Managing challenges from the Middle East conflict as a UK business
This guidance lists support and information that may be useful for UK businesses affected by disruption due to the conflict in the Middle East.
This page is up to date
We reviewed this page on 2 November 2026. It will be reviewed again on 2 April 2026.
The situation in the Middle East is creating challenges for UK businesses, including disruption to supply chains, higher freight and input costs, and uncertainty in international markets. The UK government is working with businesses, industry groups and partners across government to monitor impacts and respond.
This page sets out where UK businesses can access support and guidance to support their operation. Businesses should identify practical steps to manage risks, protect their operations and maintain continuity.
Who this guidance is for
This guidance is for UK businesses seeking information, support and advice on issues such as:
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export disruption
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supply chain disruption
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shipping and freight delays
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energy costs
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cyber security risks
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overseas operations
Get general business support
You can find information on starting, running and growing a business, including available government support schemes:
Get help and support for your business.
Businesses can find businesses can find out about operating in the Gulf region and opportunities that exist through Gateway to the GCC, Business Academy.
Get help with exporting
If your exports are affected by disruption in the Middle East, you can get advice through:
Manage supply chain disruption
Read guidance on identifying supply chain risks and improving resilience.
Manage shipping and freight disruption
If goods or materials are affected by disruption, in the first instance you should contact your supplier, shipper or freight provider on options for rerouting goods and materials.
You can also contact the Export Support Service team for general enquiries.
Get information on business insurance
Read guidance on managing overseas trading risks and using trade credit insurance.
Get support on energy costs and efficiency
Information on improving energy efficiency and reducing energy use is available from:
Information about business energy contracts, energy supply and energy efficiency schemes is available from:
- Ofgem’s business energy advice service
Micro and small businesses with unresolved disputes with their energy supplier may be able to get help from:
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Energy Ombudsman
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Citizens Advice
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Citizens Advice Scotland
Information for manufacturers
Read information on electricity cost support schemes.
Guidance for eligible energy intensive industries applying for exemptions is also available through the Supercharger scheme guidance.
Information for farmers
Information and tools relating to fertiliser use and prices are available at:
Cyber security guidance
The UK National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) provides guidance to help organisations protect their systems and improve resilience. Businesses can continue to mitigate against enduring cyber risks by following the advice and guidance provided by the NCSC to help protect their networks and ensure business resilience.
This includes:
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Cyber Action Plan
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Cyber Essentials
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Toolkit for Boards
Visit the NCSC website for guidance and resources.
Information for medicine and medical technology suppliers
Medicine suppliers can report supply disruption through:
- Department of Health and Social Care’s Discontinuations and Shortages service
Medical technology suppliers can report disruption through:
Support for businesses operating overseas
If you need assistance while operating overseas, you can find contact details for UK embassies, high commissions and consulates.
If you already work with government
If your business already works with a government department, contact your usual government contact or export adviser for support.
Stay up to date
Check relevant government guidance regularly and review any potential impacts on your business operations, supply chains and overseas activities.
Share information about disruption
If your business is experiencing export-related disruption, you can contact our export support team.
To report specific supply chain issues, contact Supplychaincentre@businessandtrade.gov.uk.