NCSC Launches Free Cyber Action Toolkit – Copy
Chancellor Increases Agricultural and Business Property Relief Allowance to £2.5 Million Surprise amendment to IHT proposals The government has announced a major change to the agricultural property relief (APR) and business property relief (BPR) reforms that will take effect from 6 April 2026. The full 100% relief from inheritance tax will now apply to the […]
Self Assessment Deadline Approaching
Are You Ready? The deadline for filing your 2024/25 Self Assessment tax return is fast approaching. You must submit your return and pay any tax due by 31 January 2026 to avoid penalties and interest. To meet the deadline, you will need to make sure you have: Filing early not only helps avoid last minute […]
Dividend Tax Rates Rising in April 2026
What Does It Mean for Profit Extraction? The recent Budget confirmed that dividend tax rates will increase from April 2026. The ordinary and upper rates of dividend tax will both rise by 2%. For many small and medium-sized companies, dividends are central to how owners pay themselves. With the tax rates rising, your pay […]
NCSC Launches Free Cyber Action Toolkit
Practical actions to help businesses boost security The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) has launched a new free Cyber Action Toolkit to help small businesses strengthen their cyber defences in a simple and affordable way. The toolkit has been designed for businesses that may not have in-house IT expertise or large security budgets, offering clear, […]
New National Minimum Wage Rates Confirmed
Payroll costs to increase again in April 2026 The government has announced the new minimum wage rates that will come into force from 1 April 2026. The new rates are as follows: Current rate New rate Aged 21 and over £12.21 £12.71 Aged 18 to 20 £10.00 £10.85 Aged under 18 £7.55 £8.00 Apprentice […]
Business Banking: Trends for SMEs
Who are the top-rated banks in 2025? The latest Business Banking Service Quality survey organised by the Competition and Markets Authority shows a shift in the way UK businesses are choosing their banking partners. Challenger banks are steadily gaining popularity, while it seems that some traditional high street banks are losing ground. Who came […]
Work Starts on Setting Minimum Wage Hourly Rates for 2026
Prepare for potential increases The Government has published the official remit for the Low Pay Commission (LPC) to begin its work on setting the National Minimum Wage (NMW) and National Living Wage (NLW) rates that will apply from April 2026. While the final figures won’t be confirmed until later in 2025, the direction of […]
Government Unveils Small Business Plan
Will it help your business? The government launched its Small Business Plan in August which it believes will help small businesses grow and encourage entrepreneurs to start businesses. The plan recognises that small businesses make a vital contribution to the economy, employing 60% of the UK’s workforce and generating £2.8 trillion in turnover. […]
Windows 10 Is Ending: Are You Ready?
Advice From NCSC on Upgrading The UK’s National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) is urging businesses to prepare for the fact that Windows 10 will no longer be supported from 14 October 2025. If your business still uses Windows 10 on its computers, it’s time to start planning your next steps. Why does this […]
HMRC Releases Transformation Roadmap
Increased Automation Coming to Tax Services July seems to have been a month of ‘roadmaps.’ In addition to the roadmap for the Employment Rights Bill covered above, HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) announced its Transformation Roadmap – a plan to modernise the UK’s tax and customs systems by 2030. HMRC have said that the […]