For many businesses, short-term finance can provide an essential lifeline when cash flow becomes tight. Whether a business needs support covering a gap between paying suppliers and receiving customer payments, or managing seasonal demand, the right type of finance can keep a business moving during uncertain times. However, using short-term borrowing without a clear strategy […]

The rate of inflation has hit 2.9 per cent in July 2026, up from 2.6 per cent in June, according to the latest data that has been published by the Office for National Statistics (ONS). This is the first rise in the national rate of inflation since March 2026, with the increase in the energy […]

For many people, giving financial support to family members is an important part of their financial planning. Whether it is helping children with pension contributions or providing ongoing assistance, gifting can play an important role in Inheritance Tax (IHT) planning. The normal expenditure out of income exemption under Section 21 of the Inheritance Tax Act […]

In June 2026, the Government published a document to gather views on the introduction of a criminal offence for making reckless or untrue statements relating to tax. The Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW) has warned that the proposal risks confusing taxpayers and discouraging voluntary disclosures. Instead, the ICAEW has advised HMRC […]

New funding rules for apprenticeships have been introduced in England, impacting any apprenticeships starting after 1 August 2026. This could affect more employers than before as apprenticeships are becoming increasingly popular, with 308,770 starts between August 2025 and April 2026, up 8.7 per cent year-on-year. With results season over and September intakes finalised, employers weighing […]

With temperatures breaking 30 degrees on multiple occasions in 2026, scorching heat is becoming the new normal. Consecutive heatwaves have wiped £4.4 billion from the UK economy, according to research from think tank Verdant. Heatwaves are predicted to become more common and more intense, likely costing UK employers further billions of pounds unless they are […]

If you hold assets, income or gains overseas, you may at some point receive a letter from HMRC asking you to review your UK tax position. These are often referred to informally as “nudge letters” and they can be unsettling to receive. Here is what they mean and how to respond. In recent years, HMRC […]

Following a number of high-profile law firms going insolvent, which put client funds at risk, a consultation was launched to determine how the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) could better safeguard legal clients. The results of the consultation have now been made public, with an overhaul to the SRA Accounts Rules 2019 scheduled for early 2027. […]

SMEs in the UK have struggled with late payments for years and cash tied up in unpaid invoices can put pressure on your business’s ability to operate effectively. Invoice financing can release funds locked up in late payments, giving a business an instant cash flow injection until the outstanding balance is settled. Consistent late payments can significantly stunt business growth, especially […]

HMRC enquiry letters are sent to individuals to notify them that HMRC has chosen to formally investigate their tax affairs. While some enquiries are carried out randomly, the majority are selected based on a risk assessment of a business. These checks should not be seen as accusatory, as they are often a routine procedure to make sure your business is compliant and the correct […]