News

With the holidays and end of the year fast approaching, it’s a good time to plan your finances for the new year. For those who file Self Assessment tax returns, the prospect of having to make a heavy tax payment at the end of January 2025 may be causing you concern.

In the runup to Small Business Saturday last week, a new Disability Finance Code was launched.

New changes come into effect from January 2025 where online platforms, such as eBay and Airbnb, will start sharing some user sales and personal data with HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC).

The government’s promised new Fair Payments Code was launched last week to try and tackle late payment problems that can be particularly harmful to small businesses.

The government has unveiled some significant reforms to employment support, underpinned by a £240 million investment. The measures aim to address deep-rooted issues of unemployment, economic inactivity, and barriers to work, as detailed in the newly published Get Britain Working White Paper.

HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) have issued a reminder to be careful about scam attempts that target people filing Self Assessment tax returns. In the last year, nearly 150,000 scam attempts were referred to HMRC, a 16.7% increase on last year. With the 31 January 2025 filing deadline approaching, fraudsters are likely to step up their activities.

The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) has reported that shoppers lost over £11.5 million to online criminals between November 2023 and January 2024.

UK Export Finance (UKEF), the UK’s export credit agency, has launched a new initiative aimed at helping British engineering, design, and technical services firms secure international contracts.

The latest inflation figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) reveal that the Consumer Prices Index (CPI) for October 2024 rose to 2.3%, up from 1.7% in September.

The Valuation Office Agency (VOA) has announced plans to share more detailed information on business rates valuations, making the system more transparent for ratepayers across England.

Next month, councils across England will be given new powers to transform high streets by tackling long-term empty shops.

Since coming into power, the Labour government has made its Make Work Pay plan a centrepiece of their policies.

HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) have begun reminding taxpayers that time is ticking for getting self-assessment tax returns filed in time for the 31 January 2025 deadline.

Changes to inheritance tax were announced in the Budget that have caused consternation to farmers and business owners across the UK. What exactly is changing and what could this mean for you?

As had been widely expected, the Bank of England reduced the interest base rate to 4.75% last week. This was due to inflationary pressures easing in recent weeks.

Two days before the Budget, the Prime Minister announced that the cap for single bus fares would be increased to £3 from its current £2.

As has been widely expected in the last few weeks, the Chancellor, Rachel Reeves, made some significant changes to the Employers National Insurance (NI) rate and threshold in the Autumn Budget.

On 30 October 2024, Rachel Reeves delivered her first Budget speech. As the first Budget speech ever delivered by a female Chancellor of the Exchequer, the occasion was bound to be one for the history books regardless of what was said.

The UK government has announced a consultation on new legislations designed to regulate Buy-Now, Pay-Later (BNPL) products. The forthcoming rules, which will bring BNPL products under the supervision of the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), are designed to provide the same key protections for BNPL as exist for other consumer credit products.

Following the release of the Employment Rights Bill, its Impact Assessment was published last week showing that the new Bill will have a “positive direct impact on economic growth.”

A strong relationship with your bank is a crucial part of the success and stability of your business. You may rely on them for tailored financial solutions, ranging from short-term credit facilities to long-term loans, to support your growth plans or manage cash flow fluctuations.

At the International Investment Summit, the UK government announced nearly £63 billion in new investments, which are expected to create 38,000 jobs.

The Office for National Statistics (ONS) have reported that their measure for inflation (Consumer Prices Index) fell to 1.7% for September. This is an unexpected reduction and is the lowest inflation has been in more than three years.

With the Budget coming on 30th October, speculation is increasing on what changes will be announced. The Chancellor and the Prime Minister have made comments to indicate that the Budget will bring “difficult decisions”.

The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has just published a new set of heat maps showing where businesses across the UK have received warning or advisory letters for potentially breaking competition law. It’s the first time the CMA has published this kind of information, and it’s a reminder for all businesses to ensure they’re on the right side of the law.

Energy Secretary Ed Miliband, along with a newly reactivated Solar Taskforce, is spearheading a major push to get more solar panels on homes and businesses by 2030. This is all part of a wider strategy to build the UK’s energy independence, reduce reliance on fossil fuels, and protect consumer bills from volatile energy markets.

The government has published the Employment Rights Bill, which is intended help deliver economic security and growth to businesses, workers and communities across the UK.

Companies House have rolled out a new penalties regime as part of a broader effort to boost corporate transparency and combat economic crime, following the implementation of the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023.

If you’re a new parent, congratulations! Apparently, around 2,000 babies are born on 26 September each year – more than any other day.

The latest figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) reveal that the UK’s economy grew by 0.5% between April and June, a slight dip from the initial estimate of 0.6%.

In line with the e-invoicing initiative we reported on elsewhere, the Chancellor also outlined broader reforms to modernise HMRC through a Digital Transformation Roadmap, which is expected in Spring 2025.

The Chancellor unveiled a series of announcements last week that could have implications for UK businesses. One of the most relevant for business owners was the government's push for electronic invoicing (e-invoicing).

The Chancellor, Rachel Reeves, gave an important speech at the Labour Party conference last week, in which she appeared to shift tone to speak more positively about the economy.

The government has announced a delay to the start of the Procurement Act 2023, moving the commencement date to February 2025.

Amazon has announced the end of its hybrid work policy, with corporate staff expected to be back in the office five days a week starting in January. Previously, staff had the flexibility to work from home two days a week.

Business Finance Week 2024 will run from 24 September to 2 October and includes a variety of national and regional in-person events and webinars.

As HMRC intensifies its crackdown on National Minimum Wage (NMW) noncompliance, it’s vital to make sure you don’t fall foul of NMW laws. Compliance can have more complexities to it than many assume, and the risks of getting it wrong are significant.

Figures released by the Office of National Statistics last week show that the UK economy showed no growth in July 2024. This is the second month in a row as there was also no growth in June.

The Plan 1 student loan interest rate reduced to 6% (from 6.25%) from 30 August. This rate change applies across the UK with the Department for Education (DfE), the Welsh Government and the Department for the Economy in Northern Ireland (DfE NI) all confirming the change.

Barratt Developments, the UK's largest housebuilder, has reported a significant decline in pre-tax profits, down by three-quarters for the year ending June 2024. This comes as the company completed just 14,000 homes, a sharp decrease from 17,000 the previous year, with forecasts suggesting even lower figures of 13,000 to 13,500 homes for the upcoming year.

Last month, the Home Secretary, Yvette Cooper, announced a significant government crackdown on employers hiring migrants illegally.

A recent report by the British Chambers of Commerce and Tussell has highlighted the ongoing challenges the public sector faces in meeting its procurement targets for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

The Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer, speaking from Downing Street last Tuesday, has said that the budget in October will be “painful” and the government would be making “big asks” of the country.

HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) have issued a press release debunking some common myths about whether or not someone needs to register to complete a self-assessment tax return.

As a pensioner you were likely dismayed to learn that Winter Fuel Payments are now being restricted to those who are on benefits and Pension Credit. The Winter Fuel Payment is a key benefit to help with increased heating costs during winter that was previously paid to all pensioners. However, with recent changes, the payment is now means-tested and linked to eligibility for Pension Credit.

As GCSE results day approaches on 22 August 2024, many families are considering the next steps for their school-leaving children. If your child plans to continue in approved education or training, it’s important to extend your Child Benefit claim before 31 August to avoid missing out on financial support.

The Office of National Statistics has reported that inflation for July has risen to 2.2%. This is the first rise of 2024 after inflation fell during the early part of the year and then settled at 2% for May and June.

The recent riots have left many small businesses dealing with damage and disruption.

The latest annual update to Student Loan interest rates was made last week by the Department for Education.

A small business from Barnsley, Slime Party UK, has successfully secured government-backed financing, enabling it to significantly expand its operations, create new jobs, and develop new product lines.

The Bank of England’s decision to reduce the base rate to 5% means that HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) will also reduce their interest rates.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves visited the US and Canada last week, and during an interview with Bloomberg was asked whether she was considering increasing capital gains tax.

For businesses, having a strategic plan in place is vital for the long-term success and sustainability of the business. It serves as a roadmap for your business that gives you a clear direction, sets out the priorities, and helps you to make sure that you are using your resources effectively to reach your goals.

HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) have published draft legislation and a policy paper outlining the proposal for the abolition of the furnished holiday lettings (FHL) tax regime.

As anticipated, the Bank of England reduced their base interest rate on August 1 from 5.25% to 5%.

The Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves, addressed the House of Commons last week to detail the results of a Treasury spending audit

The Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW) have reported that HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) are contacting taxpayers they believe may have overclaimed Business Asset Disposal Relief.

The King’s Speech detailed proposals for a number of areas of new legislation that are likely to affect small employers.

The Chancellor, Rachel Reeves, has announced a significant review aimed at enhancing pension investments, increasing pension pots, and reducing waste in the pensions system. The review was highlighted in the King's Speech, confirming a new Pensions Bill that could significantly benefit UK pensioners and the broader economy.

Dealing with HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) can sometimes be challenging. Long wait times when phoning for help, incorrect refund amounts, errors in tax codes and other issues can cause frustration. In recent months and years the decline in service standard from HMRC has been notable, but did you know that it is possible to complain about HMRC and even receive compensation?

The Office of National Statistics has released the latest inflation figures for June, and the good news is that the Consumer Prices Index (CPI) has stayed at 2.0%.

Last week King Charles delivered the King’s Speech. This is a speech traditionally delivered at the State Opening of Parliament and it sets out the government’s plans and priorities for the coming year.

The new government has rolled out an ambitious plan to drive significant changes across the UK, and as your business advisors, we want to break down how these could impact you.

HM Revenue & Customs have released a new tool designed to help businesses find out what VAT registration would mean for their business.

The new Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves, delivered her first speech as Chancellor last week outlining her plans for revitalising the UK economy. While her speech was inevitably political and included criticism for the previous government while emphasising her own role, there were also some key takeaways for her plans on tax. Here’s a summary with some comments on what they could mean for you.

This summer has brought with it several major sporting events – The Euros, Wimbledon and the Tour de France are currently all in progress, and the Olympics begin later in July. While this can be good news for businesses working in hospitality and retail, there can also be a dip in productivity as employees take time off or become distracted during major matches or events.

Figures released by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) show that the economy grew by 0.7% between January and March. This is higher than their initial estimate of 0.6%, and means that the country’s emergence from recession was stronger than expected.

So, the election results are in and the Labour party won the country’s mandate to form a new parliament. What could that mean for the tax you pay?

In the wake of the Bank of England's decision to maintain the base rate at 5.25%, the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) has expressed concern about the impact on small business growth and investment.

The Institute of Directors (IoD) have published a consultation document on a code of conduct for directors.

The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) provides an ‘Exercise in a Box’ online tool that can help businesses check how resilient they are to cyber attacks as well as practise their response in a safe environment.

Meta, the company behind Facebook and Instagram, have had plans to use Facebook and Instagram user date to train generative AI.

The Valuation Office Agency (VOA) has issued a warning about false claims being made about the deadline for appealing the 2023 list for business rates.

Figures released by the Office of National Statistics show that the Consumer Prices Index (CPI) for May 2024 was 2%. This is a reduction from the 2.3% assessed in April and means that inflation has hit the Bank of England’s target rate for the first time in nearly 3 years.

If you are a female entrepreneur in the UK, you can now access a new resource designed to help you access the finance you need to start, grow, and scale your business. The new hub is designed as a one-stop shop that provides the resources and information you need.

The latest labour market report from the Office for National Statistics shows a few important trends that might affect your business.

Shawbrook Bank recently conducted research that indicated that half of small business owners have had to raid their savings to fund their businesses.

The Charity Commission has recently concluded its regulatory compliance case into the Actors’ Benevolent Fund and has drawn out some lessons that can benefit all charities.

The Bank of Canada announced a cut of a quarter of a percentage point to its key interest rate last week, bringing the rate down to 4.75%.

The news is currently full of reports on the general election, so much so that you may be inclined to switch off rather than hear any more about it!

The Leasehold and Freehold Reform Act has become law and will affect owners of freeholds for leasehold properties as well as house builders.

The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) has issued guidance to help developers, engineers, decision makers and risk owners in creating and using machine learning systems.

The Office for National Statistics conducts a fortnightly Business Insights and Conditions Survey (BICS). The voluntary responses received from the latest survey revealed the following insights.

Both Apple and Microsoft have announced updates to their product lines in recent weeks. Apple unveiled updates to their iPad Air and iPod Pro lines, and Microsoft have introduced Copilot + PCs as showcased by their new Surface Pro and Laptop.

Official figures released last week by the Office for National Statistics show that the Consumer Prices Index (CPI) dropped to 2.3% for the 12 months to April 2024. This is down from 3.2% for the 12 months to March 2024.

For businesses that run as a partnership, there often comes a time where you need to consider admitting a new partner into the partnership.

While commenting on the GDP growth and what it indicates about the economy, the Prime Minister again drew attention to National Insurance.

HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) have released figures showing that 295,250 Self Assessment tax returns were filed in the first week of the new tax year. Almost 70,000 were filed on the first day – April 6th.

Data releases in recent weeks from the Office of National Statistics (ONS) coupled with Bank of England decisions might make recent news about the economy seem a bit confusing. Understanding how this news affects businesses is important so let’s break it down.

Making the leap from a technical expert to a business leader can be challenging. The Shott Scale Up Accelerator is a 12-month programme that aims to help senior decision-makers in high-growth engineering and tech SMEs develop the skills needed to scale their business to the next level.

The UK government has announced a new initiative aimed at helping people with health conditions stay in or return to work.

Figures published by the Office for National Statistics on 10 May 2024 show that the UK has officially exited recession.

From October 2024, company size thresholds are to increase by 50%. For each company, these new thresholds will begin to apply from the start of the next accounting period commencing on or after 1 October 2024. But what are the implications of these changes to your company?

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has published an article outlining its approach to regulating artificial intelligence (AI) in workplaces.

A new digital service has been launched that makes it easier to check if you have any gaps in your National Insurance (NI) record that may affect your State Pension entitlement.

The so-called Micawber principle, as stated by Wilkins Micawber in Charles Dickens’ novel David Copperfield, says: “Annual income twenty pounds, annual expenditure nineteen and six, result happiness. Annual income twenty pounds, annual expenditure twenty pounds nought and six, result misery.”

HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) have updated their guidance on what qualifies as ordinary commuting and private travel for tax purposes to include hybrid or flexible working.

Recent surveys of UK business owners show us to be under pressure. This is no surprise. As a business owner, you’re constantly juggling multiple responsibilities and facing a myriad of challenges. While there are countless strategies for success, it’s equally important to be aware of potential pitfalls that could derail your efforts.

HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) are running a campaign to help people avoid being caught out by tax avoidance schemes. This is particularly relevant to those who are contractors, agency workers, or are working through an umbrella company.

According to the latest figures released by the Office for National Statistics, the Consumer Prices Index (CPI) rose by 3.2% in the 12 months to March 2024. This is down from 3.4% in February.