Self Assessment rarely sits at the top of anyone’s to-do list. Deadlines creep up, paperwork hides in inboxes and the rules change just enough to raise questions. This guide is here to make the job simpler. It sets out who needs to file, what to gather, how to complete the return and the steps to…

Many small businesses rely on specialist contractors for flexibility and skills. That remains a sound approach, but the tax position needs care. The UK’s IR35 and off-payroll working rules govern when a contractor should be taxed like an employee. Getting this right protects cashflow, avoids interest and penalties, and builds confidence with contractors and agencies.…

HMRC has significantly increased oversight of research and development (R&D) tax relief, with errors in claims totalling £441 million in 2023/24. In 2024, one in five claims faced an enquiry, compared with just one in 20 two years earlier. The compliance crackdown includes creating a specialist anti-abuse unit, which added 300 staff to HMRC’s small…

A Bank of England survey has shown that UK businesses cut jobs this summer at the fastest rate in four years, highlighting the strain of higher taxes on employers. The monthly Decision Maker Panel survey of more than 2,000 chief financial officers found that employment fell by 0.5% in the three months to August, the…

Retail sales grew in August, helped by record warm weather and a Bank of England interest rate cut. Retailers have, however, warned that speculation over potential tax rises could hit spending during the vital pre-Christmas trading season. According to the latest British Retail Consortium (BRC) and KPMG survey, sales rose 3.1% yearly. Food and drink…

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has moved to strengthen Labour’s grip on economic policy by creating a new “Budget board” that links senior ministers, advisers, and business voices. Meeting weekly, the board will coordinate policies ahead of the Budget on 26 November to boost growth while maintaining the confidence of businesses and the City. The…

External capital can accelerate product development, hiring, international expansion, and mergers and acquisitions (M&A). It can also help you professionalise reporting and governance, supporting sustainable growth. The trade-off is dilution and a closer relationship with investors who will expect evidence-based plans, transparent financials and measurable milestones. Before you start any process, be clear about: what…

The UK Government has announced a new plan to support small businesses, with a wide-ranging set of measures designed to tackle long-standing challenges and drive growth. The UK Government has announced a new plan to support small businesses, with a wide-ranging set of measures designed to tackle long-standing challenges and drive growth. The Chartered Institute…

Construction output saw its steepest fall since May 2020, according to the latest S&P Global Market Intelligence survey. The UK construction sector suffered its sharpest downturn since the early days of the Covid pandemic, as housebuilding activity collapsed in July. The sector’s purchasing managers index (PMI) dropped from 48.8 in June to 44.3 in July,…

UK employers have reduced annual pay increases and scaled back hiring as the economic slowdown affects the jobs market. Office for National Statistics (ONS) data for the three months to June shows unemployment increased, though the unemployment rate remained 4.7%,  the highest in four years. Average earnings growth, including bonuses, fell from 5% to 4.6%.…

HMRC has launched a letter campaign for companies that may have miscalculated corporation tax marginal relief on their returns. Any business receiving a letter must reply within 30 days, even if it believes its return is correct. Ignoring the letter could lead to a compliance check and potential penalties. The campaign focuses on companies with…

Inflation may have retreated from the double-digit heights of 2022, but at 3.4% on the CPI measure for May 2025 it still erodes the real value of every pound you hold. Put another way, if prices keep rising at the current pace, an item that costs £1,000 today will set you back about £1,034 this…

Selling or passing on your business is one of the biggest financial events you will ever face. The decision to step away from a company you have built carries significant cash, tax and lifestyle consequences. With the right groundwork, you can structure the deal to meet your goals, move funds into vehicles that match your…

Bank of England governor Andrew Bailey has warned that the UK jobs market is showing signs of slowing as employers react to higher national insurance contributions (NICs). Speaking at a London British Chambers of Commerce event, Bailey said businesses are beginning to scale back hiring and curb pay rises in response to the increased costs.…

Energy bills are falling for around 21 million households in England, Scotland and Wales. Regulator Ofgem has lowered the price cap, cutting the typical dual-fuel bill by 7%, or £11 a month. This brings the average annual bill for a household using a standard amount of gas and electricity to £1,720. However, this drop comes…

Under a proposed change to UK employment law, employers will no longer be allowed to use non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) to prevent workers from speaking out about sexual misconduct or discrimination in the workplace. An amendment to the Employment Rights Bill would render confidentiality clauses void if they attempt to stop individuals from disclosing allegations of…

According to new research by the Centre for Cities think tank, reviving struggling UK high streets could cost up to £5 billion. The report highlights stark regional differences in retail health, with cities like Bradford, Newport and Blackpool facing shop vacancy rates more than double those in London. The study argues that reforming the “flawed”…

Many parents and carers want to give children a solid financial base, yet feel unsure where to begin. The UK tax system offers several wrappers and allowances designed for minors, each with different rules on access, tax treatment and contribution levels. Saving for a child is not just about handing over a lump sum at…