The Government estimates that new obligations placed on employers under the Employment Rights Bill could result in substantial compliance costs – totalling around £5 billion. The Bill will introduce a ban on many zero-hour contracts and extend day one employment rights across several areas, such as protection from unfair dismissal and parental leave. For employers, …

Businesses left to pick up the tab for Employment Rights Bill Read More »

In this year’s Autumn Budget, Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced that the majority of unspent pension funds will form part of an estate from April 2027 This move is expected to affect around eight per cent of estates each year. In practice, this means when an individual dies, they will still be able to pass on …

Autumn Budget delivers Inheritance Tax blow to pension savers Read More »

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, …

Bad debts on the rise – Time to crack down Read More »

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 …

Employers squeezed as wages and National Insurance rise Read More »

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 …

Capital Gains Tax is increasing – What does this mean for you? Read More »

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 …

The value of technology – Why you should not rule out investment Read More »

Labour shortages, particularly in the hospitality sector, are creating significant challenges for many businesses this year. Managing your costs while trying to maintain service quality and customer relations can be a difficult balance. Given the difficulty in hiring sufficient staff, many of you will be investing in technology to increase your efficiency. Luckily, the Annual …

Financial strategies for businesses facing labour shortages Read More »

Labour’s Autumn Budget is just around the corner (30 October) and many businesses are uncertain of what the next few years may hold for them. The Prime Minister Keir Starmer has already warned of a “painful” Budget, with big changes to taxation, funding for public services, and incentives for investment. For businesses, these changes can …

Is it time to restructure your business? Read More »

Capital allowances are a great way to reduce your tax liabilities by claiming deductions on certain property-related expenses. They allow you to offset the cost of capital expenditure – plant, machinery and certain fixtures – against your taxable profits, especially if you have invested in commercial properties or made major improvements. Who is eligible to …

Capital allowances for property owners explained Read More »