If breeding and selling animals has turned into a source of income for you, you need to make sure your earnings are declared correctly to HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC). You can earn up to £1,000 annually from casual trading or self-employment without needing to report it. However, once your income exceeds this threshold, you […]
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Optimising your credit control policies to deal with chronic late payers
Despite repeated calls for reform, the Government has shown little support for tackling chronic late payments, leaving businesses to fend for themselves. One effective solution is to tighten your credit control policies to manage the issue. Strengthening credit control A solid credit control system helps you keep payments on track. Here are some ideas on […]
Read moreBudgeting for the unknown – Contingency strategies and tips for businesses
No matter how well-prepared you may think you are, things will not always go to plan. It could be a sudden shift in the market, supply chain disruptions, unexpected repairs to your office or equipment, or even a personal emergency. That is why having a budget that accounts for the unknown is essential. How to […]
Read moreHow to capitalise on the Government’s AI push
In January, the Government unveiled its Artificial Intelligence (AI) Opportunities Plan, outlining how the UK hopes to shape the AI trajectory by driving economic growth, enhancing public services, and creating new job opportunities while ensuring AI benefits society. While there is still a lot we do not know about the full capabilities of AI, we […]
Read moreReceived a ‘One to Many’ letter recently?
HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) has recently issued One to Many (OTM) letters to private equity businesses and estate agents. These letters can be sent to any business and usually highlight HMRC’s focus on compliance, urging you to review your practices. What are One to Many letters? OTM letters are not threatening and do not […]
Read moreWill a minimum wage rise trigger unexpected student loan repayments?
From 1 April 2025, the National Minimum Wage will rise to £12.21 per hour (an increase of 6.7 per cent), meaning rising employment costs for businesses. For graduates, higher earnings can trigger student loan repayments, a factor you should consider when managing your payroll. Graduates start repaying their student loans when their income exceeds specific […]
Read moreCapital Gains Tax is increasing – What does this mean for you?
Capital Gains Tax (CGT) was a significant target for the Chancellor in the Autumn Budget – with an immediate rise put in place for both the basic and higher rate of CGT. The basic rate paid by basic rate taxpayers rose immediately to 18 per cent – up from 10 per cent. Meanwhile, the higher […]
Read moreEmployers squeezed as wages and National Insurance rise
In Chancellor Rachel Reeves’ 2024 Autumn Budget, she announced over £40 billion of tax increases, as the Government attempts to fill a £22 billion gap in public finances. The headline measure was a rise in employer National Insurance Contributions (NICs), from 13.8 per cent (where applicable) to 15 per cent. The Chancellor also reduced the […]
Read moreBad debts on the rise – Time to crack down
As we approach the end of the year, one trend has become increasingly concerning for UK businesses – debts are on the rise. According to a recent report, small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) have seen the value of bad debt surge by 127 per cent over the past six months. This figure is alarmingly high, […]
Read moreThe value of technology – Why you should not rule out investment
Recent research by Three Business indicates that tech-enabled SMEs could add an impressive £79 billion to the UK economy over the next year. Technology is clearly a key driver and enabler of growth for businesses. Despite this, their research also revealed a notable 42 per cent of SMEs worry that the complexities of adopting new […]
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