Category: Business
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 […]
Update on government’s Small Business Plan
Progress update on late payments, tax administration, finance access and apprenticeships The government has published a one-year-on update to its Small Business Plan, which is intended to support small and medium-sized business to start, scale and grow. Key highlights from the report include: Late payment The Small Business Protections Bill was laid before Parliament […]
Mandatory Direct Debit proposed for VAT and PAYE payments
Businesses may face changes to how they pay tax The government has published a consultation on proposals that will require most VAT-registered businesses and employers to pay VAT and PAYE liabilities by Direct Debit. The aim is to reduce late payment and simplify the payment process. HMRC consider that automating the payment process by […]
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 […]
Export to the EU: Low-value parcel rules change on 1 July
€3 fixed customs duty will apply Starting 1 July 2026, a fixed customs duty of €3 will be applied to small parcels valued at less than €150 exported to the EU. The rate will be applied to all goods exported to the EU by non-EU businesses that are registered in the EU’s Import One-Stop […]
Data law change relaxes consent rules for charities
ICO publishes final guidance The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) has published final guidance on the new ‘charitable purposes soft opt-in’ provision introduced by the Data (Use and Access) Act 2025. The provision means that charities can send direct marketing by electronic mail, including emails, texts and direct messages on social media, to people who […]
Relief on fuel duty and hauliers get road tax holiday
Farmers and other red diesel users to also benefit The government have announced some fuel duty and road tax changes which are designed to assist with the increased costs caused by the Middle East conflict. A 5p fuel duty cut has been in place since March 2022. The relief was due to end between September […]
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. […]
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