around you?

✅ Your team’s productivity – Are your team aligned, operating at their best, or are inefficiencies quietly costing you more than any tax rise could?

✅ Your marketing and visibility – When the market gets quieter, those who keep showing up, communicating, and staying visible are the ones who stand out when confidence returns.

✅ Your mindset – The economy doesn’t decide your future; your attitude and actions do.

There’s no question that some things will get tougher in the months ahead.

But equally, this is when opportunities reveal themselves – for businesses that are alert, agile, and prepared to act while others are hesitating.

You can’t steer the economy.

You can steer your business.

And the decisions you make in the next 90 days could set the tone for the next three years.

So take a step back.

Focus on what you can control.

And double down on what makes your business stronger, leaner, and more resilient – whatever the Budget brings.

 

Further resources for you to explore:

WATCH: ‘How To Let Go And Stop Worrying (10 Stoic Tips)’

WATCH: ‘The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People’ by Steven Covey

I encourage you to pick one habit from Steven Covey’s ‘7 Habits’ this week to help you lead through the noise.