Every business reaches a point where reducing costs becomes a priority. Whether due to tighter margins, falling demand, or a broader economic slowdown, managing overheads is one of the most immediate ways to improve profitability and preserve cash flow. However, a common concern is that cutting costs too deeply may weaken a business’s ability to […]

Today’s (21st May) inflation figures have certainly stirred the economic waters. The Office for National Statistics (ONS) reported that UK inflation surged to 3.5% in April, up from 2.6% in March, marking the highest rate in over a year. What is driving the rise? Several factors contributed to this unexpected increase: Energy and utility costs: […]

The roll-out of Making Tax Digital (MTD) for Income Tax Self-Assessment (ITSA), due from April 2026 for the self-employed and landlords with income over £50,000, has reignited speculation about a fundamental shift in how and when tax is paid. Could this be the beginning of a move towards quarterly tax payments? At the moment, individuals […]

After a period of rising interest rates, there’s a noticeable shift in the UK financial landscape. The Bank of England (BoE) has recently reduced its base rate to 4.25%, marking the fourth cut since August 2024. This move is significant, especially for those involved in mortgages, savings, or business financing. Why the Shift? The BoE’s […]

Making Tax Digital for Income Tax: One Year to Go The UK tax landscape is on the cusp of a significant transformation. Starting 6 April 2026, sole traders and landlords with annual gross income exceeding £50,000 will be required to comply with Making Tax Digital (MTD) for Income Tax . This initiative aims to modernise […]

The UK government is introducing a significant shift in pension schemes with the expansion of Collective Defined Contribution (CDC) pensions. This move aims to provide more predictable retirement incomes while reducing risks for future pensioners. What Are CDC Pensions? CDC pensions are a hybrid between traditional Defined Benefit (DB) and Defined Contribution (DC) schemes. In […]

Alongside tax reforms, HMRC’s Spring 2025 update introduces a variety of regulatory changes that will affect how small businesses operate and interact with government systems. Here’s what’s new: 1. Cultural Gift Scheme Reform Updates to the Cultural Gift Scheme will remove restrictions on jointly owned objects and allow more flexibility in how tax credits are […]

HMRC has announced that interest rates for late payments will increase by 1.5% for all taxes starting 6 April 2025. This change, which was first announced at Autumn Budget 2024, will raise the late payment interest from the current base rate plus 2.5% to base rate plus 4.00%. This adjustment applies to most taxes. Late […]

The UK government has announced a record-breaking £13.9 billion in research and development (R&D) funding for the coming year. This major investment is designed to drive innovation, create quality jobs, and support long-term economic growth across the country. A large share of the funding, amounting to £8.8 billion, has been allocated to UK Research and […]

Child Benefit has risen for 2025-26: £26.05 for eldest, £17.25 for others. Claim continues to age 20 in approved education. HICBC still applies for incomes over £60K – but PAYE option coming this summer! The child benefit rates for the only or eldest child in a family increased to £26.05 (from £25.60) for the 2025-26 […]