Category: Business Support
Big changes to the Apprenticeship Levy
Renamed Growth and Skills Levy The Apprenticeship Levy has undergone its biggest overhaul since its introduction, with major changes taking effect from 1 August 2026. For Small to Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs), the most significant development is the expansion of what levy funds can be used for under the new Growth and Skills Levy. This expansion […]
What should your employment law reform priorities be?
Acas provides advice and resources for employers Acas’s Julie Dennis has set out how HR teams should approach the Employment Rights Act 2025, one of the most significant changes to UK employment law in recent years, which became law on 18 December 2025 and is being phased in through 2026–2027. Several changes are already […]
Free, hands-on cyber consultancy available for SMEs
Can Cyber Essentials help make your business more secure from online threats? Cyber Advisors are offering free 30-minute consultations to help small businesses get started with cybersecurity. As smaller businesses become more frequently targeted, the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) is reiterating the need for them to be more robust in their approach to digital […]
How an employer can use non-disclosure agreements
Guidelines from ACAS on NDAs Employers may worry about the use of Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDA) following a series of press stories that have highlighted the abuse of the system. The agreement does have a place for businesses, according to the Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service (ACAS). Companies can ask employees to sign an NDA as […]
CMA Tackles Fake Reviews
How to avoid being caught out The Competition and Markets Authority has launched investigations into five companies to tackle fake and misleading online reviews. The investigations will examine how reviews are obtained, the way they are moderated and displayed and the star ratings that people rely on. The Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024 […]
Three Practical Tips to Deal with Late Payments
Minimise your stress when collecting payments If you run a small business, you will know that late payments can quickly turn from an irritation into a full-blown cash flow problem. The government’s response to the recent late payments suggests that there will soon be additional legislation to help deal with the problem. In the […]
Government Responds to Late Payments Consultation
First look at proposed changes to support businesses The government has published its response to the late payments consultation that ran from July to October last year. It is estimated that late payments cost the UK economy £11 billion every year, and most businesses are familiar with the pain of dealing with late payments. […]
Boost in Grants for Installing EV Chargers
Savings of up to £500 available The government has announced an over 40% increase in charge point grant amounts that will mean businesses, landlords and renters could save up to £500 on installing an electric vehicle (EV) charge point. Previously, the grant provided a discount of £350. The uplift could cover almost half the […]
FSB Updates Guidance on Employers’ Liability Insurance
Help in checking your insurance arrangements The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) has recently updated its guidance on Employers’ Liability insurance – a useful reminder of the rules and risks around a business insurance that is legally required in the UK. The guidance explains that if you employ anyone – including part-time, temporary, or even […]
How to Protect Sensitive Personal Information
New guidance published by NCSC The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) has published new guidance to help businesses identify and protect against the risks of holding sensitive personal information. The guidance can help you to understand what sensitive personal information is and identify any that your business holds. It also provides some principles that, if […]
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