HSBC has issued an alert to customers, urging them to 'plan ahead for a stress-free May' as the bank warns against getting 'caught out' by upcoming diary changes. The bank shared advice on social media, highlighting that small business owners will be particularly affected by two bank holidays and the school half-term period in May.
Key dates and planning tips
In a Facebook post, HSBC emphasised the importance of foresight, stating: '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 prepare.
The key dates highlighted by HSBC include the May 4 (Monday) Early May bank holiday and the May 25 (Monday) Spring bank holiday, as well as the school half-term typically running from May 25 to 29. The bank advised: '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.'
School half-term considerations
HSBC also noted how the school break could affect small businesses. The guide explained: 'Plan for staff holiday requests and rota adjustments. Anticipate changes in customer footfall/demand, adjust marketing/stock.'
For additional support, HSBC offers a free Small Business Growth Programme, which the bank describes as 'trusted by 1.2 million businesses globally.' The programme provides training, events, and insights designed to help small businesses grow and build resilience.
Full list of bank holidays in 2026
For business owners planning ahead, GOV.UK lists the remaining bank holidays in England and Wales for 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 that if a bank holiday falls on a weekend, a substitute weekday becomes a bank holiday, normally the following Monday. School term and holiday dates vary across the UK, so small business owners are advised to enter their postcode on GOV.UK to find local council dates.
