Proposals on new energy saving requirements for landlords
Costs to implement could be as much as £15,000 The UK government is consulting on changes that will require private landlords in England and Wales to meet higher energy performance ratings by 2030. Currently, 48% of all private rented homes have an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) of C or above. However, under new plans the […]
Public Procurement Act comes into force
More opportunities for small businesses The Public Procurement Act 2023, originally set for implementation on 28 October 2024, has now officially come into force. This legislation introduces new rules designed to make it easier for smaller businesses to compete for and win public sector contracts. Key changes under the Act The Act establishes clear rules […]
Base rate cut to 4.5%
Is this the start of a run of cuts? The Bank of England reduced their base rate to 4.5% last month, as had been widely expected in the days leading up to the decision. The decision was made by a 7-2 majority. The minority of two members were looking for the rate to be reduced […]
Why you should prioritise tax planning before the tax year ends
Save tax and improve your cash flow As the UK tax year-end approaches on 5 April, it’s an excellent time for you to review your business finances and explore tax planning opportunities, particularly if you are self-employed. Tax planning can help you to reduce tax liabilities, boost your cash flow and put you in a […]
New safety and security declaration requirements
Are you ready? Beginning 31 January 2025, entry summary declarations are now required for goods imported into Great Britain (GB) from the EU. This extends the already existing requirements to submit entry summary declarations for imports into GB from countries outside the EU and exit summary declarations for exports to the EU. To help businesses, […]
Inflation falls to 2.5%
What this means for your business Official figures released in January reveal that UK inflation fell slightly in December, down to 2.5% from 2.6% in November. While the drop is marginal, it has sparked discussion in the press as to whether this easing of inflation might prompt the Bank of England to consider cutting interest […]
New Fair Payments Code launched
Will it help you get paid quicker? The government’s promised new Fair Payments Code was launched last month to try and tackle late payment problems that can be particularly harmful to small businesses. How will the Fair Payment Code help? The code introduces a gold, silver, and bronze system that smaller firms can use to […]
Empowering your team to succeed
Empowering your team is crucial for creating a productive and positive work environment. As a manager, it’s in your interest to empower your team to succeed. It all starts with communication. Maintaining open and transparent communication ensures that your team is always informed about goals, expectations, and any changes within the organisation. Regular meetings and […]
The evolution of CSR
CSR has developed into a central pillar in business strategy.. Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) has evolved from a peripheral concern to a central pillar in corporate strategy and governance, driven by changing societal expectations, regulatory pressures, and the recognition of its long-term benefits. Initially viewed as a philanthropic endeavor, CSR is now seen as integral […]
The data economy
The creation, processing and utilisation of data for commercial or societal purposes. Data is a valuable business asset. The data economy represents a fundamental shift in how businesses and societies operate, with data emerging as a critical asset driving economic growth, innovation, and transformation across various sectors and industries. As ever larger volumes of data […]