The bank issued an alert on social media telling those affected to ‘plan ahead’
HSBC has issued an alert to customers who may need to ‘plan ahead for a stress-free May’. The bank posted advice on social media, urging people not to get ‘caught out’.
It pointed out that small business owners will likely be affected by several diary changes in May, due to upcoming bank holidays and the school half-term dates. From adjusting invoice deadlines to reviewing stock levels, there are several extra checks that owners may need to complete compared to a typical month.
Posting on Facebook, HSBC said: “May is just around the corner. For small business owners, that means two bank holidays and a school half-term to navigate. A little foresight goes a long way in business.” The bank shared a small business planning guide to help customers.
In the post, HSBC shared some key dates to be aware of. The bank highlighted the May 4 and May 25 bank holidays, as well as the school half-term dates, which typically run from May 25 to 29.
HSBC explained: “Two bank holidays: don’t get caught out. Adjust payment runs and invoice deadlines. Confirm staff cover and inform customers of service changes. Review stock levels ahead of potential supply chain interruptions.”
The bank also highlighted how the school break could affect small business owners. The guide explained: “Plan for staff holiday requests and rota adjustments. Anticipate changes in customer footfall/demand, adjust marketing/stock.”
For small business owners looking for more advice, HSBC offers a free Small Business Growth Programme. Introducing the programme on its website, the bank says: “Trusted by 1.2 million businesses globally we know that small businesses are the backbone of our economy, that’s why we’ve created a free, open to all programme designed to support small businesses to grow and build resilience. Our programme of training, events, and insights provides you with the tools you need to succeed.”
Full list of bank holidays
For business owners planning for the rest of the year, the full list of bank holidays in England and Wales can be viewed on the GOV.UK website. There are five outstanding bank holidays in 2026.
- May 4 (Monday) – Early May bank holiday
- May 25 (Monday) – Spring bank holiday
- 31 August (Monday) – Summer bank holiday
- 25 December (Friday) Christmas Day
- 28 December (Monday) Boxing Day substitute
The guidance explains: “If a bank holiday is on a weekend, a ‘substitute’ weekday becomes a bank holiday, normally the following Monday.” The full dates for 2027 and 2028 are also available.
GOV.UK also displays school term and holiday dates. However, the dates vary across the UK, meaning small business owners need to enter their postcode to find the dates shared by their local council.
