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 Shop […]
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 have […]
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 meantime, […]
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. Here […]
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 typical […]
Is Your Business Ready for 2026/27?
Stay ahead of three key changes With 6 April 2026, ushering in the start of the new tax year, there are some changes on the way that may affect how you run and plan your business. To help you stay ahead, we have highlighted three key updates worth having on your radar. Making Tax Digital […]
UK Economy: Growth Falters, Inflation Rises
Practical Takeaways for Business Owners Business owners across the UK are facing an increasingly complex economic picture. Inflation has crept up again and recent figures show the economy has contracted for two months in a row. So, what’s really going on – and what should you be doing as a business owner? Inflation rises […]
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 […]