With UK growth slowing to just 0.3 per cent in Q2, business confidence is fragile. Momentum has faded after a surge in exports ahead of new tariffs earlier this year, while weaker consumer confidence and persistently high household savings add to the uncertainty. The upcoming Autumn Budget is amplifying concerns with the expectation that the […]

When the Chancellor unveiled £26 billion in additional taxes and higher employer National Insurance contributions (NIC) last autumn, the impact on business confidence was immediate. Businesses are now trying to manage: The new adult National Minimum Wage rate, which has risen to £12.21. A 1.2 per cent rise in employer NIC. Statutory pay increases and […]

If you are already a client of the Firm, while you will have received various notices about these changes already, we will be contacting you shortly about your specific situation and options in relation to MTD for Income Tax. The Government’s Making Tax Digital (MTD) for Income Tax is now only a matter of months […]

The Government’s plan for small businesses, also known as The Backing Your Business Plan, is being introduced to support SMEs growth and development. The plan has been created to give businesses the ability to grow and help them realise their maximum potential. Increased access to financial support The UK has one of the lowest levels […]

In today’s interconnected world, cyber‑risk has gone from a simple technical concern to an existential threat for businesses. Every business should be preparing itself to defend against cyber criminals, but the number of those doing so is worryingly low. We consider the current state of cybersecurity and what more needs to be done to protect […]

Many business owners assume artificial intelligence (AI) is only relevant for large corporations. However, modern tools are already helping smaller firms reduce costs in subtle but powerful ways. Better supplier pricing Software can now track pricing trends across your industry, flagging when you are paying more than the market average. For example, a commercial printer […]

For a long time, pensions have offered a tax-efficient way to pass on wealth to the next generation. Under current rules, most defined-contribution pensions sit outside your estate for Inheritance Tax (IHT) purposes. This can mean they are passed on entirely free from IHT, particularly if death occurs before age 75. What changes are coming […]

Grants are available to businesses in a wide variety of sectors, but unfortunately, too many businesses miss out on this vital form of funding. An overreliance on loans puts your business in the risky position of struggling to repay debts during periods of poor cash flow. Grants offer a much safer form of funding. Unlike […]

The UK unemployment rate has increased to 4.7 per cent from March to May 2025, while the annual growth in employees’ average earnings has slowed to five per cent, according to recent data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS). Job vacancies also fell in June to 727,000 – the 36th consecutive month of decline. […]

The Employment Rights Bill looks set to come into law by the end of the year. Now is the time for any business that hires staff to sit up and take notice, as the bill will impact the way that your business operates. We are going to explore some of the more notable aspects, so […]