News
News
New Fair Payments Code launched
The government’s promised new Fair Payments Code was launched last week to try and tackle late payment problems that can be particularly harmful to small businesses.
Get Britain Working White Paper: Reforms to employment support announced
The government has unveiled some significant reforms to employment support, underpinned by a £240 million investment. The measures aim to address deep-rooted issues of unemployment, economic inactivity, and barriers to work, as detailed in the newly published Get Britain Working White Paper.
Be wary of Self Assessment scams
HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) have issued a reminder to be careful about scam attempts that target people filing Self Assessment tax returns. In the last year, nearly 150,000 scam attempts were referred to HMRC, a 16.7% increase on last year. With the 31 January 2025 filing deadline approaching, fraudsters are likely to step up their activities.
Stay safe during Black Friday season
The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) has reported that shoppers lost over £11.5 million to online criminals between November 2023 and January 2024.
New UKEF guarantee boosts opportunities for UK engineering, design and technical services firms
UK Export Finance (UKEF), the UK’s export credit agency, has launched a new initiative aimed at helping British engineering, design, and technical services firms secure international contracts.
Inflation on the rise: What October's figures mean for businesses
The latest inflation figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) reveal that the Consumer Prices Index (CPI) for October 2024 rose to 2.3%, up from 1.7% in September.
VOA to improve transparency on business rates valuations with reforms coming
The Valuation Office Agency (VOA) has announced plans to share more detailed information on business rates valuations, making the system more transparent for ratepayers across England.
Help for the high street: New powers for councils
Next month, councils across England will be given new powers to transform high streets by tackling long-term empty shops.
Make Work Pay: What are the next steps
Since coming into power, the Labour government has made its Make Work Pay plan a centrepiece of their policies.
Self-assessment tax returns: Counting down to 31 January
HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) have begun reminding taxpayers that time is ticking for getting self-assessment tax returns filed in time for the 31 January 2025 deadline.
Agricultural and business property relief: What happened in the Budget?
Changes to inheritance tax were announced in the Budget that have caused consternation to farmers and business owners across the UK. What exactly is changing and what could this mean for you?
Base rate drops to 4.75%
As had been widely expected, the Bank of England reduced the interest base rate to 4.75% last week. This was due to inflationary pressures easing in recent weeks.