HSBC has issued an important alert to some customers who may need to ‘plan ahead for a stress-free May.’ In a social media post, the bank urged those affected not to get ‘caught out’.
It said 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 tweaking invoice deadlines to checking stock levels, business owners could need to take extra steps.
HSBC told customers: “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 Facebook post, HSBC shared several key dates. 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, reports the Mirror.
HSBC said: “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 pointed out that the school break could also affect small business owners. HSBC advised: “Plan for staff holiday requests and rota adjustments. Anticipate changes in customer footfall/demand, adjust marketing/stock.”
For small business owners seeking additional guidance, HSBC provides a free Small Business Growth Programme. Introducing the programme on its website, the bank said: “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
Business owners can view the full list of bank holidays in England and Wales 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. Typically, schools observe Christmas, Easter, and Summer breaks, as well as three shorter half-term breaks each academic year.
