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 […]

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 […]