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 […]

It can be confusing trying to keep pace with the changes to Companies House since the introduction of the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023 (ECCTA). The biggest concern around these changes is that if any slip under the radar, you face penalties and fines for noncompliance. We know that Companies House is committed […]

While the 2025 Spending Review focused on long-term investment rather than introducing new taxes, the scale of spending suggests that future tax rises are likely. Where have the Government recently invested funds? The Chancellor pledged multi-year funding for health, defence and public infrastructure, setting departmental budgets until 2028–29. Key announcements included: Defence spending to rise […]

The UK Government has confirmed that it will reduce green levies for energy-intensive industries. These cuts aim to drive growth in key sectors, such as manufacturing and clean energy. What are green levies? A green levy is an environmental charge added to energy bills to help fund renewable energy projects and reduce carbon emissions. For […]

57 per cent of small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) have warned of rising costs over the next quarter, according to Intuit QuickBooks’ latest Small Business Insights survey. Given this startling figure, all businesses should take care to manage cash flow constraints caused by inflation. Boost financial awareness among your staff Financial awareness should not just […]